The Zingale Big Idea Competition is a student-focused seed-funding business pitch presentation competition. It is designed for new business ideas, which have yet-to-receive funding.
The Annual Competition awards a whopping total of $20,000 in Total Prize money between the student and community winners. The contest emulates the experiences seen on the popular CNBC broadcast, Shark Tank (but with a heart). Unlike Shark Tank, the Zingale Big Idea distinguished panel of judges do more than evaluate the student team’s business models – they offer constructive feedback, coach and encourage students.
Meet the 2019 Winners
Tied for 1st Place: Natalia Buczek & Christopher Miller – Aid Memoir, a communication app and website for patients with verbal and memory impairments and their caregivers.
Christian Walker – animatr, a streetwear company that changes the negative narrative surrounding fans of Japanese art/animation.
2nd Place: Daniella Clarke – Fit Me, a food truck and home delivery service dedicated to providing healthier meal options.
3rd Place: Mark Sotomayor & Ethan Harvey – Acceptum, an app that automatically collects & stores your receipts in a digital database in order to alleviate the need for paper receipts.
Honorable Mentions:
Abraham Duncan – Never Go Hungry, created to bring awareness the glaring issue of hungry kids living on college campus as well as promoting individual achievements and helping the community as a whole.
Doug Salah – MSH, A brand/lifestyle that celebrates each person’s individuality.
What do students think about this experience?
“Freshman year I lost in the finals. Sophomore year I didn’t make it past the preliminary round. Last summer I worked so hard I burnt myself out. I have never taken a day for granted. I have worked for the last three years for this moment. Winning this competition is the result of consistent hard work and dedication,” commented Christian (Dubs) Walker, co-first place winner of the 2019 Zingale Big Idea Competition.
Successful presentations in past competitions have been about a mobile organic food market, a new music sharing app, an aquaponics research project, and an employment initiative for adults in the autism spectrum.