Winners announced from Statewide University Pitch Competition

Staff
Published Tuesday, June 7, 2016 12:30 pm

Winners announced from Statewide University Pitch Competition | LaunchTN, Launch Tennessee, TTDC, Tennessee Technology Development Corporation, startups, pitch days, Grow Bioplastic, SilkOps, Portmanteau, Theresa's Twists, Merlin Medical Technology, Boomalang, The Little Cottage Bakery, Ed Pack Global, Zabi, Boyd Venture Challenge, Jim Sohr, Sohr Grant, Vanderbilt University, University of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, Merlin Medical Technology, Sewanee, University of the South, Statewide University Pitch Competition, surgery, MRI, robotics, healthcare, medical devices, Aspergers Syndrome, social services, social enterprise, Sohr Grants,

LAUNCH Tennessee on May 26 announced four winners of its Statewide University Venture Challenge, a new initiative launched in March.

The programs aims to engage student entrepreneurs participating in existing university competitions. The selected winners are to receive a $12,500 cash prize to be invested in their company along with a complimentary ticket and recognition at LaunchTN's 36|86 conference on June 6-7.

From 38 pitches, judges selected the nine finalists and then four category winners, listed below. LaunchTN is Tennessee Technology Development Corporation (TTDC).

Winners

Grow Bioplastics

Commercializable Tech AgTech
biodegradable mulch films

University of Tennessee (Boyd Venture Challenge & Vol Court Spring Class)

SilkOps

Technology Enabled - print-shop
management SaaS

University of Tennessee (Boyd Venture Challenge)

Portmanteau Jewelry Collection

Lifestyle - artisanal jewelry brand

Vanderbilt (Sohr Grant)

Theresa's Twists

Social Enterprise - employment
for Asperger's patients

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU Business Plan Competition)

Other Finalists

MERLIN Medical Technology

Commercializable Tech - MRI-
guided robotics for neurosurgery

Vanderbilt (Tech Venture Challenge)

Boomalang (click to update)

Technology Enabled - EdTech

Vanderbilt (Sohr Grant)

The Little Cottage Bakery

Lifestyle - community food svc

Lipscomb (Kittrell Pitch Competition)

Ed Pack Global

Social Enterprise - supporting
Women's education in
developing nations

Lipscomb University (Kittrell Pitch Competition)

Zabi

Social Enterprise -
B2C birth control sales

Sewanee (The University of the South Pitch Competition)

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