23 student new ventures to compete for $40,000 in cash and prizes at 2019 New Venture Competition

TUCSON (April 25, 2019) – Imagine a world where you can walk into a store, grab what you need and leave-no lines, no hassle. Consider the environmental benefits of renewable raw materials for the Earth-conscious crafter. Think of the peace-of-mind travelers would have if they could convert their vacation itinerary into a short, personalized preview video of what to expect from the real trip.

These are just three new venture concepts that could receive funding when 23 student startups compete for more than $40,000 in cash and prizes during the 2019 McGuire New Venture Competition on Thursday, April 25. The rapid-fire rocket pitch competition and trade show is open to the public and takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at a new venue this year, the North Ballroom in the Student Union Memorial Center, 1301 E. University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719.  

Students presenting their new ventures are enrolled in the Eller College of Management's McGuire New Venture Development Program, where they have received nearly a year of intensive experiential education that engages them in the process of moving innovation from an early-stage idea to a sustainable launch-ready venture. The competitive-entry program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from across the University of Arizona. The New Venture Development Program class of 2019 is made up of 104 students from cross-campus colleges including the Eller College of Management, College of Engineering and College of Optics.

Several McGuire student startups have gone on to realize substantial growth after competing in the New Venture Competition.

“We have many entrepreneurship success stories,” Paulo Goes says. “McGuire alumni have co-founded ground-breaking ventures across a wide range of industries, such as Lyft, the rideshare company, Notehall, an online marketplace for class notes that was featured on "Shark Tank" and acquired by the digital textbook company Chegg for $9.5 million, and Avery Therapeutics, a Tucson-based biotech startup that aims to change the way heart failure is treated – and possibly even cure it.” 

This year’s event sponsors include H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation and Microsoft, the McGuire Center’s Annual Social Impact Sponsor. For more details and to see a list of this year’s student venture teams, visit the McGuire Center website.

Meet the ten finalists competing in the semi-finals of the New Venture Competition: 

Image	Echo Echo provides live crowd sourced information for your night out -- including bar atmosphere, promotions, wait times, cover charges, etc. An app where users help users make the most of their night.
Image	Exakt Technology  Exakt Technology leverages connected technology and data collection to make healthcare more cost effective and outcome oriented for patients suffering from atrial fibrillation.
Image	FliBy Imagine a world where you can walk into a store, grab what you need and leave. No lines, no hassle. Our company is creating a system to make this a reality.
Image	FOND We’re about bringing people together. Opening a bottle of our sparkling mead signifies the start of a moment that matters. Liquid belonging in every bottle.
Image	Guided Centralized platform for students, parents, and counselors to provide a customizable university finder, standardized test, scholarship and financial aid guides. Easing the higher education process, propelling students towards higher education.
Image	MODBOX MODBOX is an all-inclusive monthly subscription fitness box that educates and motivates consumers who want to kickstart, maintain, or build their fitness lifestyle.
Image	Pivot Pivot is dedicated to helping you maintain an active lifestyle, through cannabidiol (CBD) infused kinesiology tape to accelerate healing and manage pain from acute muscle injuries.
Image	Vivify Tea Co.  Vivify sells high quality CBD-infused teas for tea lovers who want to enjoy the many benefits of CBD in a relaxing and refreshing way.
Image	WildJoy WildJoy captures opportunities for happiness through a platform that connects locals and travelers to gurus who are passionate about providing memorable experiences that include cuisine, fitness, and skill-based workshops.
Image	Zap Zap is the quickest way for parking and is applicable in parking meters, lots, zones, ad areas.