BRCĒ, a student-founded startup from Michigan State University, earned first place at the University of Georgia’s Next Top Entrepreneur Competition, securing the $10,000 grand prize.
Co-founded by MSU students Madhav Aggarwal (‘26) and Tanvi Gadamsetti (‘26), BRCĒ was selected from a national pool of 80 student ventures and advanced through multiple rounds of evaluation before being named the top team among 11 finalists invited to pitch in Athens, Georgia.
Hosted by UGA’s Entrepreneurship Program, the Next Top Entrepreneur Competition brings together leading undergraduate founders from across the country to present ventures with strong business models and growth potential. Finalists are selected through a competitive review process and pitch live in front of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.
BRCĒ, a performance materials technology company, developing advanced fiber and yarn technologies designed for performance-driven applications across industries. The venture continues to build traction through national competitions and partnerships as the team refines its materials and scales its approach.
This win marks a return to Athens for the team, who previously competed in the UGA’s Collegiate Great Brands Competition in the spring of 2025, where they also earned a first-place finish.
Throughout their time at MSU, the team has actively competed on the national stage, using pitch competitions as a platform to test, refine, and advance their venture. As one of their final pitch competitions as students, this milestone represents a defining moment as they prepare to take their ventures full-time.
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.