School of Business Hosts Inaugural Innovation Pitch Competition
The Middle Georgia State University (MGA) School of Business recently celebrated the successful conclusion of its inaugural 90-Second Pitch Competition, a high-energy event that showcased student creativity and entrepreneurial spirit from across the university.
A Platform for Future Employers
The event kicked off with an enthusiastic welcome from Dr. Marc Miller, Dean of the School of Business. Dean Miller emphasized that the competition aligns with the University System of Georgia (USG) Innovation and Entrepreneurship mandate, focusing on creating pathways for students to transition from being employees to becoming employers. He highlighted that through the School of Business Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship; students now have dedicated access to the resources needed to launch their own ventures.
Inspiring Boldness: Keynote by Doug Hughes
The summit featured keynote speaker Doug Hughes, who shared his personal journey in the business world. Hughes encouraged the gathered students to take a chance on themselves, urging them to be bold when presenting their ideas and to embrace the risks associated with innovation.
Elite Rewards and Ecosystem Connections
While students competed for $500.00 category prizes, the long-term rewards extended much further. Every student who participated in the competition is now fast-tracked into the USG StartUp Studio. This partnership provides them with elite resources to scale their ventures and connects them directly to the wider Georgia entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Expert Judging and Administration
A panel of distinguished faculty judges evaluated the fast-paced 90-second pitches:
- Dr. Simone Phipps-Prieto, Professor of Management.
- Dr. Doug Bice, Professor of Economics.
- Dr. James Blackburn, Chief Information Officer and Professor of Strategy.
The event was moderated and administered by Mrs. Tara Hill, Academic Program Quality Coordinator, and Miss Amanda Howie, Administrative Assistant, both from the School of Business.
Announcing the Winners
After careful deliberation, the following students were recognized as the top innovators in their respective categories:
- Nick Dufner – Winner, New Business Idea.
- Skylynn Nguyen – Winner, Social Impact.
Looking Ahead
The School of Business expresses its sincere appreciation to the students, faculty, and staff from across the university who supported this initiative. Due to the overwhelming success and participation, the School looks forward to hosting this student-oriented innovation competition on a semester basis moving forward.
