The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Entrepreneurship hosted its 37th Annual New Venture Competition on April 16 and 18, a business plan pitch event with $65,000 in cash prizes. 48 teams representing the university's nine colleges and 44 majors competed. In the bracket format, 2% Football's Eduardo Sicilia Ayala took first place and won $15,000 in prize money.
Cicilia Ayala, a senior management and marketing major at Clifton Builders from Cancun, Mexico, founded a startup as a freshman and has consistently participated in and contributed to the university's entrepreneurial community. 2% soccer Provides scouting reports for US and Mexican soccer teams. His recommendations included integrating artificial intelligence into the reporting process to further automate and scale the startup.
“I competed in this tournament for four years and many others during my time at the University of Nebraska,” he said. “But this competition is closest to my heart because of the people who organize it. Of course I want to win for the money, but this means a lot.”
Cicilia Ayala, who is scheduled to graduate in May, credits much of her success to “randomly walking into the center at Hawks Hall four years ago.” He serves as President of his StartupsUNL and Center for Entrepreneurship Ambassador. He also participates in the cohort-based Clifton Builders program, which teaches students how to build business, teams, and communities.
2%Football and the other winners will be considered for an additional investment of up to $25,000 from the Husker Venture Fund, a student-led fund in the College of Business. Those startups include:
- 2nd place ($12,500) — FuturHerd Solutions, Brooke Parrish, an animal science graduate student from Elmwood, Illinois. FuturHerd Solutions is a livestock technology startup that addresses common challenges for managers and features child care nanny robots.
- 3rd place ($10,000) — teach front, Lena Lancas, a sophomore computer science major from Lincoln University, and Peyton Peck, a sophomore computer science major from Overland Park, Kansas. The students in the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management aim to provide educators with tools to conduct proficiency assessments in the classroom.
- 4th place ($7,500) — info film, Madison Kreifels, a junior agricultural and environmental science communication major from Syracuse. InfoFilm is an agricultural communications business with a vision to reverse the growing knowledge gap between the agricultural industry and consumers.
Two teams also won the Thomas G. Guy Start-up Team Award of $2,500 for their collaboration with teammates during the competition. The teams are:
- baker's batter, Carlos Ferrer-Moya, a junior business administration major from Grand Island, and Cheyenne Prentiss, a junior international business major from Pleasantdale, Nebraska. Bakers Batter turns the joy of licking a spoon after baking a cake into a fun, safe, and edible cake batter experience.
- cruise vodka water, Jaki Acosta, a senior management and marketing major from Dorchester. Gabe Irvin Jr., a senior management major from Buford, Georgia; Megan Gusso, a senior biological sciences major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Payson Loibl, a senior management major from North Richland Hills, Texas; Crooz Vodka Water is a secret signature blend of vodka and water for health-conscious people seeking a lighter, more mindful drinking experience.
A record 75 teams applied for this contest, and 48 were selected. This year, the Entrepreneurship Center also added a new slot for students who competed in the previous University of Nebraska and Lincoln competitions and won prizes of $7,500 or more.
“Advanced traction brackets are a solution to special situations,” said Sam Nelson, director of the center and associate professor of management practice. “Our university has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, so the teams that have registered to compete this year have previously competed and won prize money. These businesses have also already gained considerable traction. Thanks to Breck Collingsworth and the Resort Lifestyle Community, this spot and the $15,000 prize were made possible.”
Former New Venture Competition finalists Brooke Bode and Cattle Kettle, Bridget Peterkin and Tristan Card and Dyslexico, Machi Wilson and INFR (former Beacon pitcher), and Abby Miller and Pat On.・Tap participated in this bracket.The judges awarded the $15,000 prize to: pat on tapa mobile bar and photo booth that can be used for a variety of gatherings in Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding areas.
“I really value people and the moments we spend together,” said Miller, a senior animal science major at Mead College. “As I am a photographer, I have had the opportunity to go to many events and now host tap trucks and turn them into great events. Our company is currently expanding our fleet of Nebraska's first water trucks and We are expanding our operations in the Midwest.”
Jeff Bask, a Husker alumnus and founder and president of Charter Hill Partners in Omaha, said he believes this is the strongest new venture competition ever. Mr. Vaske has served on the center's advisory board since 2012.
“We are currently tracking events throughout the school year where students can hone their plans and bring their teams together,” he said. “I spoke to several people today and they said all 48 teams had well-vetted and well-thought-out plans. We're excited to see this progress in Nebraska, and we're excited to see this progress here. It shows how strong our entrepreneurial community is.”
Students prepared for the competition using the center's services. Her 60% of the team consulted with center faculty through workshops, one-on-one coaching, or classes.
“This center is available to anyone to help with their startups at any time,” said Amanda Metcalfe, program and external relations manager. “From business plans to pitch decks, students can come to any of our locations and get feedback. We offer workshops in advance of the competition, but our open-door policy means Most helpful. You can't go wrong with finding the right support for your student or your team. This year we have had the most prepared student team ever.”
