University News

Entrepreneurial Curiosity and Innovation is the Formula for Success

Published: June 07, 2022 | Categories: Business, All News, Arts and Sciences, Engineering
The Gear Electric product innovation

Western New England University students from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering were recognized for their innovations in several competitions in the Pioneer Valley during the month of April.

"Innovation and entrepreneurship competitions require students to demonstrate creativity, determination, business savvy, team building, and communication skills. We are pleased that each of our student teams have demonstrated these skills as evidenced by their successes," said Dr. Mary Schoonmaker, Assistant Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

The Draper Competition for Collegiate Women Entrepreneurs - Sponsored by Tim Draper and Melissa Parker Draper, April 7.

The Golden Bear Innovation Pitch Contest - Sponsored by PeoplesBank, April 20. The following students won top awards:

  • Best Pitch Delivery was awarded to Noah Perault (Business) who pitched the Blind Spot detection system for automobiles.
  • Funniest Pitch was awarded to Fajr Muhammad (Marketing) for her idea for a Better Batter kitchen tool.
  • Most Potential for Profit was awarded to Faith Mburu (Health Sciences) for her innovation for methane reduction product for bovine waste management.

Golden Bear Innovation Grants - Sponsored by PeoplesBank, April 20. Students were selected to receive Golden Bear Innovation Grants:

  • Mike Semanie (Management) and Jeff Marceau (Criminal Justice) for their business - Primo Car Detailing.
  • Leah Cunha (Entrepreneurship) for her business - Leah Cunha’s Crafts.

Annual Grinspoon Competition - Sponsored by the Grinspoon Foundation, April 27. Students presented their innovations and received awards.

  • Ricangelo Faour (Mechanical Engineering) was this year’s University’s Pitch Representative and pitched his innovation – Ricky’s Well, a modern and sanitary version of today’s dipper well.

 Spirit Award Winners:

Dean Hossein Cheraghi, College of Engineering, and Dean Sharianne Walker, College of Business expressed the criticality of these innovative and entrepreneurial skills. "We are inspired by these students' application of functional and team building skills as important steps in preparing them for the future of work," said Dean Cheraghi and Dean Walker.