Student Entrepreneurs Showcase Innovative Ideas at Braves Pitch-A-Thon
From mobile food concepts to technology-driven solutions, UNC Pembroke students put their entrepreneurial ideas to the test during the 2026 Braves Pitch-A-Thon, showcasing creativity, business savvy and the potential to turn innovative concepts into real-world ventures.
The annual competition was presented by the Thomas College of Business and Economics and the university’s chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO). The event challenged student entrepreneurs to deliver concise, high-impact pitches before a panel of judges, demonstrating the market potential, customer value and feasibility of their business concepts.
Following opening remarks by CEO chapter president Vanessa Mankatah, 11 students and student teams presented ideas spanning technology, healthcare, consumer products, social impact and service-based businesses. The top honors went to:
- First Place: Jessica Aveyard – CoPour
- Second Place: Lakota Moody and Kevin McCormick – Sip & Scoop Mobile
- Third Place: Meredith Landen – LifeRelay
As the first-place winner, Aveyard earned the opportunity to represent UNCP at the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) Global 100 pitch competition, taking place Nov. 5 - 7 in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The competition is part of the 43rd Annual CEO Global Conference, where student entrepreneurs from across the country will compete for prize funding and national recognition.
“The Braves Pitch-A-Thon is about more than a competition. It is an opportunity for students to develop confidence, communicate their ideas, receive valuable feedback, and take meaningful steps toward turning innovation into impact,” said Dr. Jonathan Kansheba, assistant professor of management and co-organizer of the event.
The competition reflects UNCP’s growing entrepreneurial culture and commitment to providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore business ideas, connect with industry professionals and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Judges evaluated the ventures based on innovation, market potential, customer value, presentation effectiveness and overall business feasibility.
“The quality of the ideas presented was impressive,” said Beth Wilkerson, a judge representing the Thomas Family Entrepreneurship Hub. “Students demonstrated creativity, passion, and an understanding of how entrepreneurship can be used to solve real-world problems.”
The Braves Pitch-A-Thon is a signature entrepreneurship event, providing students an opportunity to develop venture concepts, strengthen their presentation skills and receive feedback from regional business leaders and entrepreneurs.
For more information about entrepreneurship programs and the Thomas Family Entrepreneurship Hub, visit thethomashub.org or Thomas College of Business and Economics .