By Alejandrina Avila and Nancy Navarro, Dec 10, 2024
A temperature indicating stickers for drinks and food, braces for athletes’ rehabilitation, and remote sensing and machine learning digital platform are the three winning business ideas at the 2024 Cal Poly Pomona Fall Fast Pitch Competition.
Hosted by the Student Innovation Idea Labs and CPP’s Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization, the competition featured five student finalists pitching their business ideas to a panel of expert judges. The event is part of a yearlong startup challenge, which encourages students to refine and develop entrepreneurial projects. The fall competition allows participants to display early-stage ideas with an opportunity to compete in the larger spring challenge.
“This program aligns with our mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Olive Li, the director of SIIL. “We empower students to explore career opportunities, whether that’s through graduate school, industry jobs or launching their own businesses. This platform helps them bring their ideas to life.”
Robert Khachatryan, a hospitality management student and a finalist, pitched a seasonal, pumpkin-flavored ice cream made from locally sourced ingredients.
“This was a concept I’ve been working really hard on,” Khachatryan said. “I feel like everyone really enjoyed the ice cream. The main takeaway is that it is a local and fresh item that may not be around for long.”
Khachatryan detailed the process of bringing his idea to fruition, which involved sourcing pumpkins from CPP’s Farm Store, creating a pumpkin puree and working alongside a creamery in San Dimas to produce and distribute the ice cream across campus.
For many participants, the competition was not just a chance to share their ideas, but also a way to connect with others who share their interests and receive helpful feedback.
Participant Hector Garcia, a mechanical engineering student, said he is very excited about the event.
“Presenting and hearing others present was my favorite part,” Garcia said. “I am passionate about this, and I am glad I can share it with others. I like hearing ideas of things I could never imagine.”
The SIIL and CEO club provided extensive resources to participants throughout the semester, including one-on-one coaching sessions and workshops on pitching, public speaking and professional development. This year, 15 students applied for the competition after internal judging. Five finalists were selected to present.
“Learn from your failures; that’s how you learn and grow,” Li said. “Don’t be intimidated or afraid. We have resources, and we are here to support you. You can find like-minded friends along the way.”
As CPP strengthens its focus on career readiness, the Bronco Startup Challenge has become a signature activity under the PolyX program. The program offers a distinctive educational experience, emphasizing experiential learning, collaboration and a polytechnic approach that prepares students for future professional success by offering a platform for students to develop their entrepreneurial skills.
Whether through a fresh take on seasonal ice cream, start developing new digital platform or other innovative ideas, the CPP Fast Pitch Competition is a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
