UVM’s New ‘Shark Tank’-Style Competition Rewards High School Entrepreneurs Making a Difference in their Communities
Vermont Business Magazine Pippa Scott, a high school junior from Killington, Vermont (above), has won the grand prize at the University of Vermont’s (UVM) inaugural Vermont Pitch Challenge, the nation’s only university pitch competition that offers outstanding high school entrepreneurs worldwide a chance to secure a full-tuition scholarship for their innovative ventures.
Scott captured the judges' attention at UVM with an inspiring business proposal for her already established nonprofit, Ride for Mental Health. This transformative program raises awareness about and provides support to kids and teens struggling with mental health through action sports.
"Pippa Scott’s remarkable presentation addressing a critical societal issue truly deserves not only our applause, but our tangible support," said UVM President Suresh Garimella. "All the Vermont Pitch Challenge finalists embody the essential attributes of success in today’s world—entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, a global outlook, and a commitment to crafting important solutions for people and our planet. This competition serves as a launchpad for the next generation of innovators, equipping them with the resources and mentorship needed to transform their visions into reality."
Announced last September, the Vermont Pitch Challenge attracted nearly 150 teams from seven countries and 27 states. Over 220 ambitious students took part, each eager to make a positive impact and tackle pressing challenges within their respective communities. Throughout the competition, UVM offered the students opportunities to learn from experts about business plan writing and structuring compelling pitches.
After rigorous evaluation, five finalist teams were selected to present their business concepts in person to a panel of esteemed judges at UVM on April 4, culminating in Thursday’s announcement of the final rankings.
“As UVM increasingly attracts academically gifted and diverse students from Vermont, the U.S., and beyond, the Vermont Pitch Challenge is designed to captivate young entrepreneurs who are passionate about driving positive social change, engage more deeply with outstanding prospective students, and highlight UVM’s impressive culture of engaging students in entrepreneurship across academics, research, and student programs,” said Jay Jacobs, UVM Vice Provost for Enrollment Management.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity provided by the Vermont Pitch Challenge, Scott emphasized her commitment to providing support to those who struggle with mental health. "I’m so glad I won, but the fact that people are going to learn more about the importance of mental health support and knowing that kids are going to have more help because of this accomplishment is really what means everything to me.”
In addition to Scott’s triumph, several other outstanding participants were recognized for their innovative endeavors:
- Danny Philip of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, earned a $5,000 cash prize for Agri-Equip Incorporation, which seeks to catalyze agricultural development in the vibrant landscapes of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Pierson and Parker Jones, twin brothers from Lutz, Florida, were awarded $5,000 for DiscGuard, a pioneering initiative focused on enhancing patient outcomes by preventing re-injury after spinal surgery.
- Sebastian Tan of Sewickly, Pennsylvania, received a $1,000 cash prize for OutsideConnection, which helps formerly incarcerated individuals find employment opportunities.
- Eliza Strum of Ticonderoga, New York, secured a $1,000 cash prize for EcoCharge, a venture aimed at reducing electric and plastic waste through eco-friendly charging solutions.
Eliza Strum of Ticonderoga, New York
A multitude of opportunities for entrepreneurial-minded students exist across UVM’s academic ecosystem, including the Grossman School of Business and the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, as well as the highly-ranked Sustainable Innovation MBA, the Academic Research Commercialization program, the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup, paid internships at leading companies, global study abroad opportunities, the UVM Entrepreneurship Club, and the thriving technology startup scene in our hometown of Burlington, headlined by Vermont’s recently federally designated Tech Hub.
Looking ahead, the Vermont Pitch Challenge is set to commence its second year with submissions opening in January 2025, followed by the finalists' in-person pitch event and awards ceremony slated for April 10, 2025. For information and updates about the Vermont Pitch Challenge, please visit go.uvm.edu/vtpitchchallenge.
About the University of Vermont
The University of Vermont is a top research university of ideal size, large enough to offer a breadth of ideas, resources, and opportunities, yet scaled to enable close faculty-student mentorship across all levels of study, from bachelor’s to doctoral programs. At UVM, we think big and inspire others to do the same. Our academic program combines faculty-student relationships most commonly found in a small liberal arts college with the resources of a major research institution. Located in Burlington, Vermont (America's #1 College Town -- Travel + Leisure), UVM's setting on the shores of Lake Champlain, between the Adirondack and the Green Mountain ranges, gives a mountaintop perspective of all that's possible -- and offers the tools you will need to get there. For more information about UVM, go to UVM.edu.
Source: [BURLINGTON, VT, USA, April 4, 2024 –] UVM
