NVD Student Teams to Participate at TENWEST
Two student teams from the Eller College of Management McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship, have secured their spots among the final 25 contestants out of 140 Ideafunding applicants. They are gearing up to pitch their new ventures at Ideafunding during the TENWEST Impact Festival in November.
Ideafunding is one of Arizona's largest and the longest-running startup pitch competition in the state. This grand event serves as a dynamic platform where hundreds of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and business leaders come together to foster connections, gain valuable insights, and find inspiration in the most promising ideas Arizona has to offer. It provides an exceptional opportunity for entrepreneurs in southern Arizona to present their innovative business concepts to experienced startup investors, mentors, and stakeholders in the greater Tucson entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Sesimphiwe Mbatha
Andrew Arias
Courseer and NexoTerra, from McGuire Center's New Venture Development (NVD) major graduates of 2023 are two of the teams that made it to the final 25. NexoTerra is a forward-thinking waste-to-value company on a mission to revolutionize sustainable agriculture. NexoTerra has come up with a unique solution that repurposes discarded cannabis plants into biodegradable grow cubes, transforming waste into an invaluable resource. NexoTerra's innovation is set to change the way growers approach sustainable agriculture. By utilizing these biodegradable grow cubes, growers can cultivate plants more effectively and sustainably without compromising on price. This not only benefits the environment but also contributes to reducing the number of cannabis plants that are often needlessly disposed of in ways that harm the planet, such as burning, bleaching, or sending them to landfills. Beyond their innovative product, NexoTerra's vision extends far beyond sustainability and eco-friendliness. Their commitment to tackling the cannabis waste problem is just one facet of their larger mission. To delve deeper into their inspiring journey and ambitious goals, visit their website.
"As a recent graduate, navigating how to start your own venture is challenging but I have learned that there is a lot of help and support for young entrepreneurs trying to make a change," says Andrew Arias, a recent graduate of the NVD Program. "The idea of participating in IdeaFunding a year ago seemed so far away, but here we are in the finals, and I am ready to give it my best shot!"
Ideafunding takes place during the Entrepreneurship Day at the TENWEST Impact Festival. TENWEST is a week-long extravaganza that emphasizes the interplay between technology, entrepreneurship, creativity, culture, and the drive for positive impact. Their cross-industry approach brings together thousands of diverse individuals, creating an environment that fosters inspiration, networking, and the exchange of knowledge.
Join our team in celebrating innovation at work at the University of Arizona and celebrate with them at Ideafunding on November 9th at the TENWEST Impact Festival.