Keiser University Pitch Contest Unveils Innovative Student Business Ideas

Keiser University’s Seahawk Tank Pitch Contest recently spotlighted innovation and entrepreneurship as eight students from campuses across Florida competed for a total of $10,000 in prize funding.

Held at Keiser University’s West Palm Beach Flagship Campus under the direction of Professor George Stamas, the competition featured finalists presenting well-researched and creative business concepts spanning health, food service, technology, and lifestyle solutions.

Winning Business Ideas

First Place – $3,500
Gavin Mortazavi – Flagship Campus
Nomad Supplements – A convenient protein drink designed for athletes on the go.

Second Place – $2,500
Esther Cantrell – Lakeland Campus – US Navy Veteran
Boricua Sailors Kitchen – A kitchen concept offering organic, natural, and healthy food options.

Third Place – $1,500
Alana Lech – Flagship Campus
Forever Celebrated Events – A full-service luxury event décor and planning business.

Additional Finalists Recognized

Five additional finalists were each awarded $500 for their innovative ideas:

  • Sawyer Day – New Port Richey Campus
    Aqua Splash: Pool Box – Seasonal pool experiences delivered directly to customers’ doors.
  • Eric Neron-Bancel – Flagship Campus
    Start Line – A sleek tri-suit for triathletes featuring detachable components.
  • Rodrigo Moreno – Pembroke Pines Campus
    Licensr – An automated licensing platform to help founders launch businesses more efficiently.
  • Rong-Quan Chen – Melbourne Campus
    Virtual Hands-On Training – A platform designed to transform how technical skills are taught across industries.
  • Praneel Patel – Flagship Campus
    Fluid Fit – A stream sleeve providing real-time fatigue and hydration intelligence.

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Keiser University’s annual Seahawk Tank Pitch Contest is open to students from all campuses and serves as a platform to encourage innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking. The university extends its appreciation to the anonymous cash prize donor as well as this year’s judges – Katherine Emerson, Philip Crowley, Juan Pagan, and Bradley Gies for their expertise, insights, and thoughtful deliberations.

Bachelor of Arts degree in Business students at Keiser University gain a basic understanding of business skills needed for entry-level business professionals, as the program introduces them to the functional areas of business, the business environment including ethical business practices, technical and communication skills needed in today’s business environment.

Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, it offers:

  • Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
  • Recognition as the No. 1 university in the U.S. for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report (2023)
  • Proud membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
  • A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years

Don’t wait to start building your future. Contact Keiser University today and take the first step toward your dream career. Call Toll-Free: 888-KEISER-9  or Contact a Keiser Campus near you. Schedule your campus tour and learn more about our flexible programs, financial aid options, and career services support.

keiser university - pitch contest - contestants - judges

L-R: Brad Gies, Philip Crowley, Katherine Emerson, Praneel Patel, Rong-Quan Chen, Gavin Mortazavi, Rodrigo Moreno, Juan Pagan, George Stamas, Esther Cantrell, Alana Lech, Sawyer Day and Eric Neron-Bancel

pitch competition - winners

KU Flagship Academic Dean Dr. Debora Johnston (far left) and Professor and Pitch Contest Director George Stamas (far right) congratulate Pitch Competition Winners Alana Lech (Third Place), Esther Cantrell (Second Place) and Gavin Mortazavi (First Place)

Seahawk Nation Video Highlights

At Keiser University students always come first, our reputation was built in Florida. Keiser is a not-for-profit university with over 40 years of history, thousands of graduates on campus and online. Now, with a 100-acre residential campus, this can be your right fit. We are Keiser University!

Keiser University Students First

Keiser University is pleased to join forces with guest lecturer, and New York Times Bestselling author Don Yaeger, to offer The Greatness Leadership Initiative: Transforming the World in the Face of Change. This open, online course is available free of charge to all in the Keiser University community. Stay tuned for more information!

The Greatness Leadership Initiative: Transforming the World in the Face of Change