The University of Vermont’s 14th annual Business Pitch Competition brought together student innovators from across disciplines to showcase entrepreneurial ideas with real‑world potential—demonstrating how experiential learning, creativity, and collaboration converge at UVM. 

Students representing multiple schools and colleges pitched ventures shaped by research, coursework, and mentorship, presenting ideas spanning technology, sustainability, healthcare access, housing, and education. The annual competition provides students with an opportunity to refine their ideas, receive feedback from faculty and industry professionals, and explore pathways beyond the classroom. 

“This experiential event is a wonderful example of collaboration through competition,” said Erik Monsen, associate professor and Steven Grossman Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship, and co-organizer of the event. “Years ago, this cross‑campus, community‑building entrepreneurship competition helped lay the foundation for the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that exists at UVM today.” 

That legacy has been evident since the competition’s earliest days. “Having been through all of them since we had the idea to start this competition way back, I am constantly impressed with the creativity of UVM students and their ability to pull together their ideas into realistic business plans,” said David Kaufman, co-organizer and senior lecturer emeritus in Parks, Recreation & Tourism in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. 

Long‑time sponsor and judge R.W. Eli Moulton III, Esq., managing member of the Moulton Law Group, praised the caliber of this year’s presentations. “As a long‑time sponsor and attendee of this annual event, I was really impressed by this year’s crop of budding entrepreneurs and the amazing presentations that these students were able to put together,” Moulton said. He extended a special congratulations to Shannon Douglas, winner of the Best Pitch Award, sponsored by the Moulton Law Group, for her venture MySubletter. 

Judges and partners across the entrepreneurial ecosystem echoed that enthusiasm. Nicole Eaton ‘23, director of Venture Platform at the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET), said, “The energy was amazing, the companies were sharp, and the students were beyond impressive. By far one of my favorite years, and I was so encouraged by their pitches.” 

First‑time sponsor Ken Merritt of North Country Angels, who served as a judge, highlighted the range of ideas presented. “I was impressed by the variety and quality of the pitches,” Merritt said. “I was very pleased to present the Most Innovative Technology Award to Merge, which is addressing students’ regional transportation needs.” 

Award Winners 

UVM student stands in front of a projected screen declaring him the grand prize winner

  • Grand Prize:  FLEX, pitched by Cabot Sayles ’26 (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) 

  • Best Pitch Award (sponsored by Moulton Law Group):  MySubletter, pitched by Shannon Douglas ’26 (Grossman School of Business) 

  • Most Launch‑Ready Award (sponsored by Gallagher Flynn & Co.):  GiftDrive, pitched by Logan Vaughan ’27 (Grossman School of Business) 

  • Most Innovative Technology Award (sponsored by North Country Angels): Merge, pitched by Lars Plaehn ’29 and Kevin Moran ’29 (Grossman School of Business) 

  • Most Sustainable Award:  ModuCare Clinic, pitched by Denise Stretinska ’26 and Shea Moroney ’26 (College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences) 

  • People’s Choice Award (sponsored by the UVM Entrepreneurship Club): Jay Peak Basecamp, LLC, pitched by Claire Zimpfer ’27 and Maggie Stewart‑Palome ’27 (Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources) 

Reflecting on earning the Grand Prize, Cabot Sayles ’26 emphasized the broader impact of the competition. “I’m grateful to have been part of this event with the incredible entrepreneurial students at the University of Vermont,” he said. “I look forward to using this prize to support the expansion of opportunities for experiential education in Vermont’s public schools.” 

Students across stages and disciplines reflected on how the competition supported their growth.  

A student presents in front of a power point projection to a panel of judges at the UVM Business Pitch competition 2026

“This was an amazing way to wrap up my freshman year,” said Lars Plaehn ’29, who pitched Merge with teammate Kevin Moran ’29 and earned the Most Innovative Technology Award. “My partner and I are extremely grateful for the supportive community at UVM and seeing everyone’s ideas come to life in these pitches was inspiring. We plan to put the award money toward marketing and user interface upgrades as we continue developing our venture.” 

Student participants also highlighted the competition’s value as a learning experience. “I had a lot of fun preparing for it and hearing the other pitches,” said Maggie Stewart‑Palome ’27, a public communication student in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ CDAE department and a Parks, Recreation & Tourism student in the Rubenstein School. “It was a really cool and unique learning opportunity that I would encourage more people to take advantage of.” 

For Shannon Douglas ’26, winner of the Best Pitch Award, the experience helped build confidence and perspective. “Preparing, practicing, and pitching was a daunting but exciting process that pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way,” she said. “Being surrounded by other dedicated students with such creative ideas was really inspiring and helped me think bigger about what’s possible through entrepreneurship.” 

Students also emphasized the practical benefits of pitching in front of judges and peers. “The UVM Business Pitch Competition was an amazing experience and a great opportunity to share what my team and I are working on, as well as gain valuable feedback and advice from both the judges and the audience,” said Logan Vaughan ’27, whose venture GiftDrive earned the Most Launch‑Ready Award, sponsored by Gallagher Flynn & Co. 

Vaughan added that the prize winnings will directly support next steps for the venture. “The funds will go toward supporting an exhibitor table at the National Council of Nonprofits’ Confab Conference this June, significantly easing the financial burden on our team and helping us better support the organizations and communities we serve.”

Students shake hands with the seated judges at the UVM Business Pitch Competition

Judges for the competition included UVM faculty, alumni, and community professionals who volunteered their time to evaluate pitches based on innovation, feasibility, impact, and presentation. The event was made possible through collaboration among campus departments, programs, centers, student organizations, sponsors, and community partners. 

As UVM continues to prioritize interdisciplinary and experiential learning, the Business Pitch Competition remains a cornerstone opportunity—connecting student ideas with mentorship, feedback, and pathways to impact beyond UVM.