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The competition finals featured three students pitching their business plans for a
chance to win funds to support the launch or growth of their business. The Pennsylvania
Cable Network (PCN) aired the live competition Wednesday evening.
“On behalf of all PASSHE universities, I congratulate Diaa for winning this year’s
State System Startup Challenge and I thank every student who competed,” said State
System Board of Governors Chair Cynthia Shapira. “Across the State System, smart and
hardworking students are preparing to become the next generation of business leaders.
Each one of them is a reminder of the great entrepreneurs we have in Pennsylvania
and that the spirit of innovation is thriving on our campuses.”
Meqdadi, a senior computer science and computer security student from East Stroudsburg,
Pa. presented a business plan for Mercial LLC. The company simplifies data management
and digital marketing solutions using an innovative approach to develop drag-and-drop
customizable database API software. Meqdadi hopes the company will revolutionize how
businesses handle data.
The Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU) Funded the $10,000 first-place
prize. The Ben Franklin Technology Partners and the Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
Company funded the second-place prize, and Marathon Studios funded the third-place
prize.
“This business plan competition gives State System students the opportunity to pursue
their dreams here in Pennsylvania,” said State System Chancellor Daniel Greenstein.
“These students remind us about the value of public higher education to strengthen
Pennsylvania’s economy as they translate a classroom education to real-world experience.
Thank you to the students, faculty and universities for making this possible.”
Shippensburg University student Nicholas Kornilow won the $5,000 second-place prize
for his business plan for BioBlooms Naturals. The holistic oral hygiene brand is dedicated
to redefining the concept of dental care by integrating nature-inspired solutions
with innovative practices. BioBlooms Naturals will offer a comprehensive range of
products designed to promote affordable oral health and overall wellness using natural,
sustainable, and eco-friendly ingredients. Kornilow, from Waynesboro, Pa., is a junior
biology student with a concentration in health professions and a business minor.
Shippensburg University student Drew Dailey won the $3,000 third-place prize for his
business plan for Deal Seal, which allows collectors of sports cards and collectibles
to safely buy, sell and trade on social media platforms. Deal Seal provides transaction
security and protection from scams for online customers using credit cards or cash.
Dailey, from Phoenix, Md., is a graduate student pursuing an MBA after completing
bachelor’s degrees in supply chain management and finance.
The judges for the State System Startup Challenge finals were David Brantley, director
of sales and marketing at Passenger Coffee and Tea; David Gongora, assistant director
of corporate talent acquisition at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts; Andrea Jones,
consulting manager at Deloitte; Steve Ross, managing director at Onsite ICF, and Wyatt
Troxell, director of membership development and sales at PSECU.
Editor’s Note: Photos from the event and individual students are available by contacting Kevin Hensil,
khensil@passhe.edu.
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