Student entrepreneurs take the stage in 2026 New Venture Challenge

At Central Michigan University’s College of Business Administration, innovation meets opportunity in moments that bring ideas to life. The 2026 New Venture Challenge, held March 27 in Grawn Atrium, showcased exactly that student creativity, entrepreneurial drive and a commitment to real-world impact. 

Now in its 16th year, the event opened with Isabella Bank Institute of Entrepreneurship Director Julie Messing welcoming participants and reflecting on the competition’s growth. From there, seven finalist teams took the stage, each given five minutes to present their ventures and five minutes to answer questions from judges. What followed was a dynamic display of student-led innovation showcasing purpose, practicality and possibility.

Turning ideas into impact 

Each finalist brought a distinct vision to the competition, highlighting how students are identifying real needs and building solutions that extend beyond the classroom. 

• Above All Property Management, represented by Sawyer Cadarette, Harley Cadarette and Brent Cadarette, introduced a service designed to give Northern Michigan second-home owners “peace of mind while they’re away,” focusing on proactive property care. 
• Asclepius AI, represented by Avery Elmhirst, Brady Swift, and Dennis Elmhirst, presented a healthcare technology platform aimed at improving patient understanding and engagement, using guideline-based artificial intelligence to help individuals navigate cancer diagnoses and treatment options. 
• BesTEA, represented by Suhani Bam Thakuri and Tanisha R. Pokhrel, shared a culturally inspired venture rooted in community and experience. Created by two students from Nepal, the business offers “freshly brewed, flavorful tea that reflects the Nepali culture and tradition,” filling a gap on campus for a dedicated tea experience. 
• Inner City Inclusion, represented by Carnell Poindexter, Nicole Watts, and Morgan Shropshire, focused on access and equity, outlining an eight-week program that prepares low-income Detroit students for college readiness and affordability through university partnerships. 
• Linked By Twins LLC, represented by Amelia Morfe and Samantha Morfe, demonstrated the power of branding and personalization with a jewelry business offering “customizable welded pieces of gold-filled and sterling silver,” designed for everyday wear and self-expression. 
• Master Mental Mindset LLC, represented by Alexa Weber, highlighted the importance of wellbeing, delivering workshops that teach “stress management, goal setting and self-belief” to help students and athletes succeed in multiple areas of life. 
• Talent Hub, represented by Prosper Mapepa, rounded out the finalists with a platform that reimagines career readiness—connecting students and employers through verified skills rather than traditional resumes. 

Together, these ventures reflected a shared theme: students are not only learning business concepts—they are applying them to solve meaningful problems. 

Learning through experience and connection 

Beyond the presentations, the New Venture Challenge emphasized the importance of experiential learning and professional connection. After the finalist pitches, attendees participated in a networking break during the gallery reception, giving students the opportunity to engage with judges, mentors and peers while decisions were finalized. 

This hands-on environment reinforces a core CBA priority—preparing students for career success through real-world application. From refining pitches to responding to live feedback, participants gained skills that extend far beyond the competition stage.

Dean Chris Moberg recognized the collective effort behind the event, thanking “all the teams, mentors, judges, preliminary judges, and others who made the event successful.” His remarks underscored the collaborative ecosystem that supports student innovation at CMU.

Celebrating achievement and growth 

The evening concluded with a series of awards recognizing both emerging talent and established excellence within the New Venture Challenge community.

Julie Messing received the Oak Award, while alumna Diana Magdaleno-Leal, a 2024 Main Street first-place winner, earned the Future Oak Award—highlighting the lasting impact of the program beyond graduation.

Additional honors included Gallery Awards, with Bloksock earning Best Gallery Award and Twine Campus receiving the Audience Choice Award. The Main Street Award also went to Bloksock, further recognizing its market potential.

Finalist rankings reflected the strength and competitiveness of this year’s cohort. Linked By Twins LLC secured first place, followed by Inner City Inclusion in second and Master Mental Mindset LLC in third. BesTEA earned fourth place, Talent Hub placed fifth, and Above All Property Management and Asclepius AI tied for sixth.

A launchpad for future leaders 

The New Venture Challenge continues to provide real-world experience for student entrepreneurs—offering not only recognition, but also the mentorship and confidence needed to move ideas forward.

From innovative healthcare solutions to culturally driven businesses and platforms redefining career pathways, this year’s finalists demonstrated what is possible when students are empowered to lead, create and connect. 

At the College of Business Administration, those moments are more than a competition—they are the beginning of what comes next.