Riata Center distributes $10,000 in scholarships to Pitch and Poster winners

Friday, November 8, 2024

Media Contact: Terry Tush | Director of Marketing & Communications | 405-744-2703 | terry.tush@okstate.edu

Student entrepreneurs at Oklahoma State University had an extra reason to celebrate during America’s Greatest Homecoming.

The Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship awarded $10,000 in scholarships to students presenting the best business ideas at the annual Pitch and Poster competition that was held November in the Student Union. Participants gained valuable real-world experience delivering pitches and receiving constructive feedback from judges, who selected the winners from 33 entries. 

“It’s truly inspiring to watch how ideas that began just weeks ago are gaining momentum, taking shape and starting to form into something powerful,” said Paula McCullough, Riata Center manager of outreach programs. “Your dedication, hard work and passion for bringing your big ideas to life have impressed us all. We can’t wait to see where your innovation journey leads you next.”

The students displayed their original posters outside the Starlight Terrace, demonstrating creativity with business concepts related to art, athletics, workplace security and more. Snap Footwear, the overall winner, involves a shoe base with interchangeable, specialized soles so parents of multisport athletes can save money on their kids’ footwear.

Open to students of all majors, the competition includes four distinct categories: Main Street Lifestyle, Big City/High Tech, Social Enterprise and Rising Entrepreneur. Returning winners are eligible for the Rising Entrepreneur track. 

Here are the 2024 Pitch and Poster winners listed by business name, team members and scholarship amount: 

Main Street Lifestyle

First: Boba Pour – Mary Wellington – $1,000

Second: Snap Footwear – Trinity Hunsaker, Aidan Ahern, Addy Irwin – $700

Third: Angela’s DIY Designs – Angela Davis – $300

Big City/High Tech

First: Linqua Tech – Aubrey Fudge – $1,000

Second: McKeever’s Horizon – Olivia McKeever – $700

Third: Quanstructs – Jackson Seiler and Cristian Mendoza – $300

Social Enterprise

First: In the Middle of a Miracle – Brooklyn Hawkins – $1,000

Second: Request Relief – Maija Knudson – $700

Third: Dr. PalmTree – Tianna Etes – $300

Rising Entrepreneur

Palette – Alison Conway – $1,500

People’s Choice

Snap Footwear – Trinity Hunsaker, Aidan Ahern, Addy Irwin – $500

Overall Competition Winner

Snap Footwear – Trinity Hunsaker, Aidan Ahern, Addy Irwin – $2,000

A hub for innovation, the Riata Center in the Spears School of Business offers experiential learning opportunities throughout the school year. Visit the Spears Business website to learn more about the Riata Center’s programs.