“Vol Court” winners announced for Fall 2024
ASTERS takes the top prize of $1,500, while AlertX takes home second-place and $1,000, and Partnerly wins the third-place prize of $500.
An artificial intelligence (AI)-powered support system, an alert software system, and a social media partnership service were the winners in the Fall 2024 “Vol Court Speaker Series & Pitch Competition.” The twice-a-year, four-week event is hosted by the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business.
“Vol Court may be just an idea pitch, but the quality of these presentations clearly shows how much thought, effort, and research our students have invested in their business concepts. From social enterprise fashion to augmented reality auto parts imaging, the diversity of ideas reflects the broad knowledge and passion our students are bringing to the table,” says Breanna Hale, Executive Director of the ACEI. “We’re incredibly proud of everyone who pitched their ideas, and we’re excited to support their journeys as they continue to develop these promising ventures.”
The team of judges awarded ASTERS the first-place prize of $1,500, AlertX the second-place prize of $1,000, and Partnerly the third-place prize of $500.
- ASTERS, co-founded by Aniirudh Ramesh, a mechanical engineering graduate from Chennai, India, is an AI-powered decision support system designed to mitigate active-shooter scenarios.
- AlertX, formed by Max Gallinek, a freshman supply chain management major from Charlotte, NC, is a campus-wide software that provides students with rapid access to Narcan by sending digital alerts and connecting those in need with nearby students who have quick access to the life-saving drug.
- Partnerly, founded by Blake Hopkins, a senior supply chain management major and entrepreneur minor from Fayetteville, TN, is a service to help businesses and content creators start, scale, and succeed with their social media paid partnerships.
“It’s truly a great honor to get a platform to distill a complex idea into an information-dense, 90-second pitch,” says Ramesh. “This invaluable training — coupled with the prize money — will significantly advance our efforts in bringing our technology to market.”
Gallinek had similar thoughts. “Winning the Vol Court pitch competition during my first semester at UT is truly an honor, and I am immensely grateful for this opportunity. This experience has not only allowed me to expand my professional network but has also provided me with inspiration and new perspectives that will be crucial as I move forward in developing my startup and bringing it to life. Go Vols!”
“Winning Vol Court was a huge honor,” says Hopkins. “I want to give a huge thank you to the Anderson Center for providing opportunities like this one.”
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