Program

Final presentations: 4:30-7:30 p.m. on April 16, 2026
More than $75,000 in startup funding and business services

Overview

The Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition was created by the UB School of Management and the UB Office of Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships. Funded with a $1 million endowment from the late Henry A. Panasci Jr., the program brings UB students from science, technology, business and other disciplines together to maximize their potential to create viable businesses in Western New York.

The competition is hosted by UB’s Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad.

Agenda Judges Panel Finalists Special Thanks Sponsors
Time Session
4:30-5:30 p.m.

A celebration of the future of entrepreneurship and innovation at UB, highlighting members of WNY’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, networking with our Queen City Connectors and bites from local foodpreneurs.

5:40-5:50 p.m.

Welcome Remarks and Introductions
Hadar Borden, director, UB Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad, and the Western New York Prosperity Fellowship program will provide welcome remarks; Mercedes Wilson, influencer and media personality; and Thomas Murdock, clinical associate professor of entrepreneurship, UB School of Management, will serve as masters of ceremony.

5:50-6:20 p.m.

Team Presentations

  • Schubert Medical Solutions
  • RecycleVision AI
  • AARM Technologies
6:20-6:35 p.m.

Recognize Luminary Award Recipients

Hadar Borden, director, UB Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad, and the Western New York Prosperity Fellowship program

6:35-7:05 p.m.

Team Presentations

  • EchoWell Health
  • Great Lakes Dried Fruit
  • LAZZCO Rocketry

7:05-7:25 p.m.

While judges deliberate, enjoy a panel discussion with UB alumni and founders, moderated by Bobbie Armstrong, New York Coalition Manager for Right to Start. 

7:25-7:35 p.m.

Presentation of Awards

Brian Hamluk, vice president for Student Life, University at Buffalo and Hadar Borden, director, UB Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad, and the Western New York Prosperity Fellowship program