Winners Announced for BizTech Challenge 2024

Baton Rouge, LA – On Friday, November 29, 2024, at The Westin Hotel, the BizTech Challenge, powered by Nexus Louisiana, celebrated innovation and entrepreneurship, featuring groundbreaking ideas from students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This year’s competition showcased the power of creativity and collaboration in STEM-based fields, with standout teams receiving top honors.

1st Place: ISHARA - ISHARA is a recycling solution that integrates smart machines in high-traffic areas to encourage sustainability by rewarding individuals for recycling. Developed by Christotes Nartey-Tetteh and David Nintang from Grambling State University, the project was guided by mentor Brandon Harris, CEO of Bloom Booking and a tech park member. This innovative approach aims to make recycling more accessible and engaging, creating a culture of environmental responsibility.

Speaking on their first-place win, the team from ISHARA shared their excitement: “This is motivation to us. It means that our idea is feasible, possible, and it solves a problem. This is a good opportunity for us to invest in our business and continue to scale. With this win, we are looking to further develop our product and expand our team.”

2nd Place: Blue Tree - Blue Tree is a platform that connects college student entrepreneurs with their peers and local consumers, making it easier to discover and support student-run businesses. Created by Rodney Shepherd from Southern University and A&M College, with guidance from mentor Chris Hilliard, CEO of Suds Laundry Services and a tech park member, this initiative boosts visibility and revenue for student entrepreneurs while fostering a stronger sense of community within campuses.

3rd Place: Amber Accessories - Amber Accessories offers discreet safety solutions by embedding panic buttons into jewelry such as rings, earrings, and necklaces. This innovation, designed to enhance personal security, was developed by Emmanuel Nnanna, Eniola Irinoye, Flyness Namatama, Stecy Chirinda, and Tanyaradzwa from Grambling State University. The idea was supported by faculty coach Dr. Warren and mentor Christina Davis, Senior Business Consultant at the Louisiana Small Business Development Center.

Fan Favorite: Courtesy - Courtesy provides a unique service by dispatching trained courtesy officers to apartment complexes to resolve resident complaints and de-escalate conflicts before law enforcement is involved. This initiative promotes safer and more harmonious communities. Developed by Kandice Asbury, Lilia Gomez, and Taylor Brown from Southern University Law Center, the project was guided by faculty coach Adrienne Shields and mentor James Jefferson, Sergeant with the Louisiana State Police.

The event was highlighted by a fireside chat featuring Pinky Cole Hayes, the visionary founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan, and moderated by Kayonca "Kay" Riggs, a scientist, philanthropist, and founder of Tavia Botanicals. Cole Hayes shared insights from her entrepreneurial journey and inspired attendees with her message of purpose-driven innovation.

When speaking about the BizTech Challenge and its organizers, Pinky said, “When I first started Slutty Vegan, I had a lot of people supporting me, but I didn’t have the resources of organizations like Nexus that will give you information and understanding on how to not only start but to grow a business. You get a chance to start early, build the relationship early, and the same people that recognize you at the grassroots level can really be right beside you as you elevate and grow your brand—and that’s really so special.”

An esteemed panel of judges lent their expertise to the competition, including:

The BizTech Challenge extends gratitude to our partners, including LED, Black Ambition, CashApp, Square, Air Products, Innovation Catalyst, Amazon, DOE, Cox, Maroon, and others, for making this event possible.

The BizTech Challenge was specifically designed to increase innovation and entrepreneurship in STEM-based fields amongst students attending Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). This comprehensive hands-on learning and mentorship program aims to build innovation ecosystems between university administrators, faculty, and students, and the public and private sector.

Nexus Louisiana’s mission is to accelerate the growth of high-potential technology-enabled companies by providing them with coaching, capital and connections. Our programs leverage regional collaboration to foster mentorship, investment, and opportunity for local entrepreneurs to grow their ideas and transform the technology industry in Louisiana.

For More Information: Visit biztechchallenge.com or nexusla.org