At Michigan State University, entrepreneurship isn’t just a side hustle, it’s a mindset. Through the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, students from all majors and disciplines learn to think creatively, act boldly, and build ventures that solve real world problems. Programs like the Venture Creation program, 2DAY VENTURE, and the Burgess New Venture Challenge offer students hands-on experience, mentorship and a community of support.
For some Spartans, that journey has even led to one of the most recognizable stages in entrepreneurship: ABC’s “Shark Tank”. Over the years, several Spartan-founded companies have stepped into the Tank, pitching their ventures in front of millions and a panel of seasoned investors. BRCĒ landed a $300,000 deal between two sharks after several rounds of negotiations.
Most recently, student Madhav Aggarwal (’26) and Tanvi Gadamsetti (’26) pitched BRCĒ, a performance materials technology company they built while studying applied engineering at MSU. Pronounced “brace,” the company developed a patented innovation the founders call “shoelaces that never quit.
Designed to help prevent sports-related injuries by reducing the risk of untied laces during play, the idea began as a simple observation and evolved into a product aimed at improving athlete safety. While building BRCĒ, the founders actively leveraged entrepreneurship resources across campus – developing their company while still students before stepping onto the Shark Tank stage.
BRCĒ landed a $300,000 deal between two sharks after several rounds of negotiations.
Another Spartan-founded company to enter the Tank is Awkward Games, created by Brittane Rowe (’11). As a theater major at MSU, Rowe turned her understanding of human interaction and storytelling into a social party game designed to spark hilarious and sometimes uncomfortable conversations between friends.
Built around connection, curiosity, and humor, Hella Awkward encourages players to step outside their comfort zones and learn something new about people around them. Rowe brought that same energy to the Shark Tank stage, showing how creativity from any discipline, even theatre can lead to entrepreneurship. She agreed to a $200,000 deal for 10% equity of her company.
Joe Johnson (’16) a finance major, co-founded Vade Nutrition with a simple goal: make sports nutrition easier to use. The company introduced an innovative product: protein powder packets that dissolve directly in water, eliminating the need for bulky tabs and shaker bottles. Designed for convenience and portability, the product quickly resonated with athletes, travelers and anyone looking for a simpler way to fuel their day.
Johnson brought that innovation to the stage of Shark Tank, pitching the idea to millions of viewers and secured a $700,000 deal for 40% of the company.
Zolli Candy
Another Spartan-founded company to appear on Shark Tank is Zolli Candy, created by Alina Morse. At just 11 years old, Morse stepped into the Tank with a bold idea: a better-for-you candy designed to promote oral health.
What began as a simple question—why can’t candy be good for your teeth?—quickly grew into a nationally recognized brand. Zolli Candy products are now carried in major retailers across the country, redefining what a sweet treat can be.
From applied engineering students building performance technology to a theatre major creating a game built around human connection and a finance graduate rethinking sports nutrition, these founders highlight what makes MSU’s entrepreneurial community unique.
Entrepreneurship isn’t limited to one major or one path. It’s a mindset—one rooted in curiosity, creativity, and the willingness to take risks.
For these Spartan founders, that mindset led them to one of the biggest stages in entrepreneurship. And as more students continue building at MSU, they won’t be the last Spartans to face the Sharks.