Competition Overview

The Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition is an annual event hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) aimed at nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within its student body. Now in its 14th year, this competition offers a substantial prize of $50,000 to the winning team. It exemplifies the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic development in the Reno/Tahoe community.

Full-time students and recent graduates of UNR can submit a letter of intent to participate. This year, the application process began in January, and approximately 30 participants were narrowed down to 15 finalists by a diverse panel of judges, including entrepreneurs, investors, and academics.

Legacy of the Sontag Competition

Founded in 2011 through a $1 million endowment from alumnus Rick Sontag, a UNR graduate, the Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition empowers students by providing them with the resources and mentorship necessary to launch their own ventures. Dr. Armina Karapetian, the current competition director, highlighted its significance, stating: “The Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition is a cornerstone of innovation at our university. It gives students the chance to take real business risks, learn from mentors, and gain the confidence to turn ideas into real companies.”

2023 Semi-Finalists and Their Innovations

This year, seven semi-finalists presented their business ideas over a series of live pitch events and virtual presentations. Here is a brief overview of their ingenious concepts:

• Atlas: A mobile app facilitating connections with certified personal trainers for in-person training in Reno, emphasizing the benefits of face-to-face sessions.
• Charm the Change: A customizable charm-accessory brand merging self-expression with philanthropy, where purchasers can donate a portion of sales to a charity of their choice.
• GlamNGo: An innovative platform providing on-demand beauty services by licensed professionals, making beauty treatments accessible at the convenience of clients.
• Breiter Beer: A unique brewery focusing on low-alcohol beer options, introducing a balanced alternative to traditional brews with lower alcohol content.
• Sails of Conquest: A board game blending strategy and physical action, designed with engaging gameplay elements that reward both skill and tactics.
• Dogwood Terra Dynamics: A service-disabled-veteran-owned startup employing 3-D concrete-printing technology to create affordable and sustainable housing solutions.
• Power Axis: A new iteration of the Smith machine, which allows weightlifters to adjust the angle and grip during exercises for optimal muscle engagement.

Finalists and Competition Details

The competition has highlighted four finalists who will vie for the top prize. These teams are:

• Dogwood Terra Dynamics
• Sails of Conquest
• Breiter Beer
• Atlas

The final competition is set for April 16th, from 5 PM to 8 PM, held at the National Automobile Museum in Reno. The event is free to the public, encouraging community support for these aspiring entrepreneurs.

Engagement and Support

For individuals interested in attending the final event or supporting future entrepreneurs, Dr. Armina Karapetian can be reached at [email protected].