Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Students from St. John’s University and other institutions convened at St. Augustine Hall on the Queens, NY campus for Johnny’s Innovation Challenge on February 22. This inaugural event allowed participants to present their entrepreneurial skills.
The competition was organized by The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies (CCPS) and the University’s Venture & Innovation Center (VIC), with support from The School of Education. It invited students from various academic backgrounds to propose sustainable business solutions or startup ideas.
Luca Iandoli, Ph.D., Dean of the Collins College of Professional Studies, emphasized that the event motivated young entrepreneurs to use classroom-acquired skills to address global issues.
A total of 59 students in 20 teams registered, tasked with developing ideas aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Teams were evaluated by industry experts and faculty, while networking opportunities were provided.
Tanisha Guirand, a senior Finance major at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, worked on a cleaning product reducing plastic waste. She noted that “the sense of competition, coupled with the goals of sustainability,” encouraged her to apply her knowledge towards responsible consumerism.
Steiner Williams, a senior Management major at Tobin, found inspiration in his courses to transform ideas into startups. He stated that the challenge enhanced his problem-solving abilities for future consulting roles.
James M. Kinsley, Director of VIC and Professor at Tobin, highlighted how such challenges help students turn ideas into impactful ventures aligning with their Vincentian mission.
The "Virture" team members Daria Stepanova and Alpamys Yechshanov won $750 for their AI-powered sorting bin addressing recycling contamination issues. Daria expressed passion for environmental sustainability inspired by the challenge.
Alpamys appreciated the opportunity to develop a model tackling cross-contamination through graphic design work focused on sustainability.
Another team, "Knot Hashtags," comprising Prasoon Saha, Matthew Siegal, and Uday Kumar, received $750 for promoting sustainable artistry and education accessibility through their business model.
The "Hot Stuff" team—Spencer Collymore, Cara Dunleavy, and Niyadeng Tour—also won $750 plus the Farella Vincentian Innovation Award for proposing self-decomposing mycelium-based cups reducing agricultural waste.
Radhika R. Jha, Associate Dean at CCPS, affirmed that resources like this challenge empower young innovators to develop solutions supported by mentorships and workshops at St. John’s University.
Finalists may join VIC’s Incubation Program to further develop their ideas with additional funding opportunities including participation in international competitions like the Hult Prize's national contest offering advancement prospects in London for a substantial monetary reward.
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