ETSU’s annual iBUCS competition took place on April 5 in the D.P. Culp Student Center Cave. The competition lasted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and showcased 10 different student pitches.
“This iBUCS pitch platform encourages creativity, innovation and strategic thinking among students, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within the university community,” says Entrepreneurship Coordinator for the College of Business and Technology, Sonu Mirchandani.
iBUCS is an event where aspiring ETSU student entrepreneurs can pitch their startup ideas to a panel of experienced judges. These judges include business leaders, serial entrepreneurs, bankers and venture capitalists. The competition provides students with an opportunity to present their ideas and compete for funding. To compete, students only need is a well-defined concept that includes details about the problem being solved, their target customers, competition and revenue/business model.
“The pitch competition significantly impacts both the campus and the community by fostering collaboration and innovation among students. It serves as a platform for students to not only showcase their ideas but also to work together with their peers in developing innovative solutions to real-world problems. This collaboration enhances cohesion among students and faculty members, allowing faculty to share and contribute their expertise towards the idea,” says Mirchandani.
This year’s competition featured a diverse array of innovative ideas, including: Lend It, Tap’d Out Mobile Bar, Gift Registry Assistant, NETT Transportation Portal, Dietary Delights Bakery, Good Steward, PCS, Kudzu Chips, iGEM, Atlas Edge and NutriSprout. These pitches covered topics in agriculture, culinary ventures, transportation, efficiency and more. Each pitch showcased the creativity, ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of the participants, addressing a wide range of market needs and opportunities.

First prize of $4,000 went to NutriSprout by Justin Beavers, second prize of $3,000 went to Lend It by Milind Chaturvedi and third prize of $1,000 went to Tap’d Out Mobile Bar by Cassidy Sturgill. Best Nonprofit went to Good Steward PCS and Most Popular Crowd Favorite went to Kringle Gift Registry.

Photo of Justin Beavers pitching the idea during the iBUCS competition. (ShelC’ Black/East Tennessean)

“Beyond the campus, the competition’s outcomes can have broader implications for the community. Successful projects may lead to the development of solutions that address local challenges or create new opportunities for economic and social growth. By engaging with the community in this way, the competition strengthens the ties between the university and external partners, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and mutual benefit. Overall, the pitch competition serves as a catalyst for positive change, both within the campus environment and in the broader community,” says Mirchandani.
The entrepreneurship program in the College of Business and Technology is renowned for its inclusive approach and flexibility. It offers internships, angel/VC rotations and a wide range of courses accessible to students from any department, providing them with the necessary skills to excel in entrepreneurship and small business endeavors.
“What sets this program apart is that it accepts students from across all majors. The program does not require prior experience/prerequisites, and encourages students to focus on learning what’s relevant to their entrepreneurial journey without unnecessary barriers.  This approach empowers students to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations effectively and passionately, contributing to both campus collaboration and community innovation,” says Mirchandani.