McGuire Students Showcase Months of Work at New Venture Competition
After months of research, development, and in-class competition, student entrepreneurs from the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship’s New Venture Development Program pitched their business ventures at the 2025 New Venture Competition, held on April 25.
First Place Winners, Swift Seat
The full-day event marked the final stage of the program, where student teams had the opportunity to present their startups to a panel of judges made up of business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurship professionals. Each team delivered a 10-minute pitch followed by a Q&A session—offering a deep dive into their business model, market opportunity, and go-to-market strategy.
Six ventures competed in the first round:
Better – A convenient, single-serving wellness supplement that mixes into any beverage and is formulated with five key ingredients to support overall health.
Kovera – A sleek, stadium-approved clear handbag with a removable liner that offers both functionality and customization for everyday use.
Lumiguard – A pet leash equipped with lighting and sound-repellent technology to help keep pets and owners safe during low-light conditions.
Swift Seat – An assistive car seat attachment designed to make entering and exiting vehicles easier and more comfortable for individuals with limited mobility.
WOTR – A premium hydration system designed to simplify how people filter and drink water on the go.
Steadfast – A reengineered training wheel system that promotes balance and confidence in young cyclists, helping them transition to independent riding more effectively.
From this impressive lineup, four ventures advanced to the final round: Better, Kovera, Steadfast, and Swift Seat.
In the end, Swift Seat took home first place, recognized for its thoughtful design and potential to make a meaningful impact in the mobility space. Better earned second place for its innovative approach to health and wellness, while Steadfast was awarded third place for its creative solution to a common childhood challenge.
The New Venture Competition is more than a contest—it’s a celebration of entrepreneurial thinking, problem-solving, and the hard work that defines the McGuire experience. For these student founders, it also marks the beginning of what could be the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
