Bulldog Pitch Competition

2025 Bulldog Pitch Competition 

Bowie State University Celebrates Bold Student Innovation at the 2025 Bulldog Pitch Competition

On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Bowie State University’s Entrepreneurship Innovation Center (EIC) lit up with energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial brilliance as it hosted the 8th Annual Bulldog Pitch Competition Finals—a celebration of bold ideas, student leadership, and business excellence.

With more than 400 attendees joining in person and online, this year’s competition was the biggest yet, drawing over 50 student venture applications from across all four academic colleges and the graduate program. After two rigorous rounds of evaluation, eight outstanding student finalists earned their place on stage to pitch their ventures live in front of a high-energy crowd and a panel of expert judges.

“This competition proves that our students are ready to launch ideas that can change industries, uplift communities, and build generational wealth.”
– Johnetta Boseman Hardy, Executive Director, Entrepreneurship Innovation Center

The competition was divided into two tracks:

• Idea Stage – for early-stage concepts
• Revenue Generating Stage – for existing ventures already in operation

Each finalist delivered a polished pitch, answered live Q&A from judges, and showcased the growth they’ve made through the EIC’s workshops, coaching, and mentorship leading up to the Finals.

Idea Stage Winners

• 1st Place: ScreenSight – Ashanti Boone & Juliana Pianim
  A screen accessibility solution powered by machine learning to adjust contrast, brightness, and text size based on users’ vision prescriptions.
• 2nd Place: Lowd Ink – Marvel Onwumere
  A discreet, pen-shaped personal defense tool designed for instant protection.
• Runners-Up:
  Athlete Connect – Jade Ford (NIL sponsorship marketplace)
  ZEERANGE DANCE APPAREL – Zahra Tholley (inclusive dancewear line for diverse skin tones)

Revenue Generating Stage Winners

• 1st Place: HairHaven – Dayana Ferrufino
  A creative-tech media hub supporting entrepreneurs through photography, podcasting, and video services.
• 2nd Place: Geekscode LLC / EmergencyAid – Chiemela Kalu
  A mobile app offering emergency guidance and real-time alerts to users before help arrives.
• Runners-Up:
  Scrubbie Scoops – Jenaiyah Lewis (a playful, anti-bullying skincare brand)
  CabLane – Kyra Cabbagestalk (handcrafted self-care line promoting emotional wellness)

Special Thanks to Our Judges

Idea Stage Judges

• Myles Frost – Tony Award-winning actor & BSU alum
• Candice Austin – Director, State Government & Local Affairs, Verizon
• Justice Morant – 2024 Bulldog Pitch Winner & Founder of SisterSync
• Al Reynolds – TV Host, Entertainment Contributor, Professor
• Griffin St. Louis – Program Manager, Maryland Innovation Initiative at TEDCO

Revenue Generating Judges

• Abi Kulshreshtha – Executive Director, Maryland Innovation Initiative
• Dionne Waldron-McNeal – VP, Community Outreach, Fulton Bank
• Tameka Montgomery – CEO, Core Strategy Partners
• Kristina Sicard – VP/Senior Business Consultant, JPMorgan Chase

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our presenting sponsors for making this event possible:
Verizon, Fulton Bank, and Blackstone LaunchPad.

The EIC Commitment

The Bulldog Pitch Competition is more than a contest—it’s a launchpad. A space where BSU’s entrepreneurial spirit comes to life, and students are empowered to turn their passions into scalable ventures. The EIC continues to support these student founders beyond the stage, offering access to coaching, funding pathways, and accelerator programs.

Stay connected with us at the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center, where we’re building the future—one bold idea at a time.