DECEMBER 2024 EDITION

2024 Idea Challenge displays creativity, innovation, and passion

On December 6th, the Rowan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship held its annual Idea Challenge, showcasing the creativity and talent of Rowan students across disciplines. Teams spent the semester developing innovative solutions to real-world problems and competed for the grand prize of $4,000 in seed funding. Participants presented their ideas to nearly 100 judges from every Rowan college, while attendees also voted for the People’s Choice Award.


Lushious Beauty, a cosmetics company founded by Shaila Saini (Entrepreneurship and Marketing '26), took home first place. Sammi’s Sandwich and Sauce won the People’s Choice Award, while four teams earned Most Promising New Venture in their respective categories: YouPlanet (technology), Vest-O (service), 1Cleat (social), and REVIVE (consumer packaged goods). Honorable Mentions went to Restaurant Rally and Hand Me Down.


The Idea Challenge reflects Rowan’s belief that entrepreneurship is for everyone, bringing together students from different colleges to collaborate and innovate. Learn more about the Idea Challenge and this year's winners on Rowan Today and RCIE's Medium Blog.

CONSIDER SHOPPING ROWAN STARTUPS THIS SEASON

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Med Tank

Have a healthcare startup idea? Enter Med Tank, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine’s healthcare entrepreneurship competition. The final event will be held on January 29th, 2025, from 6 PM - 8 PM at the Academic Center Multipurpose Room. Contestants will pitch their ideas in a 10-minute presentation.


Apply here by 11:59 PM on Monday, January 13, 2025.

2025 Rohrer New Venture Competition

The Rohrer New Venture Competition encourages students to pursue entrepreneurial ventures and develop high-growth businesses. It aims to prepare students for future entrepreneurship efforts and provide an opportunity for participants to win cash prizes for their venture.

 

Apply here by 11:59pm on Sunday, February 9th.

E-NEWS TO KEEP YOU IN THE KNOW

Circlez relaunches with new focus

Circlez, a startup co-founded by Aiden Tahmazian (Mechanical Engineering ’26) and winner of the 2024 New Venture Expo, has recently pivoted its business model. The project management platform, built specifically for manufacturing teams, helps streamline operations. Learn more about the relaunch here.

4U Medical named semifinalist in global competition

4U Medical, founded by Nick Nastasi (Management '23/MBA '25) and Josh Perry (Mechanical Engineering '24/MBA '26), has been named a top 50 semifinalist in Baylor University's Global Pitch Competition. This international competition highlights innovative startups from around the world, with finalists set to compete in the spring for seed funding. Congratulations to Nick and Josh on this achievement!

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The RCIE is dedicated to supporting Rowan students, faculty and staff.


Curious about upcoming competitions, funding, or scholarships? Need pitch feedback or mentorship to advance your business idea? RCIE is here to help. Email rcie@rowan.edu for more information.


Interested in mentorship opportunities, hosting an event, joining the Entrepreneurship Advisory Council, or supporting entrepreneurship at Rowan? Reach out to Jessica Vattima to learn more.

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Rowan Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Business Hall 209

201 Mullica Hill Road | Glassboro, NJ 08028

ent.rowan.edu/rcie | rcie@rowan.edu

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