Penn State Berks recognized budding entrepreneurs and student innovators at its Berks Innovation Awards Ceremony.
For the first time, one ceremony was held for two competitions: The Innovation and Business Idea Challenge, where student teams developed real world solutions to local and global challenges, and the Imagine Your Business Grant Awards, where Berks LaunchBox recognized community entrepreneurs who received grant funding to support prototyping, marketing, product development and more.
Winners were awarded “IMAGINE Your Business” grants, funded by the County of Berks “Imagine Berks” fund, at a ceremony in November.
The event was co-sponsored by the college’s Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) Center and Berks LaunchBox.
“The county is pleased to have the Penn State Berks Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Center and Berks LaunchBox as key partners to implement our IMAGINE Berks Strategic Plan,” Pamela Menet, Berks County director of community and economic development, said in a press release. “They are proven and valuable resources for entrepreneurs and help us provide a supportive and welcoming environment.”
Innovation and Business Idea Challenge winners
This year’s Innovation and Business Idea Challenge submissions focused on reducing hunger and food insecurity, and supported by an initiative by college faculty to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local food banks.
The following were winners of the Innovation and Business Idea Challenge:
• EggShare Network, developed by Hannah Pham, marketing major. The network’s mission is to create a community-based network where local small-scale farmers and backyard producers can contribute surplus eggs via a centralized digital platform. This platform would connect suppliers directly with local food banks, schools and households in need.
• Finish Me, developed by Minnich Tang Chuy, finance major. An app that provides information on upcycled cafeteria surplus that can be transformed into safe, affordable meals. Students would be able to reserve or buy via the app and scan a pickup code to purchase food at discounted rates.
• FoodWaste, developed by a team of engineering students including Gage Fulmer, mechanical; Sara Christine, environmental; Amelia Knott, aerospace; and Conner Semel, electro-mechanical engineering technology. The team created an interactive exhibit in the college’s dining hall that uses scales to show how much money is lost through waste, based on different meal plans. It will also include an infographic highlighting food waste and food insecurity on college campuses.
The Innovaiton and Business Idea Challenge’s goal is to provide seed money to promising student ideas, said Sadan Kulturel-Konak, professor of management information systems, director of the Flemming CEED Center and program chair of the entrepreneurship and innovation minor.
“Our primary objective with this competition is to allow students to utilize their Penn State Berks education to become entrepreneurs and start businesses that can create jobs in our local community,” Kulturel-Konak said in a release.
IMAGINE Your Business winners
IMAGINE Your Business Grants were awarded to early-stage entrepreneurs who demonstrated creativity and drive, Penn State Berks said.
Grant recipients represent a range of industries and services, from technology and mental health to landscape design and artisan goods.
The following were recipients of IMAGINE Your Business Grants:
• Wildcraft Landscapes LLC, founded by Nathan Tietbohl, designs, installs, and maintains ecologically grounded landscapes using native plants, rain gardens and stormwater management solutions. Its mission is to blend natural beauty with environmental sustainability, creating thriving ecosystems that benefit both people and wildlife.
• Alison Woo Designs, founded by Alison Woo, creates one-of-a-kind jewelry using semi-precious stones and fine metals to craft pieces for special occasions and every day. The brand focuses on sustainability and customization, helping clients express individuality through thoughtfully designed, timeless pieces.
• LumiVillage, founded by Amna and Syed Fahad Hussein, is an app that helps community members connect to teach and learn everyday skills through one-on-one lessons and group classes. With verified profiles, ratings, reviews and background checks, the app aims to make it easy for students to find reliable local coaches.
• On Brand Moments LLC, founded by Danielle Hettler, delivers laser engraving on wood, metal, glass and acrylic for gifts and to promote branding. They offer “just-in-time” customization on location, along with color engraving on metal and custom photo engraving.
• Emotional Compass, founded by Liscenced Professional Counselor Hilary Aponte-Chimelis, provides trauma-informed, perinatal and family therapy services. Aponte-Chimelis offers bilingual counseling for individuals, couples and families, focusing on holistic well-being and cultural connection.
• Wolfe Counseling and Wellness LLC, founded by Licensed Professional Counselor Jenna Wolfe, provides evidence-based mental health treatment with a focus on building strong, trusting therapeutic relationships. Wolfe Counseling creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can achieve meaningful emotional growth.
• KimonoMono, founded by Adrian Heredia, is a marketing and sales alignment agency that helps small- and mid-sized businesses turn brand clarity into measurable growth. They provide integrated services, including brand positioning, digital presence and web strategy, lead-generation systems, and a five-step marketing and sales playbook.
“We’re proud to partner with Berks County to empower early-stage entrepreneurs,” said Erica Kunkel, director of Berks LaunchBox. “This support ensures that promising ideas have the funding they need to grow, succeed and make a meaningful impact right here in our region.”
Budding community entrepreneurs who demonstrated creativity and drive were awarded IMAGINE Your Business grants at a ceremony in November at Penn State Berks. (Courtesy of Penn State Berks)