Students from seven Florida universities competed for over $50,000 in cash prizes for the Blackstone LaunchPad Florida Network Innovation Challenge, sponsored by the Orlando Magic. The final round of the challenge was held October 18-20 at the Kia Center.
Blackstone LaunchPad, run by the charitable arm of the world’s largest alternative asset manager, Blackstone, seeks to close the opportunity gap by equipping primarily first-generation and underrepresented college students with key entrepreneurial skills and career exposure.
The competition gives students access to real company operations, helping them build innovation skills and grow their personal and professional networks with peers across the state. This year, the Orlando Magic presented the challenge of expanding the NBA team’s international engagement strategy to new markets. For example, the Magic’s Brazil Night, hosted at a Magic home game, sells out annually and draws major stars from Brazil, including football legend Ronaldo and megastar entertainer Claudia Leitte.
Over 500 students and 70 teams competed in qualifying rounds at Florida A&M University, Florida International University, Florida State University, University of Florida, University of North Florida, Miami Dade College, and UCF.
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