Grambling State News

Grambling State Students Win First and Third Place in Business Startup Competition 

GRAMBLING, LA – November 23, 2018 – Two of the three Grambling State University student teams took home more than $10,000 in cash prizes at the 2018 Bayou Classic BizTech Challenge; a competition challenging students to develop a technology-based business plan.

GSU participated as one of 17 colleges and universities from Louisiana and surrounding states who were invited to participate in the challenge, sponsored by NexusLA and GE with additional support from Exxon.

Grambling State’s winning ideas for a new college application mobile app and a health technology solution won third- and first place in the overall category. In addition, Grambling State student teams took home second and third place honors for the “Digital and Media Technologies” category.

The top teams in the categories of engineering and robotics; energy, environmental and agricultural technologies, and digital technologies and software were invited to pitch their business and technology solutions live before a panel of judges at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Orleans.

Participating students include:

• Alisha Thomas (2nd Place Digital and Media Technologies category)
• Casey Henry (3^rd Place Winning Team)
• Faron Rush (2nd Place Digital and Media Technologies category)
• Gary White (Grand Prize/ 1^st Place Winning Team)
• Jarrid Angelo Richards (3^rd Place Winning Team)
• Kellyne Thomas (3^rd Place Overall Winning Team)
• Kerwan Antoine (3^rd Place Overall Winning Team)
• Lala Aitcha Coulibaly (2nd Place Digital and Media Technologies category)
• Noressa Fontaine (2nd Place Digital and Media Technologies category)
• Niana Celestine (Grand Prize/ 1^st Place Winning Team)
• Nakiaus Glosson (Grand Prize/ 1^st Place Winning Team)

“We’re extremely proud of these student entrepreneurs and their initiative,” said President Rick Gallot. “Their successes in these competitions prove that innovation starts the day our students step foot on campus.  The bright ideas from the classroom aren’t just thoughts, but viable businesses that can change the world.” 

For interviews and more information about the Bayou Classic BizTech Challenge, please contact mediarelations@gram.edu or call 318-243-5012.