Auburn Wins Another SEC Championship!
Auburn Student-Athlete Entrepreneurs Win SEC Start Up Business Idea Pitch Competition
In the inaugural SEC Startup Student-Athlete Pitch Competition, it was impressive that two of the five finalists were entrepreneurial teams from Auburn University’s New Venture Accelerator: Accel Golf led by Ami Gianchandani and Ashley-Sinclair Curtis and Digital Athlete led by Allison Tanner, David Edmondson, and David Hollinger. It is even more notable that one of them won.
In a continued commitment to academic excellence and achievement, the Southeastern Conference expanded its support of innovation programming efforts via the new SEC Start Up, student-athlete pitch competition, which is designed to foster entrepreneurship. Competitors from across the SEC had the opportunity to present their businesses to a panel of judges during a televised competition, providing additional exposure for young entrepreneurs and financial awards based on the company’s business plan and presentation pitch.
When the votes were in, it was Digital Athlete from Auburn University that came out on top.
Digital Athlete brings together a diverse team comprising talented athletes, biomechanical engineers, and computer scientists. Their mission is to harness the power of data-driven biomechanics to benefit athletes.
The competition aired on the SEC Network on Monday, July 15.
The New Venture Accelerator is so proud of these two great teams, their business ideas, their entrepreneurial drive, and in this competition, for the way they represented Auburn University and Auburn Athletics.
They say it “Just Means More” in the SEC, and comments from Auburn University team members confirm that SEC schools offer outstanding student experiences on and off the fields of play.
(Pictured from left to right) David Hollinger, David Edmondson, Allison Tanner, and Ashley-Sinclair Curtis. Team member not pictured: Ami Gianchandani.
SEC Start Up Testimonials: In their own words…
Allison Tanner (MBA Student): “It was such a blessing to have the opportunity to pitch our business to such successful people. The SEC network team, judges, and everyone involved was so welcoming and encouraging, and we left with even more excitement about the Digital Athlete than ever before. Seeing the behind-the-scenes of a production of that size was really cool, too. All around great experience, and we are so thankful for Regions and the SEC for believing in our business and supporting us!”
David Hollinger (PhD candidate, Mechanical Engineering): “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the first ever SEC Start Up. Being one of the two Auburn teams among the five finalists truly reflects Auburn’s dedication to academic and entrepreneurial excellence. Winning SEC Start Up meant so much to me, and I couldn’t be prouder of my amazing teammates, Allison Tanner and David Edmonson, for their unwavering support and dedication to The Digital Athlete. I am especially thankful to Auburn New Venture Accelerator and Jennifer Nay for their invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout this journey. This experience has been both humbling and inspiring, and I am honored to have been a part of it.”
David Edmondson (Master student, Mechanical Engineering): “It was a phenomenal experience being a part of the first SEC Start Up competition. To meet other student-athletes like us who juggle all that they do while also pursuing their innovative ideas, was quite remarkable. I was elated that our efforts came out this fruitful. We couldn’t have done it without God, each other’s help and that of the New Venture Accelerator. Thank you very much to Regions and the SEC for giving us the opportunity to put our business out there. We plan to make the best of this win. WAR EAGLE!”
Ashley-Sinclair Curtis (’24 Finance): It was truly a blessing to have had the opportunity to represent Auburn and Accel Golf at SEC Start Up. The entire experience was phenomenal. A special thanks to all the hard work that was put in by the SEC, production crew, and Regions Bank. The best part was being able to share this experience with some incredible peers with bright futures. It was such an honor to watch my fellow Auburn Men and Women of Digital Athlete bring home the grand prize. War Eagle!
This competition, and our amazing student-athletes, showed once again why Auburn University is fast developing a reputation as having one of the best entrepreneurship programs in the country.
You can read more about SEC Start Up HERE.
The entrepreneurs-in-residence at the New Venture Accelerator had the pleasure of working with both teams and preparing them for their pitches.
Auburn University extends special recognition and appreciation to LeNá Powe McDonald, Ph.D., SEC Associate Commissioner for Academic Relations, for all the effort she put into bringing this opportunity forward from concept to completion. Her genuine care and concern for all student-athletes was recognized and very much appreciated.
To learn more about the New Venture Accelerator please contact Lou Bifano, Director, at loubifano@auburn.edu