“Bear Down and Pitch” Competition Set for April 19 at the Scottsdale Museum of the West

April 11, 2018

Seven student teams from UA Eller’s McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship to pitch new venture concepts to successful EO Arizona entrepreneurs

TUCSON, Ariz. – April 10, 2018 – In just five minutes, an innovative concept for a new business venture could flourish with support from some of Arizona’s most successful entrepreneurs. That’s the hope of seven student teams from the University of Arizona McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship when they pitch their new ventures to Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Arizona member judges during the “Bear Down and Pitch” competition on Thursday, April 19. The event, which is open to the public, takes place from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way, in Scottsdale. 

The McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship is part of the prestigious Eller College of Management. Throughout the year, more than 80 students receive experiential education that engages them in the process of moving innovation from an early-stage idea to a sustainable launch-ready venture. The cohort-based immersive program is open to UA undergraduate and graduate students from all fields of study. 

The inaugural “Bear Down and Pitch” competition celebrates the conclusion of McGuire Center’s spring semester partnership with EO Arizona. Over the past few months, EO members traveled to Tucson and shared their expert insights with McGuire students. 

“EO Arizona’s support of McGuire students and faculty has been unparalleled,” said Eller College Dean Paulo Goes. “As a global network of entrepreneurs, EO focuses on peer-to-peer learning, leadership development and professional advancement opportunities. Their exclusive membership consists of entrepreneurs making $1 million or more in annual revenue. It’s a remarkable opportunity for McGuire students to engage with such a notable group of thought leaders.” 

Christie Kerner, director of venture development at StartupAZ Foundation, will serve as the event’s emcee and moderator.

The seven McGuire Center student teams competing include: Ecocrete, Sunshine Foods, Kratr, Blare, Nani, Prova Technologies and Algoe Chemicals (See full team descriptions below). With just five minutes to pitch their new venture concept, each team will be judged on the sustainability of their ventures.

The judges of the competition feature distinguished members of the Phoenix startup community including members of EO Arizona, StartUpAZ Foundation, Invest Southwest and others.

McGuire Center Teams Competing in Bear Down and Pitch

Ecocrete Ecocrete manufactures and sells construction materials made of recycled byproducts that area safe, cost-effective and eco-friendly.
SunshineFoods Sunshine Foods is an allergy safe production and food delivery service for elementary, middle school and high school students. Our company offers nutritious meals that cater to the 8 major food allergies; gluten, dairy, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and eggs.
Kratr Kratr develops a mobile/web app that connects community owners with their residents and drives increased event attendance. 
Blare Blare, is a technology-enabled wearable that can discreetly alert trusted contacts and law enforcement of a user’s location in a dangerous situation. It is a potential solution to the increasing rate of sexual assault surrounding women on college campuses.
Nani Nani is a wearable tracking device available for rent at busy destinations, such as amusement parks, to ensure families stay together.
ProvaTechnologies Prova Technologies is a company that uses biomedical technology to rapidly test cannabis for quality and potency.
AlgoeChemicals Algoe Chemicals opens the door of innovation for scientists by providing them with the strongest reducing agent known to man. Our reducing agent has two variations, allowing for more control and selectivity in the hands of the user. It is rechargeable, has a 15-year shelf life, and allows for high energy reactions to occur in a table environment. We plan to change the face of research and development and hydrogen generation.