Santa Clara University

CIE Speaker Series & SCEO Elevator Pitch Competition

On a quarterly basis, the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship hosts the CIE Speaker Series-informative, entertaining events that feature a dynamic leading entrepreneur or leader in innovation sharing experiences and advice with the SCU community, generating awreness of the role played by and importance of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

To celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week, the CIE partnered with the Undergraduate student club Santa Clara Entrepreneurs Organization (SCEO) to present an Elevator Pitch Competition in which six undergraduates each had 90 seconds to pitch an idea to our panel of judges.  The winner received a $250 cash prize, and a special $100 Sustainability Prize was  also awarded.  

Bryan Neider '78, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of the EA Games Label of Electronic Arts served as the keynote speaker, detailing his start from Santa Clara University and what's new and upcoming with EA.  Bryan also fielded audience questions and served on the judging panel for the competition portion of the evening.

This fast-paced event was held Tuesday, November 17, in the Recital Hall, Music & Dance Building.  Congratulations to grand prize winner Erik Fialho, who took home the $250 cash prize (shown above) and to our $100 sustainability prize winner Alex Lin.

 

 

SCEO co-presidents Bret Gladfelty and Sol Tran, Winners Erik Fialho and Alex Lin, event organizer Chris Stamas, competitor Joel Ching and competitor Vaishali Parekh (other competitors absent from photo include Anthony Prieto, Jordan Bryant, and Dave Gamache).

Thanks to our panel of judges: Bryan Neider, SCU's own Preet Anand and Dennis Capovilla, President & CEO, Southwall Technologies, Inc.  Thanks also to the "fourth judge" of attendees who were able to text in their vote for the winner and watch the live tally.

Kudos to the SCEO team who organized the competition:  Anthony Prieto, Chris Stamas, Bret Gladfelty and Sol Tran (shown below left to right).

Mark your calendars for the next events in the Speaker Series: January 20 and April 14.  The CIE Speaker Series events begin with a 7 pm program in the Recital Hall, Music & Dance Building.