New Orleans – A pair of teams from Grambling State University (GSU) earned Top 3 finishes on Nov. 29 as they competed in the BizTech Challenge held annually in conjunction with Bayou Classic Festivities in New Orleans.
The BizTech Challenge was specifically designed to increase innovation and entrepreneurship in STEM-based fields among students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
This comprehensive hands-on learning and mentorship program aims to build innovative ecosystems between university administrators, faculty, and students, and the public and private sector.
The BizTech Challenge 2024, powered by Nexus Louisiana, invited teams from six Louisiana HBCUs — Grambling, Dillard, Southern University, Southern-New Orleans, Southern University Law Center and Xavier University of New Orleans — to present groundbreaking STEM-based business ideas in a high-energy pitch competition.
Grambling’s Team ISHARA earned $15,000 as first-place winners while GSU’s Amber Accessories won third place.
Earlier in November Team ISHARA earned $3,000 as first-place winners at the Golden Pitch Competition held at GSU.
Accounting and computer information systems major Christotes Nartey-Tettah and engineering technology major David Nintang make up GSU’s Team Ishara under the guidance of mentor Brandon Harris, CEO of Bloom Booking.
Team ISHARA presented a “gamified recycling solution” that integrates smart machines in high-traffic areas to encourage sustainability by rewarding individuals for recycling.
The team presented a “gamified recycling solution” that integrates smart machines in high-traffic areas to encourage sustainability by rewarding individuals for recycling.
“This is motivation to us,” Team ISHARA said in a statement. “It means that our idea is feasible, possible, and it solves a problem. This is a good opportunity for us to invest in our business and continue to scale. With this win, we are looking to further develop our product and expand our team.”
Earning third-place honors for GSU was Team Amber Accessories, which created an innovative safety solution that embeds panic buttons into jewelry such as rings, earrings, and necklaces.
GSU students Emmanuel Nnanna, Eniola Irinoye, Tanyaradzwa Mangundhla, Stecy Chirinda, Flyness Namatama developed Amber Accessories under the guidance of mentor Christina Davis, senior business consultant from the Small Business Development Center at the University of Louisiana-Monroe.
“Events like the BizTech Challenge allow our students to share their creativity, to brainstorm, learn and grow, both as student scholars as well as business professionals, so we’re really excited about it,” said Dean of GSU’s College of Business Dr. Derrick Warren.
