2016 Sharkfest Finalists Announced

Finalists for this year’s Sharkfest entrepreneurial competition have officially been announced. Seven teams will compete for cash awards and the opportunity to receive additional start-up resources in support of their ventures.

Sharkfest 2016
April 5, Schneider Auditorium
1:45-3:15pm

This year’s finalists embody the entrepreneurial spirit — as well as grit, discipline and determination — that a JWU degree has come to represent.

Developed by the Larry Friedman International Center of Entrepreneurship (colloquially known as the eCenter), the competition gives students the chance to connect students with industry professionals who can help turn their business concepts into reality.

“This year we have more products and technology entries, as well as more female entrepreneurs,” says John Robitaille, the eCenter’s executive director.

Here are the winning contestants from each campus:

PROVIDENCE
Matthew Vidovich '17: ServUS, a mobile app for restaurants that allows customers to order food, have it delivered to a specific table, and even pay the bill.

Erin Tucci '18: Aroma, a mobile app that provides recipe suggestions when users input the ingredients they have on hand.

Taina Malave '19, Daniel Loggi '19 + Nicholas Harris '19: Flip, an inexpensive remote light switch controlled by the users’ smartphone.

Jordan Viera '17, James Purcell '17 + Alexia Espinal '16: Dish Caddy, a flexible rack for drying and storing dishes in small kitchens or dorms.

NORTH MIAMI
Thiago Rodrigues '19: Students Store It, storage pods that can store students’ belongings for a summer or an entire term.

DENVER
Josh Novorr '16 + Anthony Espinoza '16: 3 Cheese Mix, a make-at-home cheese dip with specially created seasoning.

CHARLOTTE
Jeff Donais '18 + Nick Wishart '18: The Bag Buddy, a plastic trash bag dispenser that also acts as a kitchen trash can.

Contestants will present before a live audience and a panel of judges that includes:

• Marjorie Druker '84, JWU alum and founder/CEO of New England Soup Factory
• Kurt Walters '00, JWU alum and President of Nisga'a Data Systems
• Angelo Pitassi '03 MBA, JWU alum and founder of HealthID Profile
• Sergio Ferriera, Startup Weekend Regional Coordinator and TeachStars board member
• Steven Lewinstein, part owner of the Boston Celtics

This year’s special guest is Matt Tortora '15, who won second place at Sharkfest 2015. Tortora will discuss his journey from student entrepreneur to founder and CEO of What’s Good, a digital platform connecting farmers, fishermen and other purveyors with chefs.

Join the conversation by following The Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship (also known as the eCenter) on social media:

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