ALBANY, N.Y. (April 24, 2017) -- UAlbany’s Blackstone Launchpad entrepreneurship program hosted its second annual business plan competition on Friday, April 21.
Dozens of undergraduate and graduate student entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas to a panel of angel investors, venture capitalists and representatives from local incubators including Innovate 518 and IgniteU NY.
$16,000 in total was up for grabs, including a $1,000 bonus award from Erie Insurance Group. Six teams advanced to the final round. The top three winners (in order) included:
- The MASH Card
- CRD Energy Drink
- Family Operating Base
“This was a fantastic opportunity,” said Omar Bailey, UAlbany senior and founder of CRD Energy Drink. “Coming into the competition, most of us did not have much experience with pitching to real investors. I am thankful that the University and Blackstone is invested in us and our ideas.”
Blackstone Launchpad at UAlbany:
In October 2015, the Blackstone Charitable Foundation announced the expansion of its Blackstone LaunchPad entrepreneurship program to five New York State universities, including UAlbany.
Through the program, UAlbany students are given access to individualized coaching as well as seminars and training sessions related to building their own business. Interested students can write business plans, complete financial analyses, and design marketing campaigns, while also being teamed up with external mentors and business incubators.
To learn more about the program, visit its official website. You can also contact executive director, Jan Woodcock, directly by email, or visit its location in the University’s Campus Center (adjacent to the Student Association offices).