The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is proud to announce that five of our student-founded startups have advanced as semi-finalists in the Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge (MCSC), a statewide competition showcasing top collegiate ventures across Michigan.
The Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge, hosted by Grand Valley State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation brings together student entrepreneurs across the state to pitch their innovative ventures, connect with investors and industry leaders, and compete for funding and recognition. The competition culminates in the Grand Startup Challenge, alongside a public Startup Showcase that features emerging collegiate startups.
Among the selected teams, three startups will pitch in the Grand Startup Challenge, the premier live pitching event of MCSC:
CocoMar, Fatim Taha (‘26)
A ready-to-drink, coconut-water-based protein smoothie brand inspired by Brazilian fruit culture, delivering clean hydration, functional nutrition, and authentic tropical flavor
BioMex, Tanvi Gadamsetti (‘26)
A medical technology startup developing next-generation, self-stabilizing biocompatible surgical mesh designed to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes
Rapid Recharge, Jake Veri (‘26)
A smart infrastructure company providing secure phone-charging lockers and staff storage solutions for nightlife venues and quick-service restaurants, including large-scale deployments with national brands
In addition, two startup teams have been selected to participate in the MCSC Startup Showcase aimed at highlighting emerging collegiate ventures with strong market potential:
DryX, Alvaro Anaenugwu (‘25)
An engineering-driven solution delivering high-throughput, energy-efficient drying systems for small to mid-sized commercial kitchens
Kernex, Peter Pena (‘27)
A modern web-based coding platform built for students and university computer science courses, combining fast browser-based development, real-time collaboration, AI-assisted learning and grading, and one of the first multi-layer AI code detection systems designed specifically for academic coursework to modernize classroom performance, feedback, and integrity at scale.
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation remains committed to supporting student entrepreneurs, and working to strengthen the ecosystem that enables founders to build and grow ideas that shape the future.
More information about the Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge and to register to attend, visit: https://www.gvsu.edu/cei/michigan-collegiate-startup-challenge-13
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.