NYC Gazette

Two new technology projects supported by St. John’s University’s Venture & Innovation Center (VIC) and assisted by students and recent graduates could soon be accessible to members of the University community.

Financially Lit, a financial literacy app targeted at college students and developed by soon-to-be sophomore Alexandra Cicala, could be available as soon as late summer, before most students return to the Queens, NY campus.

Meanwhile, ChipServer, a portable Wi-Fi-based file-sharing server developed by a local entrepreneur and currently being tested by two recent graduates and Anthony Brandimarte, a current student in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, should follow shortly after that.

Both projects are in testing stages after receiving technological, marketing, and networking support from the VIC, which opened on the St. John’s campus earlier this year.

ChipServer is being tested for vulnerabilities and other security issues by Nicholas Sakatis ’24CCPS and Rafael Haque ’24CCPS. Nicholas is studying the applicability and potential markets. “It’s a very versatile app that could revolutionize travel and entertainment,” he said.

The VIC, housed on the first floor of Tobin, is the latest initiative in the University’s commitment to entrepreneurship, business development, and experiential learning. Led by Director James M. Kinsley, M.B.A., Professor of Management, Entrepreneurship, Consulting, and Operations (MECO) at Tobin, it provides entrepreneurs inside and outside of St. John’s with business resources and product-development support including creation space, marketing strategies, and even funding.

Alexandra’s app will offer financial advice on matters of interest to college students including debt repayment, ways to economize on campus, how to manage part-time employment while in school, and strategies for handling finances after graduation. Additionally, the app will reward students who complete the literacy modules with financial incentives redeemable on campuses for textbooks, food, and more.

A member of the Thomas J. Cox Jr. Honors Program and the Catholic Scholars program, Alexandra came upon the idea at a high school civics conference in 2021.

“Through that experience and others,” Alexandra said from Westfield NJ “I received a foundational understanding of what financial literacy looked like in America.” She added: “We discussed how only about 25 percent of college students believed they had sufficient knowledge of finance.”

Alexandra used VIC resources to research the market craft a business proposal refine her pitch meet an app developer connect with industry leaders including Thomas K Rudzewick Chief Executive Officer of Maspeth Federal Savings Both were surprised to discover how few personal finance apps target college students exclusively

“There’s great potential here,” she said “and great room for expansion.”

Mr Rudzewick along with other members of Maspeth’s board listened to a financial pitch from Alexandra earlier in the summer

“Alexandra’s app has incredible potential to help students gain financial empowerment,” Mr Rudzewick said “We were proud to be asked to participate in the project Alexandra shows incredible drive expertise entrepreneurship rarely seen at such young age”

Financially Lit is near completion with tentative release date August 2024 Under ideal business plan Alexandra will release app exclusively colleges universities licensing fee Colleges then would offer free students

Metropolitan-area colleges universities offered licensing options first before national release Alexandra already met Red Storm athletic department members considering offering app student-athletes

“We always want offer resources valuable our student-athletes including their financial education” said John A Diffley Ed.D Interim Athletic Director “The VIC great collaborative resource us”

ChipServer Wi-Fi port small enough fit user hands allows multiple users simultaneously share files otherwise incompatible devices such Apple iPhone Dell computer also serves portable Wi-Fi connection allowing users internet access areas conventional Wi-Fi unavailable

Anthony sees broad applications technology developing world where schools often lack Wi-Fi travelers eager avoid in-flight Wi-Fi charges Closer home imagines wedding guests example able access ceremony photos phones real time through ChipServer Current technology requires USB drive connected television venue

Plans call ChipServer released directly consumers through merchandising website developers creating Port cost less $200 according Anthony Developers hope offer eventually big-box retailers such Best Buy Target

“I think it could do most good education” Anthony explained “We take classroom Wi-Fi granted country often not case developing world”

Mr Kinsley said these precisely innovative product ideas VIC seeks cultivate

“These examples entrepreneurs who had business ideas pitch used resources VIC help bring those ideas life” Mr Kinsley said “Their dedication should inspire all St John’s community members who have ideas they would like pitch"