When it comes to innovation, Madhav Aggarwal and Tanvi Gadamsetti don’t just talk about ideas, they build them. Both seniors at Michigan State University studying Applied Engineering Sciences, the two are co-founders of BRCĒ, a material technology startup born from a shared frustration and a drive to make life better for athletes everywhere. This shared entrepreneurial drive, partnership, and vision for BRCĒ’s success earned them recognition as the 2025 James Ian Gray Scholars in Entrepreneurial Studies.
Their journey began when Madhav, an international student from India, pitched the concept behind BRCĒ at 2DAY Venture, a 36-hour pitch competition hosted by the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation designed to help Spartans turn ideas into reality. Soon after, Tanvi, who brings a background in business, supply chain management, and competitive track joined forces with Madhav to build something bigger.
Madhav played cricket India and Tanvi a ran track in San Antonio Texas, both coming from athletic backgrounds the two discovered that shoelaces, though small we a significant pain point for athletes. With the support of MSU’s entrepreneurial community, the duo set out to create a solution to the problem: shoelaces that won’t stay tied.
“Receiving the James Ian Gray Scholarship is a true testament to the work we’ve poured into building BRCĒ from the ground up,” Madhav shared. “It represents not just recognition, but validation of our mission to engineer innovation that empowers athletes everywhere. This support helps us continue expanding our technology and bringing safer, higher-performing gear to athletes who inspire everything we do.”
“This scholarship means so much because it reflects the dedication and late nights we’ve invested into turning this idea into something that genuinely helps people move better and play safer,” Tanvi shared. It’s a reminder that innovation can start anywhere – even in a classroom – and grow into something that impacts athletes around the world. With this support we’re able to take our vision further and help even more athletes stay confident, protected, and unstoppable.
The James Ian Gray Scholarship in Entrepreneurial Studies is profoundly significant to Aggarwal and Gadamsetti. Beyond financial support, the award recognizes their relentless pursuit of innovation and validates the ling hours they’ve invested through the Burgess Institute. This a powerful motivator propelling them towards their goals personally and for the future of BRCĒ.