Ten Finalists for 2021 Baylor New Venture Competition to Compete for More Than $250,000

Media Contact: Eric Eckert, Baylor University Media and Public Relations, 254-710-1964
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by Cerenity Austin, student news writer, Baylor University Media and Public Relations

WACO, Texas (March 2, 2021) — Baylor University’s John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise has announced its top 10 finalists for the 10th annual New Venture Competition, a business plan and elevator pitch competition for collegiate entrepreneurs around the world held virtually March 26.
The finalists will present 10-minute business pitches virtually to a panel of entrepreneurs, business executives, lawyers, bankers and other business professionals.

Priscilla James, program manager for the center, said to prepare for finals, the teams were matched with industry specific mentors, participated in mandatory feedback sessions, and optional pitch coaching.
“We are really proud of the constant feedback and mentorship that we provide the teams,” James said. “We want to ensure that they leave the competition with more insight than they had before.”

Finalist Teams Competing

• Aurign – Georgia State University
• EcoDabba – Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
• Nutrivide – Rutgers University
• PatchRx – Trinity University
• Sahara – UCLA
• CelluDot LLC – University of Arkansas
• LiRA – University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• MindTrace – University of Rochester
• CampusOven – University of Texas at Dallas
• Qi Foods – Yale University

Although the feedback sessions, the business showcase and finals are typically held in person, the event will continue to provide opportunities for guests and finalists to interact virtually.
“We endeavor to deliver a quality event so this year, we will continue the networking component,” James said. “Virtual attendees will also have the opportunity to network with each other between sessions and vote on their favorite pitches.”

Additionally, 10 students from the Baylor Oso Launch Program, a program designed to assist student entrepreneurs in their business ventures beginning their freshman year, will give their elevator pitches during the awards ceremony. The student winners of this section will be chosen by conference attendees.
For more information and to register to attend virtual finals, visit the Baylor New Venture Competition website.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 18,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT HANKAMER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

At Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, integrity stands shoulder-to-shoulder with analytic and strategic strengths. The School’s top-ranked programs combine rigorous classroom learning, hands-on experience in the real world, a solid foundation in Christian values and a global outlook. Making up approximately 25 percent of the University’s total enrollment, undergraduate students choose from 16 major areas of study. Graduate students choose from full-time, executive or online MBA or other specialized master’s programs, and Ph.D. programs in Information Systems, Entrepreneurship or Health Services Research. The Business School also has campuses located in Austin and Dallas, Texas. Visit www.baylor.edu/business and follow on Twitter at twitter.com/Baylor_Business.