Startup specializing in language education emerges as winner of 2024 UH Venture Competition

OmniVocab, a startup company dedicated to helping learners master different languages, emerged victorious at the 2024 University of Hawaii Venture Competition (UHVC), securing a prize package worth approximately $50,000. The competition, which began with over 40 teams, culminated in a thrilling final showdown on May 4, where OmniVocab outshined three other teams to claim the top spot.

The team behind OmniVocab comprised UH Mānoa students Ryan Beattie, Josiah Kila, Kaihehau Goo, Sage Suzuki, and Noah deMers, with guidance from marketing lecturer Patricia LaPorte. Their innovative approach aims to assist intermediate language learners in overcoming obstacles through immersive experiences.

The first-place prize included $10,000 from Hawaiian Electric Industries and Hawaiian Electric, along with various other valuable rewards from partnering organizations. This year’s competition, held at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center, marked a significant milestone as it showcased the entrepreneurial spirit thriving across the UH System.

EduKits Hawaii secured second place with their nonprofit initiative focused on providing STEAM resource kits to Title I school students. Tadish, a mobile application simplifying dish recording and rating, claimed third place, while AgiPower, an agricultural engineering company, took fourth place.

Sandra Fujiyama, Executive Director of PACE, expressed excitement over the passion and creativity displayed by all participants, highlighting OmniVocab’s groundbreaking contributions to language education. The event not only celebrated innovation but also underscored the potential for transformative solutions emerging from the UH entrepreneurial community.