Future Fest 2025 was a hub of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, a day where students, entrepreneurs, and innovators converged to challenge, collaborate, learn, and pitch. The event showcased the remarkable problem-solving skills and passion of Drexel’s community, with opportunities to secure significant funding and recognition for groundbreaking ideas.

The Baiada Institute Innovation Tournament: Building Solutions for Real-World Impact

The Innovation Tournament, a high-energy hackathon, challenged teams to develop innovative solutions for natural disaster relief. From 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, students immersed themselves in brainstorming, design, and MVP development. The culmination was a series of compelling presentations to a panel of expert judges, vying for $10,000 in funding. The winning teams, each with a unique approach to disaster aid, were:

• Insure 3D: A software for insurance companies to quickly assess property damage from a natural disaster.
• Safe Sack: A waterproof sack to store belongings in case of a flood, equipped with a flotation device and tracker to ensure their safety.
• Daisy: A device that does not rely on existing infrastructure for long-range communication.
• Disaster Ready: A service to provide information about upcoming natural disasters and supplies for those affected.

Fast Pitch Competition: Two Minutes to Shine

The Fast Pitch Competition put students’ storytelling and delivery skills to the test. In just two minutes, participants presented their startup concepts, aiming to capture the attention of potential investors. Sumeet Masfirah captivated the judges and audience with her compelling pitch, earning the $500 cash prize.

Rising Starters Pitch Competition: Nurturing Young Innovators

The Rising Starters Pitch Competition provided a platform for high school students to showcase their entrepreneurial potential. These young innovators, working both individually and in teams, delivered impressive pitches, offering a glimpse into the future of business. The winners, demonstrating exceptional promise, were:

• 1st Place: Wildwood High School: Kiana D’Antuono, Selin Olgun, Estella Robinson, and Angie Wilber pitched the “Tenba”- a Roomba-like invention for collecting and serving tennis and pickleball balls.
• 2nd Place: Columbia Heights High School, Washington, DC: Kwali Moorer.
• 3rd Place: Downingtown East High School: Abhiram Vadiguri and Navneeth Gopinath.
• Special Mention: Perkiomen Valley High School: Tyson Hunsberger and Madison DeVito.

Hult Prize Competition: Addressing Global Challenges

Four teams competed for the opportunity to represent Drexel University at the Hult Prize Competition, with a chance to win $1 million in funding. This year’s challenge focused on creating businesses that address sustainable development goals (SDGs). Made by Mally, a company that designs spaces for kids’ education and play, emerged victorious, earning the chance to compete on the global stage. We wish them the best of luck!

Investing in the Future of Innovation

Future Fest 2025 was a powerful testament to the entrepreneurial spirit at Drexel University and the Close School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. By providing students with hands-on experiences, funding opportunities, and mentorship, Drexel empowers them to transform their ideas into reality. The passion and ingenuity displayed at Future Fest leave no doubt that the future of innovation is bright.