On April 7 at TU’s College Cup finals, six student ventures earned seed money to propel their entrepreneurial ideas forward. The College Cup is a six-week long program that culminates in a pitch competition designed to help students develop new ideas and innovations to positively impact the world. Participants learn about business models, customer discovery, business classification, financials, branding and pitching. 

The student entrepreneurs also learn how to deliver a compelling presentation with the support of StarTUp at the Armory mentors to practice and prepare for the event. At the end of the program, students present their ideas to a selection committee to win up to $7,000 toward their ventures.

All participants gain valuable professional experience and workplace skills that will support their professional careers — communications, self-confidence, navigating uncertainty, risk taking and decision-making. 

The winner of the College Cup pitch competitions earns a coveted spot in the Student Accelerator, an intensive eight-week, cohort-based fellowship. Students receive expert mentorship and founder-focused workshops to grow and launch their venture.

2026 Finalists

1st Place: The Essence of B.L.R.

A skin care product for very sensitive skin, with a great scent and mosquito repellant

2nd Place: Opsify

A small-business, back-office AI enabled software

3rd Place: Veltara 

A healthy ramen dispensing device

4th Place: A La Bar Carte

A mobile bar where you can craft your own themed drinks for your event

5th Place: InvenSnap

An inventory management software for small retail stores, integrates with existing POS systems

6th Place: Unhid

A social media platform for graduate students to create community, collaborate, discuss jobs and research opportunities 

Learn more about entrepreneurial opportunities for students at the StarTUp at the Armory.