Future Fest 2026: Cultivating the Next Generation of Innovators at Drexel University

The spirit of entrepreneurship was on full display as the Drexel University community gathered for Future Fest 2026. Hosted by the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, the event served as a high-octane intersection for student founders, faculty and industry professionals to advance market-ready ventures.

From the technical intensity of the BIIT Tournament to the socially conscious mission of the Hult Prize, Future Fest underscored Drexel’s commitment to transforming academic theory into viable business solutions. “Future Fest is a laboratory for the entrepreneurial mindset,” said Chuck Sacco, Associate Dean of Strategy and Innovation at the Close School. “It’s one of the many places at Drexel where we witness the transition from a student with an idea to a founder with a mission.”

BIIT Tournament: Cross-Disciplinary Solutions in Real-Time

The day commenced with the Baiada Institute Innovation Tournament (BIIT), a hackathon-style competition that challenges teams to solve a current problem under strict time constraints. This year’s tournament highlighted the interdisciplinary reach of the Close School, featuring teams composed of students majoring in business, engineering, nursing and the arts.

Congratulations to the BIIT Winners:

• Human: A social platform designed to reduce digital friction by matching individuals in small groups for real-life interaction.
• AfterHello: A networking tool featuring one-tap voice capture and AI-driven contact scoring to ensure professional follow-ups are never missed.
• MentorLink: A digital bridge connecting experienced professionals with students in need of career guidance.
• Buck-It

The Fast Pitch: 120 Seconds to Win

The Fast Pitch Competition, a hallmark of the Close School experience, featured 23 competitors who had just two minutes to convey their visions to a panel of expert judges. The competition tested not only the viability of the business models but the founders’ ability to communicate value under pressure.

• 1st Place: Mahika Shetty (Drexel) – AntlerArmour: A specialized solution for high-performance protective equipment.
• 2nd Place: Vidhi Shah (Drexel) – Fresh Fuel: A natural energy drink utilizing cane sugar, honey and electrolytes.
• 3rd Place: Anthony Perez (Rowan University) – Missing: A high-impact venture addressing underserved market gaps.

Other notable presentations included Sleep2Succeed, an aromatherapy sleep aid; Laundrochat, a humidity-sensing device for garment care; and Epi-connect, an empowerment app for the epilepsy community.

Hult Prize Regionals: Business for Good

Drexel was proud to serve as a host for the Hult Prize Regionals, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Students.” Seven teams from Drexel, Rowan and Temple University presented sustainable business models aimed at solving pressing global issues.

• 1st Place: +Pouch (Rowan): Inspired by the founder’s sister, this venture produces fast-acting electrolyte pouches for POTS patients. The team now moves toward the national stage for a chance at $1M in seed funding.
• 2nd Place: Hearty Health (Drexel): Focused on innovative, accessible wellness solutions.
• 3rd Place: Bobica Bars (Drexel): Nutrient-rich, fruit-glazed granola bars designed as a portable alternative to acai bowls.

Rising Starters: The Next Generation

Expanding the entrepreneurial pipeline, the Rising Starters Fast Pitch opened the floor to high school innovators. Twenty-five students from regional high schools experienced the heat of a professional pitch floor, demonstrating that the Drexel’s experiential learning starts early.

• 1st Place: Nick Lilly and Jeff Kolakowski (Father Judge High School) – Snow Be Gone: A localized, on-demand snow removal service.
• 2nd Place: Julia Berkey (Perkiomen Valley High School) – Vocal ID: An attendance tool that pairs phonetics with vocal recordings to ensure name inclusivity.
• 3rd Place: Jayce Roth (Perkiomen Valley High School) – Velvet Hammer: A comic series featuring humanized, relatable heroes for teenagers.

Proving Ground Expo: Market Validation

The Proving Ground Expo served as a dynamic marketplace where 19 student vendors showcased prototypes and generated actual sales. This exhibition allowed founders to secure critical market validation and real-time feedback from the public, a vital component of the Close School’s experiential learning model.

A Community of Support

The success of Future Fest 2026 was rooted in a broad ecosystem of support. With mentors and judges representing nearly every Drexel college and various industry sectors, the event proved that entrepreneurship at Drexel is a university-wide endeavor.

As the awards ceremony concluded and the networking reception began, the impact was clear: Future Fest does more than just hand out trophies, it provides the infrastructure, funding and connections necessary to build the next generation of global innovators.