Sigellac emerges victorious in $50,000 Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition

Two entrepreneurial companies recently took home top prizes in the 13th annual Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition, sponsored by the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno. These companies, Sigellac for Medical and Ghostwryte.AI, showcased the power of artificial intelligence in their innovative business ideas.

Sigellac for Medical, led by Robert “Sam” Hutton, a student pursuing a doctorate in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in applied mathematics at the University, won the competition’s $50,000 award. The company focuses on developing AI-powered software for healthcare practitioners, aiming to revolutionize the way medical professionals work.

On the other hand, Ghostwryte.AI, comprised of computer science students Morgan Young, Jessica Nam, and Hunter Africk, secured the Dragonfly Energy Innovation Award, which comes with a $10,000 prize. The team created an artificial-intelligence co-pilot designed for social-media ghostwriters and content producers, showcasing the versatility of AI in various industries.

The Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition, made possible by a generous gift from alumnus Rick Sontag in 2011, aims to foster entrepreneurship among students at the University of Nevada, Reno. The competition not only provides financial rewards but also serves as a valuable learning experience for participants, helping them fine-tune their business ideas and build successful companies.

Both Sigellac for Medical and Ghostwryte.AI plan to use their prize money for further product development, research, marketing, and sales. Additionally, they are seeking investor funding to scale their businesses later this year, highlighting the potential for growth and expansion in the AI industry.

The competition also serves as a platform for networking and mentorship, with successful entrepreneurs from northern Nevada and University faculty guiding and supporting the student teams. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and creativity, leading to the development of groundbreaking ideas and solutions.

Finalists in this year’s competition included Next Quest, GradeStacker, and B X Square Solar Dehydration Systems, showcasing the diverse range of entrepreneurial talent at the University of Nevada, Reno. These teams are poised to make a significant impact in their respective industries and contribute to the region’s economic growth.

Overall, the Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition continues to play a vital role in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among students and alumni, creating a supportive ecosystem of startups in northern Nevada. The legacy of Rick Sontag’s gift lives on through the success of past participants, who remain connected and continue to support one another as they build thriving businesses in the region.