Ruston, LA – With enhanced programming, record student participation, and new leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation are reaching new heights at Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business.
This academic year saw the hiring of Dr. Benjamin McLarty as the McGehee Eminent Scholar Chair in Entrepreneurship and Jessica George as director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
“Ben’s strong entrepreneurship research portfolio, particularly in family business, and Jessica’s innovative approach to infusing entrepreneurship into our programming are keys to the Center’s success,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. “As a core theme of the College, entrepreneurship is woven into nearly every aspect of our academic programming. The reimagining of our Center allows us to build upon this mission-centric objective in a strategic way.”
The Center capped its year with the Top Dog New Venture Championship, the University’s premier entrepreneurial pitch competition and one of the oldest in the state. This cross-disciplinary contest offers a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase innovative business ideas.
“This year, 22 teams competed in the preliminary round, with seven advancing to two distinct tracks,” said George. “The investor track was for market-ready ventures with true investment potential and the journey track featured teams with early-stage ideas. I’m so proud of each of our competitors and enjoyed seeing their ideas come to life.”
Investor Track Winners:
- 1st Place – FlatFit by Dawson Mulkey: A modular, adhesive-backed power solution that discreetly delivers electricity using flat extension cord technology.
- 2nd Place – ThermaEdge (Joseph Estopinal, Douglas Graham, Victoria Baglio, Gabriel Stapp): A heated or chilled muscle scraper offering affordable, professional-grade recovery tools for athletes.
- 3rd Place – CutIR (Trisha Carter, Calvin Idom, Sam Chen, Holden Wells): A web platform for performance-centric code optimization using CPU cycle analysis.
- Additional Finalist: Aumnia (Vignan Deshaboina): An AI-powered personal life management system integrating wellness and productivity tools.
Journey Track Winners:
- 1st Place – Ideal College Experience Safety Shuttle (Bobby Simpson, George Breard, Claire Booth): A university-partnered transit service aimed at reducing DUIs by providing safe, reliable transportation for students.
- 2nd Place – Pawfect Match (Emma Daniels, Rileigh Langston): A Tinder-style app that matches users with pets based on lifestyle and preferences.
- 3rd Place – Wello (Delsean Miles): A smart wristband and mobile app that helps users build healthy habits in hydration, movement, and nutrition.
Prior to Top Dog, students from the BUSN 110 course competed in the Top Pup finals, a pitch competition providing early exposure to entrepreneurship.
Top Pup Finalists:
- 1st Place – MediMeal (Hailey Emerson, Danielle Miller, Kristian Pellegrino, Tyler Hart, Zachary Curtis): A health-tracking app for individuals managing chronic conditions.
- 2nd Place – Tech Drives (Nathan Fischer, Hunter Harris, Jaquerion Whitaker, Quincy Lewis): A student-run rideshare service tailored to Louisiana Tech students.
- 3rd Place – Dawg Dash (Gracie Vidrine, Zoe Tugwell, Ethan Vest, Brogan Walker, AJ Wetzig): A student-created campus food and supply delivery service.
- Finalist: Magnolia Marketing (Caden French, Matthew Fortune, Ian Franze, Hillarie Gallien): A social media and marketing firm for local and regional businesses.
Judges for Top Dog and Top Pup included:
- India Carroll, Executive in Residence, College of Business
- Michael Leachman, Partner & Patent Attorney, Jones Walker LLP
- Dr. Chris Martin, Dean, College of Business
- Lucius McGehee, Vice President – Governmental Services, Argent Advisors
- Dr. Benjamin McLarty, McGehee Eminent Scholar Chair in Entrepreneurship
- Dave Smith, Executive Director, Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program, BRF
Over $20,000 in prize money was awarded thanks to generous support from Jones Walker LLP, BRF’s Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program, alumni Matt and Catherine Saurage, and Just Business Giving Society donors.
Additional initiatives from the Center included Won in One, an elevator pitch competition held inside Wyly Tower’s elevator. Winners were:
- 1st Place – Anna Claire Masters
- 2nd Place – Patrick Rea
- 3rd Place – Wesley Bonner
The Center also piloted Backed by Business, a cross-campus collaboration between the Colleges of Engineering and Science and Business. During the Freshman Design Competition, business students selected engineering team projects based on market potential.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about launching a startup; it’s a way of thinking that’s valuable no matter what industry or career you’re aiming for,” said George. “It teaches you how to spot problems, test your ideas with real people, and communicate your vision clearly.”
About the College of Business:
Through market-responsive academic programs, impactful scholarship, and a student-focused culture, Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business graduates business and academic leaders who are innovative, entrepreneurially minded, and analytically and technologically skilled for a globally competitive marketplace. Accredited by AACSB International, the College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees including the MBA, Master of Accountancy, and Ph.D. in Business Administration. Learn more at business.latech.edu.