Agriculture and Life Sciences Pitch Competition
The Kohl Centre at Virginia Tech, led by David M. Kohl Chair and Professor Le Wang, will host the Agriculture and Life Sciences Pilot Pitch Competition in collaboration with the Apex Center for Entrepreneurs!
Students from AAEC 3454: Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship, taught by Chunbei Wang, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, will present innovative business ideas that offer real-world solutions in agriculture and the life sciences.
AAEC 3454 primarily includes students from the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and other programs within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as students from Virginia Tech interested in entrepreneurship.
Meet our winners
First place: RapidVib: Connor Bradshaw, Ethan Elder, Logan Langston, Garrett Dimit | Develops rapid Vibrio bacteria test kits for coastal watermen to solve vibriosis infections with fast in the field testing.
Second place: E-Z Mineral Feeder: Brayden DeMasi, Frank Miserentino, Colton Wilder, Tomothy Smith | A product for cattle farmers that solves the problem of herd mineral deficiency and cuts down the time needed to maintain mineral feeders.
Third place: Agroconnect: Briley Loan, Caitlyn Haynes, Cassidy Wolfcale, Lauren Bryd | A co-op style service for aspiring farmers that will allow for older generations of farmers to mentor and pass on their knowledge and experience to younger generations.
FINAL ROUND JUDGES:
- J Pearson: Entrepreneur and Professor of Practice
- Le Wang, Professor and Kohl Centre Chair
- Somiah Lattimore, APEX Center Executive Director
- Sean Collins, APEX Director of New Ventures
- Dan Lundberg, APEX Advisory Board member, life sciences consultant
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FIRST ROUND TOP 6 TEAMS
Judges: Le Wang, Professor and Kohl Centre Chair, and Melissa Vidmar, Marketing, Communications, and Partnerships Manager
Agroconnect: Briley Loan, Caitlyn Haynes, Cassidy Wolfcale, Lauren Bryd
A co-op style service for aspiring farmers that will allow for older generations of farmers to mentor and pass on their knowledge and experience to younger generations.
E-Z Mineral Feeder: Brayden DeMasi, Frank Miserentino, Colton Wilder, Tomothy Smith
A product for cattle farmers that solves the problem of herd mineral deficiency and cuts down the time needed to maintain mineral feeders.
Farm FYX: Charles Doud, Summer Vander Kooi, Emma Jenkins, Mitchell Meira
Provides affordable, dependable upgrade kits for aging farm equipment, helping family farms stay productive and resilient.
Fresh Focus: Sam Rutherford, Tori Leonard, Zach Arakelian, Bayleigh Lant
A prepared meal service for Hokies who live off-campus that don't have time to cook but want a healthier and more convenient alternative to fast food.
Tomtom Tomatoes: Carmen Brown, Loraine Cook, CJ Rufe
Brings heirloom tomatoes to the Blacksburg area to allow access to fresh tomatoes for all.
RapidVib: Connor Bradshaw, Ethan Elder, Logan Langston, Garrett Dimit
Develops rapid Vibrio bacteria test kits for coastal watermen to solve vibriosis infections with fast in the field testing.
Competition details
- November 18 and 20, 2025 - Pitch round one
- The top six teams will proceed to the final round
- December 4, 2025 - Top team pitch final round
- The top three teams will be selected as first, second, and third place winners of the competition
Faculty, professionals, and representatives from the APEX Center will serve on a panel of judges for the competition.
Prizes awarded:
- First place: Framed certificate of winning team, VT prize pack, e-badge for LinkedIn profile, and social media acknowledgement
- Second and third place: Framed certificate of recognition, VT gift, and social media acknowledgement
This pilot pitch competition will feature participating student teams, a panel of judges, and invited attendees.
Contact: Chunbei Wang, Ph.D., chunbeiwang@vt.edu