TU students pitch business startups

Tiffin University's Tiffin Innovation program hosted its first Demo Day Wednesday, allowing students to present their business plans. Student-led entrepreneurial startups featured included "Zeit Tech," "Connected by Ink," "DragonMart," "CryptoInvest," "Nomenclature" and "iPromei." Students involved were Jada Moore, Marisa Smith, Pamela Jesso, Damian Wennberg, Abby Jesso, Gavin Gilreath, Braden Crosby, Briana Balliett, Alyssa Farrier, Zachary Tornow, Brooklyn Kreilick, Diamond Cambria Thomas, Autumn Cooper, Pedro Flores Ziese de Oliveira and Jesse Gashler. The program took place over 14 weeks and culminated in the showcase Wednesday in Chisholm Theatre, located in Franks Hall. Students participated in seminars under the guidance of industry-leading corporate executives. Student groups were required to undergo a rigorous vetting process at the beginning of the semester and had to meet several criteria in order to participate in Demo Day. The winning team will receive the startup funds for their idea and will be paired with an industry leader for continued mentoring. "It has been a joy to watch and guide our students as they refine ideas and come up with concrete plans for their business execution," TU President Lillian Schumacher said. "I attended several of the weekly TIP sessions since they began on Jan. 26 and witnessed an amazing transformation from, in many cases, ideation, to now, a feasible business plan. "I would also like to extend my sincerest thanks to Board of Trustee member Mr. Danial Jameel, the distinguished team of business advisors and to Ron Lonzo, the Program Facilitator. It is because of their continued effort and strict dedication that these startups are so well-prepared for their upcoming pitches." During the event there was a total of almost $14,000 invested in the various startups.