A team of UAB students recently made headlines by winning $10,000 and first place in the statewide entrepreneurship competition, Innovate Alabama: Entrepreneurship Hackathon. The competition, hosted by Innovate Alabama, provides college student teams from across the state with the opportunity to pitch entrepreneurial ideas to solve a proposed problem. This year, the stakes were higher as teams competed for the coveted first-place prize.
The winning team from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) comprised three talented individuals: Jaival Vikal, Shiva Gupta, and William Rainer. Jaival Vikal, a senior double-majoring in computer science and entrepreneurship, expressed his enthusiasm for the competition, stating that the chance to innovate and collaborate with a diverse team of skilled individuals was what drew him to participate. Shiva Gupta, a junior on a Personalized Path in the UAB Honors College, shared Vikal’s passion for entrepreneurship and science, highlighting the unwavering support and enthusiasm of UAB’s Department of Mathematics and Department of Physics in fostering his interests. William Rainer, a sophomore majoring in entrepreneurship, emphasized the team’s dedication to addressing the unique obstacles faced by rural entrepreneurs in Alabama.
The team’s winning pitch, titled Producer’s Pantry, aimed to tackle the transportation and logistical challenges faced by rural farmers in bringing their products to market. By connecting the surplus of peanuts and produce in Southeast Alabama to the demand in more populous areas like Birmingham, Producer’s Pantry sought to bridge the gap and help farmers sell their products more effectively. The team’s innovative approach involved employing cutting-edge Supply Chain Management technologies, establishing an online network for rural farmers, implementing a distribution system through farmers’ markets, and utilizing a fleet of trucks to facilitate the process.
The team credited their success to mentorship and lessons from the UAB Collat School of Business, with Dr. Murphy playing a pivotal role in providing valuable guidance throughout the competition. Patrick Murphy, Ph.D., director of UAB’s Entrepreneurship program, commended the students for their hard work and application of concepts learned in outreach projects with Birmingham entrepreneurs. The team’s victory at the 2024 USASBE conference showcased their ability to compete against strong teams and win first place in front of a national audience.
Looking ahead, the team is actively pursuing grant funding to cover the initial startup fees for their business. With plans to establish a strong foundation utilizing the grant for land, infrastructure, vehicles, and software, Producer’s Pantry is poised for success in the competitive business landscape. The team’s optimism and excitement for the future reflect the immense potential for growth and innovation in Alabama’s technology sector.
Innovate Alabama, the nonprofit organization behind the competition, focuses on supporting and nurturing entrepreneurs in the state. By emphasizing talent development, access to resources, and the overall well-being of innovators, Innovate Alabama plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem in Alabama. The success of UAB’s student team at the Entrepreneurship Hackathon is a testament to the university’s commitment to empowering students to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and make a meaningful impact in the business world.
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