“2024 Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition: Final Round Showcases Innovation and Startup Ventures at UB”

The University at Buffalo is gearing up for an exciting event on Thursday, April 18, where six teams will compete for over $75,000 in startup funding and in-kind services in the final round of the Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition (Panasci TEC). The competition, which aims to financially empower students interested in startup ventures in fields such as science, technology, and business, was originally launched by the UB School of Management and the UB Office of Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships.

The six teams competing in the final round were selected from 31 first-round pitches and 12 semifinalists. Each team will present their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges and viewers, showcasing their feasibility, marketability, and potential sources of capital. The top team will receive $25,000 in seed money plus in-kind awards valued at over $40,000, while the second-place team will collect $10,000 in startup funding.

Among the innovative ideas being presented are Empasta, a plant-based, cheese-like sauce; J+J, a weighted magnetic band for people with neurodegenerative diseases; DUCCS, a new technology in the composting industry; Hive, an ed-tech platform for enhancing campus life; Exergi, a solar energy generator; and Connext, a solution for high school students’ career exploration journey.

The event will also feature a demonstration of Buffalo’s ‘fashionpreneurs’ and ‘foodpreneurs,’ as well as an exclusive runway presentation by Western New York Fashionpreneurs. Hosted by UB’s Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad, the competition brings together students from various disciplines to create viable businesses in Western New York.

The final round of the 2024 Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Center for the Arts on UB’s North Campus. Those interested in attending can register on the Panasci program website. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the next generation of entrepreneurs showcase their innovative ideas and compete for startup funding.