The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is proud to announce that eight Spartan founders have been selected as finalists in the WomanUp & Pitch 2026 competitions, a statewide business pitch program supporting women-led ventures across Michigan, hosted by the Michigan Women Forward.
Meet the 2026 Spartan finalists:
- Carrie Dennie (’04), Vibrant Wellness
Vibrant Wellness supports individuals in restoring balance, vitality, and whole-body health by addressing the root causes of dis-ease through compassionate, science-based natural medicine. - Laura Rampersad (’97), On It Solutions
On It Solutions advances pedestrian safety through smart infrastructure technology. Its flagship product, PEDCan, improves visibility for vulnerable road users to help prevent accidents. - Amy Nielander (’95), Create a Character
Create a Character is expanding into a multi-platform creative brand offering activity books, digital resources, workshops, and licensed content that encourage artistic expression for families and children. - Melanie Smith, Helping Hands Computer Support
Helping Hands Computer Support provides mobile, in-home, and on-site technology support for seniors and novice users, including device setup, troubleshooting, and personalized digital literacy coaching. - Bola Okpue (’12), Wani Cakes
Wani Cakes creates portion-controlled cake cups that combine indulgence with nutrition, featuring clean ingredients, reduced sugar, and added protein for health-conscious consumers. - Yuktha Pulavarthi (’26), macaronza!
Macaronza offers handcrafted, gluten-free macarons made with 100 percent natural flavors, designed for gifting, celebrations, and Gen Z consumers seeking aesthetic, thoughtful desserts. - Jillian Whitley (’26), J. Margaret Jewelry
J. Margaret Jewelry delivers premium yet accessible pieces that reinterpret classic designs, fostering confidence and emotional connection through timeless style. - Phylicia Ellison (’20), Wearable Emergency Alert Patch (WEAP) by by Ellison Innovations
- WEAP is a discreet wearable safety device paired with an app that allows users to silently trigger alerts, share location data, and connect with emergency services through customizable responses.
The eight Spartan finalists will pitch their ventures during the WomanUp & Pitch 2026 competitions that will take place online across throughout February four regional showcases including West and Southeast Michigan, Mid-Michigan, and Bay City.
Participants will compete for cash prizes in both startup and established business categories. As part of the program, founders refine their business plans and work closely with experienced advisors and coaches to prepare for the live pitch events, with the opportunity to secure funding to launch or grow their businesses.
More information about WomanUp & Pitch 2026 competitions and how to watch is available via Michigan Women Forward.
About the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation: The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is the destination where students launch high-impact, entrepreneurial journeys at Michigan State University. The Burgess Institute empowers students to learn through action by providing global mentors, courses, seed funding, entrepreneurship competitions, student organizations, resources, and campus-wide co-working spaces.