MAVERICK ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM AND AWARD FUND
MAVPITCH
The Maverick Business Pitch Competition encourages students to explore and express their business ideas.
WELCOME TO MAVPITCH
The Maverick Entrepreneur Program and Award Fund was established to encourage UTA students to explore and express their business ideas in a friendly and encouraging environment. The program was launched in the fall of 2018 and consists of two phases. During Phase I, all UTA students are invited to submit a three-minute video pitch of a new venture idea. These submissions are evaluated, and the highest caliber videos are then invited to present a six-minute pitch to a panel of judges who select the ultimate award recipients. The “winners” are then invited to participate in Phase II which involves mentoring, coaching, and access to other resources and the opportunity to participate in a second pitch competition.
About
The Maverick Business Pitch Competition encourages students to explore and express their business ideas. It is open to all UTA undergraduate and graduate students who can compete alone or in teams of up to four. Individuals/teams will submit a three-minute video describing their business idea. A panel of judges will review the video pitches and select those who will be invited to present a live six-minute pitch for a chance to win up to $15,000 in venture development funds and much more in future semesters.
DO YOU... Dream of starting your own company? Have the idea and the know-how? Need funding?
HERE'S YOUR CHANCE Compete for up to $40,000 in venture development funds.
Schedule
Video Submission Deadline - Friday, November 22nd, 2024 - Three-minute video presentation
Semifinalists Announced - Monday, November 25th, 2024
Phase I Finale - Thursday, December 5th, 2024 – Live Presentation Round
Phase 2 Finale - August 2025, Specific Date TBA – Live Presentation Round
*Dates are subject to change.
More on Facebook | More on LinkedIn
RULES, FORMAT AND FAQ
Frankly Good
Frank Ridout, a Dallas-based college student and entrepreneur, was recently chosen as a winner in The University of Texas at Arlington’s MavPitch competition, awarding him a $15,000 grant to grow Frankly Good, a sustainable vegan cookie company.
MavPitch
The Maverick Entrepreneur Program and Award Fund
The Maverick Entrepreneur Program and Award Fund recognized eight outstanding student entrepreneurs at the virtual 2019/2020 Phase II MavPitch on August 13th. A total of $180,000 in development funds was awarded. The awardees are presented below along with brief descriptions of their business ideas and award amounts.
Château D'Amour
Château D'Amour, created by MBA student Kathryn Trout, offers a complete wedding experience in a château-style venue, encompassing planning, partnerships, and personalized services for all wedding needs. Kathryn received a total of $7,500 to support the development of her wedding event venture, including $5,000 in Phase I and an additional $2,500 in the grand finale.
Kathryn Trout, August 15, 2024
EZBUFF
Felipe Quintero Rojas, a MBA student, founded EZBUFF, a cutting-edge company that provides gamers with stylish and comfortable apparel featuring gamer-centric designs. The product line includes customizable hoodies, t-shirts, and joggers adorned with popular gaming phrases like GGWP and AFK. Targeting Hispanic gamers, EZBUFF allows individuals to express their gaming passion and lifestyle through fashion. Felipe received $7,000 in funding to support the launch of his apparel business, securing $2,000 during Phase I and an additional $5,000 during the grand finale of this year's MavPitch competition, validating the merit of his venture.
Felipe Quintero Rojas, August 15, 2024
NeuroLocker
Sophea Wideman, an undergraduate majoring in management and marketing, and her partner Jill Wideman pitched NeuroLocker, an innovative venture providing comprehensive educational support for neurodivergent and learning-disabled students. This platform simplifies school management both inside and outside the classroom. Sophea and Jill received $12,500 in funding during the first phase of MavPitch and an additional $2,500 in the grand finale, recognizing the value of their initiative.
Jill and Sophea Wideman, August 15, 2024
Picasso's Parcel
Khushi Hiren Joshi, an undergraduate economics student, conceived Picasso's Parcel, an innovative subscription service that delivers curated art supplies to aspiring artists. The company offers themed boxes filled with handcrafted materials sourced from global artisans, complemented by instructional videos and access to an artist community. This comprehensive approach aims to inspire creativity and provide convenient, personalized solutions for both artists and hobbyists. Recognizing the potential of this unique concept, Khushi was awarded $5,000 in each phase of this year's MavPitch competition.
Khushi Joshi, August 15, 2024
RAGstream
Ishan Poudel, an undergraduate studying computer science, developed RAGstream, an AI platform designed to improve interactive data communication. This advanced platform converts different types of resources, such as PDFs and videos, into personalized AI assistants, focusing on important challenges in the Generative AI field. Ishan's presentation impressed the judges at both stages of this year's MavPitch competition, leading to $40,000 in development funding.
Ishan Poudel, August 15, 2024
Smart Door
Joei Assani Aganze, an undergraduate software engineering major, developed Smart Door, an innovative, intelligent door system integrating advanced computerized technology. This pioneering design features a 32-inch touchscreen display, real-time outdoor camera feed, and multifunctional capabilities, marking a significant advancement in smart door technology. Recognizing the potential of Aganze's invention to enhance safety, security, and convenience, his intelligent door system was awarded $40,000 in development funding to further its progress.
Joei Assani Aganze, August 15, 2024
Star Twix Nails
Simone Wallace, an undergraduate marketing major and Goolsby Scholar, founded Star Twix Nails, a one-stop destination for Harajuku and Kawaii press-on nails and supplies. Simone received $15,000 in development funds during the initial phase of MavPitch and another $2,500 during Phase II to nurture her unique decorative fingernail venture.
Simone Wallace, August 15, 2024
MavPitch – August 15, 2024
Pluto Learning
Ethan Debnath, a computer science undergraduate, and Sami Ali, an honors student in information systems, developed Pluto Learning, an innovative platform that partners with colleges to enhance academic support for challenging STEM courses with high DFW (Drop, Fail, Withdraw) rates. Their solution addresses public colleges' difficulties in scaling support for these demanding subjects, including tutor shortages, high turnover, and space constraints. Pluto Learning incorporates AI-powered long-term study groups within classes and provides course-specific AI tutors that function like teaching assistants, offering round-the-clock individual support. The potential of their business model was recognized at this year's MavPitch competition, where Ethan and Sami secured an impressive
$40,000 in development funding, underscoring the significant promise of their approach to improving academic support in higher education.
Ethan Debnath and Sami Ali, August 15, 2024
OurScene
Bryan Cox, an undergraduate computer science student, and his business partner Nakoa Arnold launched OurScene, an innovative platform designed to meet the music industry's demand for authentic connectivity and advanced tools for professionals. At its core, OurScene aims to enhance the streaming experience for musicians and listeners, fostering deeper connections between artists and their fanbase, which is currently lacking. The platform features a comprehensive suite of business tools, including real-time performance metrics, an integrated calendar for streamlined booking, and an inclusive ticketing system that offers faster checkout times, lower fees, and real-time tracking. These elements significantly elevate the concert management experience. Their collaborative effort was recognized with $40,000 in funding, highlighting the potential impact of their venture on the music industry.
Nakoa Arnold and Brian Cox, August 15, 2024
Sample Video Submissions
The Judges
The Maverick Entrepreneurship Program and Award would not be possible without the invaluable support provided by members of our local entrepreneurial community. These dedicated individuals generously extend their wisdom, guidance, and motivation to our participants. We assembled a distinguished panel of judges for the 2023/2024 Maverick Entrepreneurship Program and Award MavPitch competition. All are accomplished professionals and eager supporters of UTA.
Molly Sandlin, 2014
Founder & President
CAET PMC LLC
About Molly Sandlin: Molly Sandlin is the founder and president of CAET Project Management Consultants LLC, offering services in owner representation, construction, project, and contract administration management. Initially a one-woman operation, the company expanded to a team of five within two years. CAET was recognized as the fastest-growing Maverick-owned business at the 2020 MAVS 100. Molly received the Women's Business Enterprise Rising Star award from the Women's Business Council - Southwest and was a finalist for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year award in the emerging business category. She was also named one of the "Great Women of Texas" by the Fort Worth Business Press in 2019.
James Sellers
Founder
Sellmark Corporation
About James Sellers: James Sellers founded Sellmark Corporation in 2000, implementing a multi-brand "sell-marketing" strategy focused on creating products that promote outdoor lifestyles. Sellmark has become a leading provider of outdoor and security products under various brands, including Sightmark, Firefield, Pulsar, Kopfjager, Inforce, and BulletSafe, holding over 80 patents and trademarks. As CEO and Chairman of the Board, James actively supports numerous organizations that advocate for outdoor lifestyles, wildlife conservation, regenerative agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship.
Mirna Sellers
Owner
Get Wellness
About Mirna Sellers: Dr. Mirna Masri Sellers, BA, BS, DC, owns Get Wellness and is an accredited chiropractic physician specializing in holistic care without relying on narcotic medication or invasive procedures. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Texas at Arlington and a doctorate from Parker University, graduating Cum Laude. Dr. Sellers also earned bachelor's degrees in Anatomy and Health & Wellness from Parker University. She focuses on helping patients achieve optimal wellness through chiropractic techniques and medical technologies, emphasizing a healthy spine, nervous system, and lifestyle choices. Dr. Sellers provides personalized care to address the root causes of disease, discomfort, and pain, improving patients' overall health and wellness.
Evelyn Torres
Founder & CEO
Solaris Technologies Services, LLC
About Evelyn Torres: Evelyn Torres is the founder and CEO of Solaris Technologies Services, LLC, which provides innovative ToughTower™ product platforms, fiber optics, transceivers, multi-vendor equipment, and certified repair services. Since its launch in 2011, the Irving-based firm has become an award-winning global telecommunications company. Evelyn is recognized for her leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, and advocacy for women in STEM fields. She received the Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Award in 2020. She was honored with the Quality and Excellence Award by the Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Innovation in Manufacturing Award by DCEO magazine in 2020. Her achievements have also been recognized by Ernest and Young, SMU's Cox School of Business, Tech Titans, and other organizations.
College of business Contacts
Follow College of Business
Recognition