Syracuse University News: Emerging Entrepreneurs Awarded $40,000 in Whitman’s Panasci Business Competition

The annual Panasci Business Plan Competition at Syracuse University showcased the innovative ideas of students from various disciplines, competing for a total of $40,000 in prize money. The event, hosted by the Department of Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises at the Whitman School of Management, saw a record number of participants this year, with students presenting their business plans to a panel of judges.

The first-place winner, Natasha Brao, received $20,000 for her business, Shooka, a spiced tomato sauce inspired by the traditional Mediterranean dish shakshuka. Brao’s unique product and entrepreneurial spirit impressed the judges, earning her not only the top prize but also an additional $5,000 for the Gilded Rising Social Entrepreneur Award.

In second place was Waqar Hussain, founder of Iconnic.cloud, a cloud management solution designed for small and mid-sized enterprises. Hussain’s platform simplifies the transition to cloud technology, making it accessible and cost-effective for businesses looking to scale and grow.

Taking third place was Brielle Young, co-founder of Aggregate, a digital platform connecting local producers with consumers in their communities. Young’s innovative approach to promoting local commerce earned her $2,500, as well as the Learn Fresh Award for Social Entrepreneurship, which recognizes initiatives with a strong commitment to social impact.

The competition drew a diverse panel of judges from various industries, providing valuable feedback to all participants. The success of this year’s event highlights the entrepreneurial talent and creativity present among Syracuse University students, paving the way for future innovation and growth in the business world.