Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute Shines at 2024 TecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition

Alvernia University Students Shine in 2024 TecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition

Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute continues to make waves in the entrepreneurial world, with three finalists from the institute placing in the prestigious 2024 TecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition. Among the finalists is Alvernia student entrepreneur Oluwatobiloba (Tobi) Somori ’24, who impressed judges with her startup technology company, Emivero.

The competition, which features collegiate, high school, and non-collegiate divisions, saw strong representation from Alvernia University this year. In addition to Somori, high school students from Governor Mifflin School District and Wilson School District also made their mark in the competition.

Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph.D., RTTP, Vice President of Research Economic Development and Innovation at Alvernia, expressed pride in the institute’s success at the competition, highlighting the institution’s commitment to driving economic development and providing experiential learning opportunities for students.

Somori, who worked closely with MBA Candidate Jack Short throughout the competition, developed Emivero, a technology company focused on enhancing retention and engagement for universities and students. The innovative time-management and student engagement app aims to retain current students and attract non-traditional students.

Reflecting on her experience in the competition, Somori shared, “I learned grit, the importance of feedback, and how to pivot. All the hard work paid off. To me, it was very validating to know that we are past the idea stage, and the industry experts who served as judges for the competitions agreed with us.”

Short, who serves as the CFO of Emivero, emphasized the valuable learning opportunities the competition provided, from developing financial models to presenting to industry expert judges. He praised the rigorous process of preparing for the competition and highlighted the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of Somori and himself.

The finalists presented their business plans and pitch decks on April 18, with the awards ceremony set to take place on May 2 at the F.M. Kirby Center for Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The competition has not only provided valuable experiential learning for the participants but also showcased the innovative ideas and entrepreneurial talent emerging from Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute.