The Fordham Foundry’s Pitch Challenge applications went live last week. Student entrepreneur applicants in the early stages of business development are given the opportunity to present their ideas to peers and like-minded business professionals. Feedback is given to students, and mentorship is provided to guide them through the process of launching their product. The challenge is open to all students across the nine academic disciplines, as well as both the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses.
The Foundry was founded 13 years ago as a central hub “for Innovation [and] Entrepreneurship, where students, alumni, faculty, and community members learn to use creative problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, and analytical skills to solve business and social issues of the 21st Century.” Graduates in given entrepreneurial industries offer advice to students looking to expand their knowledge and their businesses. Funding comes through the angel fund, which exists to provide monetary support to entrepreneurs through connection with investors.
“From its early beginnings as a business incubator and academic resource for students supported by funding from the Gabelli School, grants from NASDAQ Educational Foundation and investment bank BNP Paribas, and physical space provided by the City of New York, the Foundry has evolved into a thriving entrepreneurship center,” said John Kilcunnen, FCRH ’81, in his statement in the fall 2022 issue of the Fordham Business Magazine. The Foundry works closely with professors in the entrepreneurship department at the Gabelli School of Business to advise students on career trajectories.
“I’ve always considered myself entrepreneurial but have struggled to dedicate time to fully develop my ideas,” said Polina Bolberov, GSB ’24, MSMI ’25, “This competition offers the perfect opportunity to cultivate these skills and put them to the test with a real funding opportunity.”
Bolberov was an information systems major as an undergrad at the Gabelli School of Business (GSB) and is now pursuing a Master of Science in marketing intelligence with the Gabelli graduate school.
Bolberov was first exposed to the Fordham Foundry by Professor Michael McSherry during her first-year Ground Floor class. However, like many of Bolberov’s peers, their plans and trajectories to develop their business plans came to a halt at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Unfortunately, COVID disrupted many clubs and events, and once things resumed, I didn’t quite find the time or push I needed,” she said.
However, Bolberov’s plans took off when she decided to partake in the pitch challenge.
“Last semester, as Co-Vice President of Marketing for the Graduate Gabelli Entrepreneurship and Technology Club, I helped host the club’s Pitch Fest event,” she said. “That experience was incredible—it connected me with many like-minded individuals and introduced me to Sara Sapienza, whose venture, VIBES, inspired me to take a more active role in the start-up space and join her team.”
Bolberov also noted how students are given the opportunity to build a firm network with other aspiring applicants and business development professionals, helping them to pursue their passions. “Through this competition, I hope to receive guidance on effectively bringing our solution to market while also gaining confidence in my entrepreneurial skills,” she said.
Joshua Lawrence, FCLC ’28, is the founder of Emissarybot.com, a platform to help facilitate more efficient and economical grocery deliveries.
“I’m applying [to the challenge] because Emissarybot is tackling a critical issue in last mile logistics: affordability,” said Lawrence. “Our semi-autonomous delivery robots are designed to offer a cost-effective, efficient alternative. The Fordham pitch challenge provides a route for the support and resources we need to develop the robots and make this vision a reality.”
Students often run into financial difficulties or general setbacks when developing businesses, but the Foundry seeks to address this by providing a number of resources for students to take advantage of as they develop their business skills.
“This program offers more than just funding; it provides mentorship, networking, and exposure to industry leaders who understand the challenges of scaling a business,” said Lawrence.
