TIA Entrepreneur Showcase

A celebration and recognition of entrepreneurship at Colgate, featuring innovative student ventures and accomplished entrepreneurs.

Held on Sat., April 11, the 2026 TIA Entrepreneur Showcase featured:

  • More than 30 student-led startups, with a total of $10,000 in grant funding awarded through the Iggy game.
  • Four exceptional teams competing on stage for a $10,000 first-place prize.
  • Audience choice awards, which awarded up to an additional $2,500 to each pitch competition venture.
  • Inspiring panel discussion among accomplished founders and funders.

This event is part of Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend.

Read about this year’s event:

Three people sit side-by-side on a panel, with the woman in the center speaking into a microphone while the men on either side of her listen and smile. She wears a cream-colored blouse and tan trousers, while the men are dressed casually in a brown quarter-zip sweater and a grey button-down shirt.
Highlights From the Showcase Panel Discussion
Student presentation during ACI Weekend 2026
Pitch Competition Ventures Tackle Global Challenges
A young woman smiles while engaging with a man at her promotional booth for "Edits by Ellrose," which features a large banner displaying her video and storytelling services. The booth is professional and detailed, showcasing cameras, photography equipment, and informational signage against a backdrop of black curtains at a crowded event.
Entrepreneurs Make Connections During Investment Game

The showcase felt like a celebration of all the work I’ve done, as well as the work of everyone in the Colgate community going out and making an impact on the world.

Andrew Sullivan ’26, founder, Oasis Running
Andrew Sullivan ’26, founder, Oasis Running
Porter Comstock ’26 receives first-place check
Hami-Down showcases their venture
Judges pose questions during pitch competition
DeBillboard team networks with attendees
Agnes Ndanu ’28 pitches MajiSafi Solutions

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors

Chicory Logo
The Chicory Innovation Award
NVP Capital Logo
nvp capital Award
PAR Technology
PAR Technology Award
Chobani logo
In-Kind Sponsor

Featured Speakers

Gus Coldebella ’91

Gus Coldebella ’91

Moderator

Chief Legal Officer
Castle Island Ventures

Viraj Puri

Viraj Puri ’03

2026 Entrepreneur of the Year

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Gotham Greens

Pitch Competition Ventures

EchoScape

EchoScape

Mike Ahearn Wilcox

MajiSafi Logo

MajiSafi Solutions

Agnes Ndanu ’28

Hatch Pay Logo

Hatch Pay

Fletcher Goodell ’26
Anders Larson

PLNT Logo

PLNT

Porter Comstock ’26

 
 

14 Years of the TIA Entrepreneur Showcase

13
Annual events since 2012
2,700+
Attendees
$227k+
Prize funding awarded

Highlights from Past Showcases

Three people sit side-by-side on a panel, with the woman in the center speaking into a microphone while the men on either side of her listen and smile. She wears a cream-colored blouse and tan trousers, while the men are dressed casually in a brown quarter-zip sweater and a grey button-down shirt.
2026: “Our students don’t just learn about entrepreneurship; they live it.”
A photo of venture founders Nathan Walsh and Christopher Madden with program mentor Paul Wigdor
2025: 13th Annual TIA Entrepreneur Showcase: A Meaningful Anniversary
Student entrepreneurs presented their ventures during the TIA Showcase.
2024: Highlights from the TIA Entrepreneur Showcase in Two Minutes [Video]
Panelists during 2023 TIA Entrepreneur Showcase
2023: Colgate Celebrates Inaugural Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend
2022 Entrepreneur Weekend Showcase Photo
2022: Ambition and Ingenuity Shine at 10th Annual E-Weekend
Entrepreneur Weekend 2021
2021: Thought Into Action Hosts Ninth Annual Entrepreneur Weekend
TIA 2020 venture showcase
2020: Virtual showcase highlighted all teams in the TIA Incubator
People on stage
2019: Guests included Persifor founder Alexandra Thompson ’02
Student presenting to panel
2018: Guests included Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jeffrey Sharp ’89
Students presenting to panel
2017: Guests included Forbes magazine tech editor Steven Bertoni ’02
Students presenting to panel
2016: Guests included CEO of Outdoor Voices Tyler Haney
Jessica Alba and MC Hammer on stage
2015: Guests included Jessica Alba, MC Hammer
Men on stage, one dressed like a cowboy
2014: Guests included Ashton Kutcher
Cheryl Sandberg at podium in front of Colgate banner
2013: Guests included Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg
Richard branson charging through crowd wearing Colgate hockey jersey
2012: Guests included Virgin founder Richard Branson