Startup Fest 2023 at the Charles D. Close School on November 2nd was a grand hub of entrepreneurial energy, featuring engaging pitches, insightful panels, and practical workshops that underscored the forefront of entrepreneurial excellence at Drexel University.
Competitions: Highlights of Entrepreneurial Brilliance
Kicking off the day was the Fast Pitch Competition, challenging students to present their business ideas in a concise three-minute format. Anthony D’Angelo clinched the win with Class Cut, an app revolutionizing short-form education.
Next, high school participants vied for top honors in the Rising Starters Competition, ultimately won by Tisya Desai from the Baldwin School.
The Expanding the Impact of Research Fast Pitch competition showcased innovation, with MXene Inc. earning the $1,000 prize for their impactful project.
The pinnacle event, the Drexel Startups Fund competition, saw teams competing for $25,000 in awards to fund their promising concepts.
Panels: Navigating AI in Startups
Esteemed Drexel entrepreneurs—Mila Maltseva, Grant Cooper, Matthew Santiago, and Team Ayoda—explored the role of AI in startups, providing insights into its future and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. See their panel HERE.
Keynote Speaker: Max Mihro’s Practical Creativity
Max Mihro, the visionary behind Make with Max, delivered a practical keynote speech and workshop, demonstrating how to swiftly transform ideas into tangible prototypes using a mobile device. See his presentation HERE.
The Day’s Agenda: Blueprint for Innovation
- 9:00 AM: Registration
- 10:15 AM: Student Panel – Navigating the AI Frontier
- 11:00 AM: Make With Max Live!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 12:15 PM: Make with Max Hands-On Workshop
- 1:30 PM: Rising Starters Fast Pitch Competition
- 2:00 PM: Expanding the Impact of Research – Fast Pitch
- 2:30 PM: Drexel Startups Fund Competition
- 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Proving Ground Expo
- 4:30 PM: Awards Announcement
- 4:45 PM – 6:00 PM: Network Reception Presented By Tenney 110 Build Studio
Shaping the Future of Innovation
Startup Fest 2023 demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of Drexel. As we look forward to the exciting journeys our students will undertake, supported by the resources and funding of the Close School, the future of entrepreneurship at Drexel is bright and full of promise.
