Farm Hub Wins the 2024 Halloween Business Idea Pitch Competition  

Led by Moises Gonzales, a sophomore, majoring in Applied Discreet Mathematics, at Auburn University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics , Farm Hub was named the winner of the 2024 Halloween Business Idea Pitch Competition.  Farm Hub is an online farmers market connecting farmers and consumers eager to buy fresh, locally sourced product. 

With 95% of single urban households in the U.S. willing to pay more for local food, Farm Hub addresses a significant market opportunity by bridging the gap between small-scale farmers and consumers. By leveraging technology and creating a seamless marketplace, Farm Hub enables farmers to reach new customers and deliver farm-fresh products directly to their doors. 

Farm Hub offers a unique and scalable solution to modern agricultural challenges by connecting local farmers to consumers, leveraging technology for efficiency, and fostering community-driven growth. With its focus on sustainability, community empowerment, and scalable management, Farm Hub is poised to transform local food systems and create lasting economic and social impact. 

Second place went to Bandit Duck Calls, led by Simon Worley, a senior majoring in management, and a minor in Entrepreneurship & Family Business at the Harbert College of Business.  This new product is a redesigned and improved duck call that also helps support waterfowl conservation by releasing a duck for each duck call sold. 

Third place went to Chifforo, led by Isabella Barreiro, a freshman majoring in Interior Design, at the College of Human Sciences. Chifforo is an app that connects users to apparel lenders in their community, helping them find the perfect outfit to “rent out”.  This is a solution for those who crave easy access to a fashionable wardrobe without cutting into their budget or having to stick to a single look. 

Fourth place went to Opera Tech, led by Wells Renkens, a junior majoring in Business Analytics at the Harbert College of Business. Opera Tech is a medical technology company that is creating a cost-effective alternative for medical training, specifically IV training, to better prepare medical professionals in lower income communities and third-world countries. 

And finally, the Thomas Walter Center for Technology Management award went to Patella Protector, led by Sophia Aulisio, a junior majoring in accounting and marketing at the Harbert College of Business. Patella Protector is a revolutionary knee pad for volleyball players that allows for better mobility, stays in place, and offers a “one size fits all” model because it is adjustable. 

This year’s Halloween Business Idea Pitch Competition received 39 applications, far exceeding any past applicant pool.  Twenty-three teams advanced to the competition. 

The record participation in this year’s competition can easily be traced to the increased enrollment in entrepreneurship courses, participation in business startup events hosted by the Lowder Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurship, and the mentoring support provided by the entrepreneurs-in-residence at the New Venture Accelerator.   

The 2024 Halloween Pitch Competition was represented by students from the Harbert College of Business, the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, the college of Science and Mathematics, the College of Human Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, the College of Architecture, Design & Construction, and the College of Liberal Arts.  Participants included freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors, masters, and PhD students. 

The Halloween Pitch Competition, sponsored by Regions Bank, was supported by a team of professional judges including Eric Smith (Regions), Bart Aldridge (Regions), Betty Ryberg, Larkin Jones, Kendall Butler, Anna Hovey, Dan Leonardi, and Ralph Runge.  

“Beyond attaining a degree, business education today recognizes the need to develop entrepreneurial skillsets among our graduates, as the competitive landscape demands outside-the-box, big idea thinking”, said Lou Bifano, Director.  

“From our own New Venture Accelerator and our robust mentoring, coaching, counseling offerings and business idea pitch competitions, to the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation, the Intellectual Property Exchange, the Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurship minor offered at the Harbert College of Business, Auburn University is fast developing a reputation as having one of the best entrepreneurship programs in the country.” 

Congratulations to all teams that competed!  Student Task – Patella Protector – Bandit Duck Calls – Farm Hub – Ally Alert – PIVIT Products – Virtu Jewels – Reelvo – Tradition Apparel – SAKE Virtual Assistant – Rentify It – Profocus Media – Opera Tech – Time Capture – Summit on The Plains – Young Hustlers – Chifforo – Executive – Dish Drive – Intellaware – Rowdy Hound – Laurel – Safer Driver. 

We are thankful for the support Regions Bank provides to Auburn University Entrepreneurship. 

We offer our additional thanks to Bart Aldridge and Eric Smith from Regions Bank who gave of their time to serve as judges and mentors for our student teams. 

Next Up: The Tiger Cage Pitch Competition and its $100,000+ Prize Pool. 

Register by November 13, 2024