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Five entrepreneurial ventures received a portion of the $65,000 prize pool awarded in the Innovation Challenge: The Final — the culminating pitch competition of the year’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Community, hosted by the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management.

The five ventures, representing the entrepreneurial spirit fostered across campus, competed on April 24 in Old Chapel. Each team delivered compelling pitches and handled intense Q&A sessions before a live audience and a panel of judges, including UMass alumni Norman “Bud” Robertson ’72, William “Bill” Firestone ’78, Chris Velis ’89, Amy Hudson and Myron Kassaraba.

“The ingenuity and professionalism these students demonstrated, from hardware design to digital experiences, speak volumes about the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem at UMass Amherst,” said Gregory Thomas, executive director of the Berthiaume Center. “We’re thrilled to see such transformative ideas emerge across campus.”

The Innovation Challenge: The Final is a key component of the Berthiaume Center’s suite of signature programs, alongside immersive boot camps, incubator access and year‑round mentorship opportunities. Through these initiatives, the center connects students and alumni, up to 10 years post‑graduation, to resources that help turn promising ideas into thriving enterprises.
 

Innovation Challenge: The Final - Winners

$36,000 – Diel Technologies

Diel Technologies is developing groundbreaking kinetic energy-harvesting technology to revolutionize the wearable tech industry. The venture’s relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to sustainable energy solutions impressed both the judges and the audience.

Team Members:

• Ben Hyjek ’25, College of Engineering
• Flo Sabatini ’25, College of Engineering
• Rishi Nandurbarkar ’25, Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences
• Max Loper ’25, Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences
   

$16,000 – PlateMate

PlateMate is advancing digital health innovation through an AI-driven app that estimates calorie and nutritional content from simple photos of food. PlateMate equips users with tools for informed, healthier eating choices by integrating food detection, segmentation and nutritional databases.

Team Member:

• Haamed Rahman ’27, Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences
   

$11,000 – OffCampusSpaces.com 

OffCampusSpaces.com is simplifying the search for student housing across the country. Now available at over 5,600 schools, the venture offers students an intuitive way to find roommates, sublets and rentals, making off-campus living more accessible.

Team Members:

• Samyak Choudhary ’25, Isenberg School of Management
• Arman Agarwal ’24, Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences
   

$1,000 – X-Change Thrift Consignment Community Marketplace

X-Change Thrift is building a regional online marketplace enhanced by partnerships with local stores, sellers and services. Its vision combines commerce, sustainability, charity and community service, creating a new hub for conscious consumerism.

Team Members:

• Grant Cooney ’25, Isenberg School of Management
• Jack Mandy ’25, Isenberg School of Management
• Manny Baczewski ’27, Isenberg School of Management
• Mathew Cunningham ’25, Isenberg School of Management

Visit them at 48 North Pleasant St., Amherst, or athttps://massxchange.myshopify.com/.
 

$1,000 – Supreme Microgreens

Supreme Microgreens is redefining local agriculture with a hydroponic farming operation that grows fresh microgreens and develops premium products such as ready-to-eat foods and supplements. Its commitment to sustainability and nutrition is evident across all aspects of its vertically integrated business model.

Team Member:

• Alexander Ayanian ’26, Isenberg School of Management, Stockbridge School of Agriculture, Graduate School

Catch them at the Greenfield, Amherst and Northampton farmers markets or learn more at info@suprememicrogreens.org.