2019 New Venture Competition Winners!

Authentication Software Developer, Allthenticate, Takes Top Prize at NVC

After eight intensive months of coursework, research, mentorship, practice, and even more practice, six New Venture Competition Teams, winnowed from a field of 20 finalists, competed on May 29, 2019 for $40,000 in prize money and the opportunity to wow judges, investors, and more than 250 attendees.

The annual New Venture Competition and related curriculum is one of four academic pathways offered by UCSB's Technology Management - research and education focused on organizations, management, and technology's impact on knowledge, work, and innovation. The competition includes both undergraduate- and graduate-level students across all UCSB academic disciplines. Essential to the program is the participation of local business executives and entrepreneurs who mentor students throughout the eight-month program, offering valuable insights and contacts that help students validate their ideas. Teams participating in the Finals are judged by a panel of entrepreneurs and successful business leaders. Awards are sponsored by local businesses and other organizations including Stradling Law Firm, CNSI, Dow, Deloitte, Maps.com, MRL, PayJunction, and Yardi. This year's awards included First Place ($10,000 prize), Second Place ($7,500 prize), Third Place ($5,000 prize), and three Honorable Mentions ($2,500 prize, each). The competition also included an Impact Award ($5,000 prize) and a "People's Choice" Award ($2,500 prize, each), voted on by audience members. 

2019 NEW VENTURE COMPETITION WINNERS

FIRST PLACE: Allthenticate - Authentication technology to secure businesses' physical and digital worlds.

SECOND PLACE: Selva - Online marketplace that connects textile mills with apparel companies to facilitate the sale of deadstock (excess) fabric.

THIRD PLACE: Guinea Gig - mobile application and web service that consolidates research studies on university campuses into a single platform to simply participant recruiting and remuneration. 

HONORABLE MENTION

EnterVIEW - Software platform designed to simplify and improve the way companies recruit -- and candidates look for -- jobs.

The Hurd Co. - Developers of sustainable textiles from cannabis waste.

Microprint - Printing process to enable every mobile device to be powered by micro-leds.

IMPACT AWARD: MicroPrint 

PEOPLE'S CHOICE: Allthenticate and The Hurd Co.

In addition to the New Venture Program, Technology Management offers a Ph.D. in Technology Management, professional Master of Technology Management, and UC-recognized Certificates in Technology Management, offered to both undergraduate and graduate students.