Innovative Minds Shine at Villanova’s Annual Pitch Day
VILLANOVA, Pa. (May 28, 2026) – Creativity and entrepreneurship were at the forefront during Villanova University’s 15th annual Pitch Day, an event hosted by the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship on April 25, 2026. Students from undergraduate and graduate programs gathered to present their business ideas, marking a significant step in their entrepreneurial journeys.
The event featured the final rounds of the Villanova Student Entrepreneurship Competition (VSEC) and the presentation of the Meyer Innovation Award, both of which celebrated student innovation and dedication.
Ann Goody, the Daniel J. Hogarty, Jr. ’61 Director of the Institute, emphasized the event’s broader impact: “VSEC gives students the opportunity to take an early-stage concept and begin turning it into a viable venture. The competition is about far more than selecting a winner. Every participant gains valuable feedback, mentorship and practical experience that helps move their ideas forward. It’s a meaningful first step in the entrepreneurial process.”
Highlights from the Villanova Student Entrepreneurship Competition
VSEC is a cross-disciplinary contest lasting a semester, designed for student ventures at Villanova. Participants competed for more than $20,000 in prizes. Each team created a business model canvas and an elevator pitch video, working with alumni coaches to refine their presentations before pitching to a panel of alumni entrepreneurs at Pitch Day.
First Place ($10,000 Prize) – MUTED, McKenzie Ohene, ’26 VSB
- Muted is a soundproofing solution focused on reducing noise in high-density living and working environments through custom-fit window inserts.
Second Place ($5,000 Prize) – STAVELO, Katie Oliver, ’27 CWSL
- Stavelo is an innovative luxury brand inspired by fashion in athletics that produces accessories that feel thoughtful, composed and grounded in sport.
Third Place ($3,000 Prize) – PHOENIX, Priscilla Zhang, ’26 CLAS
- Phoenix is a voice-powered math editor that enables students to solve math and physics equations at speed of thought.
Crowd Choice ($1,000 Prize) and Klinger Unitas Prize ($500 Prize) – NIAH, Linnea Clay, ’29 FCN; Avery Curry, ’29 FCN; Makayla Cunningham, ’29 FCN; Autumn Cirelli ’29 CLAS
- Niah—the Swahili word for “goal”—is a biotech uterine health company beginning its uterine health efforts in the realm of postpartum care.
Halloran Social Impact Prize ($500 Prize) – MYPAWS TREATS, Santino Casale, ’28 VSB
- MyPaws Treats is a social impact dog treat company that supports local pet rescues with a buy one-give one model.
Recognition through the Meyer Innovation Award
The Meyer Innovation Award, established in 2009 by Patrick Meyer ’74 VSB in honor of the Meyer family, acknowledges a graduating senior each year with a $5,000 prize.
Winner – EMILY CURRAN ’26 COE
- Curran served on the facilities committee for the 2025 Special Olympics Fall Fest and launched an initiative in partnership with the Office of Sustainability to make the 2025 Fall Fest the most sustainable one yet. The initiative is committed to recycling and reusing materials from Fall Fest events instead of creating excess waste.
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