On April 11, UMBC’s Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation held the annual Cangialosi Business Innovation Competition (CBIC) finals, and the students’ innovative energy was on full display! They did a great job presenting their Tech & Innovation and Social Impact solutions in the form of new startups.
The CBIC, established in 2014 by a generous pledge from Greg Cangialosi ’96, provides entrepreneurial students at UMBC with an opportunity to develop their startup ideas with the guidance of a seasoned business mentor, connect with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges to win money to help launch their venture.
The competition has two tracks, Tech & Innovation and Social Impact, with Cash prizes of up to $5,000 for the winners of both tracks. Winners also get free accounting and legal services, and six months of membership to bwtech@UMBC.
Congratulations to the 2024 WINNERS!
Tech & Innovation
1st Place – Sphere Hub: AI-powered roommate discovery platform that streamlines the search for compatible roommates and affordable housing for university students and alumni using advanced matching algorithms.
2nd Place – Sbudget: Simplified financial management for small businesses with features like automated receipt scanning, real-time financial insights, and templated budgeting.
3rd Place – Chesapeake Stays: Tech-powered Airbnb property management. Optimizing property revenues through customized management and technology solutions for high-end short-term rentals.
4th Place – Pivot Point: A platform to enhance gig workers’ financial and career prospects with targeted skills training, income optimization, and a supportive community platform.
Social Impact
1st Place – Hairpreneurs: Teaching hairdressing skills to Baltimore city residents, offering them profitable career paths, reducing poverty, and building community involvement.
2nd Place – Khammunity: Secondhand marketplace supporting environmental sustainability and economic well-being with a focus on the local Lao American community.
3rd Place – The Greenhouse: A resident-focused café on UMBC’s campus to provide accessible, healthy dining options for students, especially on weekends, enhancing student life and community engagement.
4th Place – Grown Deliveries: Connecting consumers with local farms, offering a convenient marketplace for purchasing fresh, sustainable food while supporting small-scale farmers in the Baltimore area.