Trent University Business Student Wins Pitch IT! Entrepreneurial Competition Title and $2,000 Prize

Trent University business student Safiya Khaki wins Pitch IT! Student Entrepreneurial Competition with her business pitch through the Innovation Cluster’s FastStart Program.

Safiya Khaki is a Trent business student, specializing in finance. Photo courtesy of The Innovation Cluster.

Five finalists from Fleming College and Trent University pitched their innovative business ideas to a panel of local business professionals on Nov. 9 for the chance to win the title of Best Pitch and a $2,000 cash prize.

Khaki impressed the judges with the pitch of her business idea “BioStraw,” plant-based fiber beverage straws that are strong, biodegradable and do not dissolve and become soggy in your drink.

Winning a $1,000 prize and claiming the second place title is Fleming College student Sneha Pradeep, who is currently enrolled in the Wireless Information Networking (WIN) program.

Pradeep pitched her business idea Adjus, a social platform connecting users to a variety of cultural cuisine, recipes, clothing, events and more, offering a sense of familiarity and a greater sense of community to newcomers of Canada.

“Thank you to all the students, judges, and community members for getting involved in this great event,” said Lindsey Irwin, manager of the FastStart Program. “These students brought their A-game, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the future.”

The event was held at the Trent Student Centre (Symons Campus) through the Innovation Cluster’s FastStart Program. The program is designed to assist young entrepreneurs in their business plans, helping them to navigate the economy and bring their products and services to market.

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