On April 9th, 2024, the air was charged with anticipation as the Fall Founders Program Pitch Competition, the culmination of five months of innovation, dedication, and hard work, unfolded. Six startups, each with a unique vision, took to the stage to present their business ideas to a panel of esteemed judges, vying for the chance to win $3,000 in cash prizes.
Entrepreneurs, mentors, and the Lancer community gathered to support the Fall 2023 cohort and learn about their innovative ideas. From revolutionary healthcare solutions to cutting-edge technology, the ideas showcased were as diverse as the entrepreneurs.
Congratulations to everyone who pitched:
- Bhawya, Founder, Circuits Design and Innovation Services
- Dhwani Shah, Founder, Aadhya Navik Inc.
- Joy-Lynn Kobti & Michelle Dao, Co-Founders, Complex Therapeutix
- Michael Nwachukwu, Founder, Canteenly
- Zahra Kheiryashkuh, Founder, Seamley
The judges faced the difficult task of selecting the winners. The competition is fierce, with each startup delivering compelling presentations that showcase their passion and business acumen. Thank you to our judges:
- Marc Mundy, Vice President, Commercial Financial Services, Royal Bank of Canada
- Dr. Phillip Olla, Chief Executive Officer, Audacia Bioscience
- Dr. Afshin Rahimi, Associate Professor, Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering, University of Windsor
- Yvonne Pilon, President & CEO, WEtech Alliance
Our first-place winners were Joy-Lynn Kobti and Michelle Dao, the co-founders of Complex Therapeutix. “Working with the staff at EPICentre was truly an eye-
opening experience in the world ofentrepreneurship. As a science student, we’re not exposed to the business side of things, and the network of people and workshops provided were invaluable,” says Joy-Lynn Kobti University of Windsor PhD. Student in Chemistry/Biochemistry.
“The Founders Program at the EPICentre offered a wide-range of different resources that were instrumental in starting a business. The EPICentre team has been exceptional in providing feedback and support throughout the past few months, and I cannot thank them enough for their guidance! It has been a privilege working alongside other talented cohort members, and I wish them the best on their journey,” says Michelle Dao, University of Windsor PhD. Student in Chemistry.
Securing second place was Zahra Kheiryashkuh, founder of Seamly and University of Windsor Masters student in Computer Science. “The EPICenter Founders Program was one of my best experiences in the business world. It’s where you get to work with amazing mentors and gain practical skills. The program was managed with amazing precision; events, workshops, and weekly meetings were all incredibly well-organized. I entered this program as someone interested in the entrepreneurship world and emerged as a CEO running a corporation. If you’re looking for a starting point or want to expand your business in an optimal and principled way, the Founders Program is the one,” says Zahra
As the Fall Founders Program ended, each startup began an exciting journey as they continued to pursue their dreams and redefine the future of entrepreneurship. Thank you to everyone who participated, and we wish you all the best in your entrepreneurial endeavours.