Past Winners and Finalists

Year 1 (2025-26)

Pitch Night: April 10, 2026

Pitch Night on Eventbrite · Pitch Night photos on Facebook (1) · Pitch Night photos on Facebook (2)

• $75,000 Judge Panel Prize: With Oneshot AI, Everyone Speaks Your Language, Samuel Marseille. Awarded to the finalist with the highest score from the Pitch Night judge panel.
• $25,000 Student Vote Finalist Prize: With Oneshot AI, Everyone Speaks Your Language, Samuel Marseille. Open to the four finalists who made the Final 9 through the WMU Student Vote, and awarded to the one with the highest score from the Pitch Night judge panel.

1. Ground Loop: A Circular Revolution for Coffee Waste

   by Genesis Erhabor · Judging Committee

   Transforming spent coffee grounds into high-value sustainable products. From nutrient-rich fertilizers and exfoliating skincare to vibrant natural dyes, we unlock the hidden potential of every brew.

2. VolleyNet - Subfinder

   by Khang Nguyen · WMU Student Vote

   An app for sports teams to find sub players and players to find teams. You can swipe to match like Tinder, chat before giving your number away and then send meetup location over when comfortable

3. A Digital Performance Framework for Women Balancing Work, Motherhood, and Education

   by Dericka S Bellamy · Judging Committee

   The Deranda Institute is a digital performance platform built for ambitious women balancing work, motherhood, and higher education all at once.

4. UnionOPS. Built to Comply.

   by Caden Boynton · Judging Committee

   UnionOPS is a modern, integrated payroll and project management software designed specifically for union construction contractors.

5. With Oneshot AI, Everyone Speaks Your Language

   by Samuel Marseille · WMU Student Vote

   The healthcare industry's first fully automatic, HIPAA-compliant, medical-grade real-time interpretation system.

6. Thirsty Lemon - A Premium Non-Alcoholic Social Lounge

   by Chy'Ah Smith · WMU Student Vote

   Thirsty Lemon is an elevated, alcohol-free social lounge for college students and young adults seeking connection, creativity, and community without pressure to drink.

7. Parisian Dream Desserts

   by Kalea Barnes · WMU Student Vote

   We are a community-centered bakery that creates handcrafted, visually beautiful desserts from scratch. Blending classics with modern creativity, while offering customizable dietary-friendly options.

8. Dekree — Where Municipal Law Meets Modern Software

   by Garrett Patnoude · Judging Committee

   Dekree is an AI-powered compliance platform that helps Michigan townships manage FOIA requests, track legal deadlines, and stay compliant across 14 state statutes, all in one place.

9. Volt - Power and Utility Tracker

   by Connor Burkett · Judging Committee

   Volt lets homeowners see their energy costs and usage live, so monthly utility bills are no longer a surprise.