Live coverage begins Thursday, April 20th at 7:00 PM
Seventh Annual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge
Watch CMC's live streaming coverage of McDaniel College’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM in Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center. This program will be streamed live online, on Facebook, YouTube and on cable channel HD-1086.
Five students compete for a $5,000 top prize by presenting their entrepreneurial ideas and products to a panel of experts at the annual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge at McDaniel College. Other cash prizes include $1,000 for the runner-up, $1,000 for the People’s Choice, and $1,000 for the Community Changer. The event is free and open to the public.
Learn more about McDaniel’s Program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
THE FIVE FINALISTS ARE:
• TATMANERC
Presented by sophomore Eric Grinwis, business administration major from Laurel, Maryland. TATMANERC captures the tattoo experience through a video depicting all phases of the tattooing process.
• Kiy Productions
Presented by junior Kiyara Fleming, sociology major from Baltimore. A nonprofit aimed at developing a mini documentary series that focuses on assisting at-risk youth with answers to questions that they may not have otherwise been able to ask.
• Gem Assistant, LLC
Presented by first-year student Kaylah Rashid, marketing major from Glen Burnie, Maryland. Gem Assistant is a single hub providing personalized support for business owners, including social media, print projects, and website updates.
• ReDorm
Presented by sophomore Javon Spencer, business administration major from New Castle, Delaware. ReDorm is a recycling app that connects college students with products that they need, such as furniture, room accessories, textbooks, and more.
• Y LIME
Presented by junior Emily Trachoo, marketing major from College Park, Maryland . An Asian fusion food stand providing a distinctive range of healthy and nutritious food and beverages to McDaniel College students.
MEET THE JUDGES:
• Mel Brennan is executive director of McDaniel’s Center for Experience and Opportunity (CEO), where he oversees the work of the CEO, its programs and initiatives, while working closely with academic departments, as well as community partners. A 1996 alum, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history and has held a variety of leadership roles with nonprofit organizations.
• Graham Dodge serves as the executive director of MAGIC (Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory), a nonprofit organization that works to spur tech and entrepreneurial activity in Carroll County. He is a patented inventor, public speaker, and technologist.
• Brooke Hagerty, an Institute for Integrative Nutrition certified health coach, is a local entrepreneur. Her nonprofit Zach’s Sacks, named for her late son who was tragically killed in a drunk driving accident, provides Sacks of Love to groups and individuals in need. She is also the manager of the Downtown Westminster Farmers Market and helps run her husband’s restaurant, Bud’s at Silver Run. Hagerty is also currently training to become a yoga instructor.
The five finalists also participated in McDaniel’s five-week Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge Training Program led by McDaniel’s entrepreneur-in-residence Jennifer Yang. Each student was paired with a mentor — alumni, faculty member, or local business owner — to assist them in developing their ideas in the lead-up to the competition.
Learn more about McDaniel’s Program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.