The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership helps students from ALL undergraduate and graduate programs reach their potential by developing their entrepreneurial mindsets, skillsets, and future impact. Our arts, social, and tech innovation competitions engage students across campus in creative solutions to difficult problems. Our competition offers cash awards that can help students realize the impact of their proposals by pursuing startup ventures.
In 1st Place, winning $2,500, is Elizabeth Trader (PhD Computer Engineering, graduating 2025). Elizabeth’s innovative idea, Rental PI, provides a comprehensive yet easy-to-read summary of independently verified problems dealing with quality, safety, and integrity. In 2nd Place, winning $1,500, is Angelica Kinz (BS Health Informatics and Information Management & Intelligence and National Security, graduating 2025). Angelica’s innovative idea, The Compost Box, is an eco-friendly device that turns organic waste into nutrient-rich compost within 24 hours. In 3rd Place, winning $1000, is Kelly Breuler (BS Business Administration Management with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship, graduating 2025). Kelly’s innovative idea, “She’s All That,” is a second-hand boutique specializing in affordable, professional attire for women and a unique initiative to support women in need.
In 1st Place, winning $2,500, are Justin Press (BS Photonic Science Engineering, graduating 2024) and Hannah Quintal (BS Data Analysis, graduating 2025). Their innovative concept, Hire Match AI, is transforming hiring with an advanced Applicant Tracking System that surpasses traditional keyword filtering. In 2nd Place, winning $1,500, are Daniel Gonzales (BS Computer Science, graduating 2025), Nelson Herrera (BS Computer Science, graduating 2024), Evan Goldsmith (BS Computer Science, graduating 2025), and Daniel Rojas (BS Computer Engineering, graduating 2026). Their innovative idea, Palette, aims to provide emerging artists and consumers a platform to explore, buy, and sell art. A problem for young art consumers is finding art that resonates and appeals to their tastes. In 3rd Place, winning $1,000, are David Ramirez (BS Finance & Economics, graduating 2024) and Milagros Del Carmen Camargo Polanco (BS Economics, graduating 2024). Their innovative idea, HushCloud, is a cloud data service that enhances security, privacy, and user control through decentralized storage and blockchain technology.
In 1st Place, winning $2,500, are Jordan Muniz (BS Computer Science, graduating 2024) and Dianneth Murillo (BS Digital Media Web Design, graduating 2025). Their innovative idea, String Sage, is a mixed-reality guitar teaching app for the Meta Quest. Guitar learners will have access to customized lessons, a diverse library of music to learn from, and an engaging community. In 2nd Place, winning $1500, is Mario Villavicencio (MFA in Feature Film Production, graduating 2026). Mario’s innovative idea, Homero Castro Documentary, is a documentary about chocolate and cocoa production focusing on the Ecuadorian variety CCN-51. Ecuadorian Homero Castro developed it, and is now critically important, representing 80% of Ecuador’s cocoa exports. In 3rd Place, winning $1000, is Madison Beverly (BS Interdisciplinary Studies & Biology, graduating 2025). Her innovative idea, Couture Creations, is a fashion line specializing in up-cycled, high-end fashion using carefully sourced second-hand materials to craft formal wear that’s both luxurious and eco-conscious.