APRIL 2025 | THE HILL INSTITUTE NEWSROOM | |
In case you missed it, we have some pretty big firsts to catch up on and some exciting initiatives on the horizon.
From the big-stage energy of the all-new Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition to the inspiring connections at the revamped Clemens Angel Analyst Annual Dinner, the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and thriving. In the recent pitch competition, we didn't just celebrate the beautifully delivered presentations of our student finalists, but we celebrated the LAUNCH of four new student ventures.
We also honored industry trailblazers through our inaugural Entrepreneurship, Free Enterprise, and Innovation Awards (part of the new Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition) as a reminder of how bold ideas can transform lives and communities, right here in Greenville, SC.
And we’re not slowing down. On May 8th, we’re diving headfirst into the future of robotics with our next "Advantage Greenville" session, where leaders from BMW, Michelin, Universal Robot, Drobot, and SCRA will convene to explore how co-bots and AI are empowering industries.
Thanks to the support of partners and friends like you, we’re accelerating the next generation of innovators faster than ever.
Let’s keep building the future together.
Bryan Davis
Executive Director
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Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition
Jackson Price '26 captured the $10,000 Johnny Flynn Award for his venture GoldRush, an all-natural, electrolyte-rich, honey based energy gel designed to fuel endurance with the pure power of nature.
Taking home the $2,000 second-place prize was Andrew Farrell '25, co-founder of LKRM, a sports management platform streamlining coaching operations in high school athletics.
Nuzat Tabassum Tuba '28 won over the crowd with Green Crunch, transforming broccoli stems into healthy, craveable snacks, earning the $1,000 Crowd Favorite Award.
Rounding out the field, Pauline Bailey '27 received the $500 final prize for her venture, Sprout Club, which empowers young entrepreneurs through business kits and mentorship.
At The Hill Institute, we don’t just celebrate ideas, we accelerate them. Each finalist now moves forward with exclusive access to resources, mentorship, and the Furman Innovation Lab to continue scaling their ventures and fueling their future.
Unable to attend the competition?
We've got you covered. Watch the full event at your convenience by clicking the button below.
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Entrepreneurship, Free Enterprise, and Innovation Awards
We wrapped up the Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition this year with another first, the launch of our Entrepreneurship, Free Enterprise, and Innovation Awards by honoring visionary founders making a bold impact across industries right here in the Upstate.
🏆 Trailblazer Award
Lindsey Calcutt, Ph.D., CEO & Co-Founder of Incora Health
Recognized for pioneering FemTech innovations that are shaping the future of women's health through wearable technologies.
🏆 Vanguard Award
Shane Grivich, CSO & Co-Founder of Chartspan
Celebrated for leading high-growth innovations in chronic care management through cutting-edge software solutions.
🏆 Global Impact Award
Heather Hudson & Shannon Hudson, Co-Founders of 9Round
Honored for building one of the world’s largest fitness franchises, creating lasting economic and societal impacts across 18 countries.
These awardees exemplify the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that The Hill Institute proudly champions.
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Clemens Annual Dinner
This month, we took over Jianna in Downtown Greenville for one of our most anticipated gatherings of the year, the Clemens Annual Dinner.
This event brings together Clemens Angel Analyst Fellows, alumni, future applicants, Ken and Chase Clemens, VentureSouth partners, President Davis, Furman trustees, and community leaders to forge new connections and deepen a growing network of venture driven change-makers.
This dinner is more than a tradition, it’s where students gain direct access to the minds behind early-stage investments, portfolio growth, and real-world startup finance.
If you’re a Furman student with your sights set on venture capital, entrepreneurship, or the future of innovation finance, this is your pathway in.
Fall 2025 Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship applications close May 10.
Click the link in our application section to apply.
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Advantage Greenville
May 8, 2025 | Greenville ONE Center | 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Explore the Future of Cobots at Advantage Greenville!
Join us for Advantage Greenville as we dive into the world of collaborative robots (cobots)—advanced machines reshaping industries by working alongside humans.
Hear from global leaders Michael McDonald (Michelin North America), Iman Evazzade, Ph.D. (BMW), and Travis Langford (Universal Robots), followed by a fireside chat moderated by Catherine Hayes (SCRA) with panelist Stijn Van de Velde (Drobot).
Learn about real-world applications, human-cobot collaboration, ethical innovation, and the future of work.
Agenda:
7:30–8:15 a.m. | Networking & Breakfast
8:15–9:30 a.m. | Keynotes & Fireside Chat
9:30–10:00 a.m. | Post-event Networking
Don't miss this look into the next frontier of automation!
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GVL Starts | Fall 2025
This transformational 9-week experience will include mentoring from successful local entrepreneurs and business owners, coaching from experienced design thinkers, instruction from distinguished university faculty, and an investor community that’s engaged and committed to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners.
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Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship | Fall 2025
Accelerate your career in venture investing through this 10-week, hands-on fellowship. Develop real-world skills, expand your network with top investors at VentureSouth, and earn the opportunity to join the VentureSouth team as a paid Analyst intern.
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Advantage Greenville
Greenville ONE Center | 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Join us for a dynamic forum featuring keynote presentations from two leading global robotics corporations blazing the trail in the world of automation. This will be followed by a captivating panel discussion with these global leaders, along with two of the most innovative South Carolina based cobot startups, and a distinguished moderator from the community.
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SUDsGVL - Startup Drinks
Southernside Brewery | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
This month we are partnering with NextGEN for SUDsGVL! This unstructured networking event is open to entrepreneurs, ecosystem allies, and all community members of the #StartupGVL ecosystem. The first drink is free, so get this one on your calendars.
| | | WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR COMMUNITY COLLABORATORS | | |
Our operations are fully supported by generous donors and program sponsors. Please consider donating today to support our mission of creating innovative and entrepreneurially minded leaders at Furman and in the Upstate.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities?
Please email Innovation@Furman.edu
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