Three student start-up teams from Syracuse University’s Blackstone LaunchPad claimed prizes at the New York Business Plan Competition finals held in Albany on April 24, 2025. The competition is organized by Upstate Capital Association of NY.
Carolyn Fernandes, a graduate student from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, secured a $2,000 second prize in the Products and Hardware category with her start-up Solace. Solace is dedicated to integrating fidget products into clothing for neurodivergent individuals.
Lindy Elizabeth Truitt, an undergraduate from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, alongside Anjaneya Sanjay Padwal, a graduate student from the School of Information Studies, founded SipSafe+. Their innovation earned them a $2,000 second prize in the Food and AgTech category. SipSafe+ is a technology that uses a ring or stir stick to detect drug-spiked drinks.
Jack Venerus, a student from the School of Information Studies, received a $500 concept stage award for his start-up WingStat. WingStat offers reliable data for airplane brokers buying or selling aircraft.
Syracuse University teams amassed the highest number of awards compared to other schools in the competition. The New York Business Plan Competition attracts the state’s top student entrepreneurs and fosters entrepreneurial opportunities for college students. Participants gain exposure to seasoned investors, mentors, and judges from the business community. The competition is designed to connect students with industry professionals, provide experiential learning through competitions, and award cash prizes totaling up to $100,000 to support new ventures.
