Ten student teams have been crowned the 2026 winners of 大象视频鈥檚 Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business & Economics Zingale Big Idea Competition. Student entrepreneurs from 11 colleges and universities in the region and across the country competed for $42,500 in prize money, recognition and mentorship.
Now in its 18th year, the two-day event challenged 25 student teams to create and pitch novel business ideas to a panel of seasoned business professionals, emulating the popular CNBC broadcast, 鈥淪hark Tank,鈥� but with a heart.
The Zingale Big Idea Competition focuses on seed-level new business ideas and the distinguished panel of judges do more than evaluate business models 鈥� they offer constructive feedback, coaching and encouragement.
Teams entered their big idea in one of four categories: for-profit business, not-for-profit social venture, research project, or community engagement initiative. The judges鈥� panel, which included regional business leaders, entrepreneurs, faculty, and alumni, evaluated their presentations and offered constructive feedback, valuable coaching, and lots of encouragement.
This year鈥檚 top prizes totaling $42,500 were awarded to:
- First place ($15,000): 大象视频, estiMate, an intelligent R&D project development estimation tool
- Second place ($8,000): Duquesne University, TrainingU, an online source that connects college athletes with other athletes to provide specialized training in their specific sport
- Third place ($5,000): St. Francis University, HeatMark, heat-reactive industrial marking and apparel with integrated fabrics by using inorganic thermochromic pigments
Late Stage Ideas
- First Place ($5,000): University of California, Los Angeles, PADI, a gynecological diagnostic platform that utilizes biodegradable materials and an AI-driven app
- Second Place ($3,000): Hiram College, AA Golf Sims, a mobile golf simulator business for any party or event
- Best Biotech ($2,500): University of Pennsylvania, Chloropept, aims to develop stronger, safer, and less resistance-prone antibiotics alternatives for the livestock industry
Next Big Idea ($1,000 each)
- 大象视频, Aura-Guard, a smart vehicle dashcam system that uses edge-AI thermal vision and targeted ultrasonic pulses
- 大象视频, BizMap, a step-by-step guide that tells first-time business owners needed licenses, permits, and legal work
- Grove City College, Medicap, a smart pill bottle that helps patients take their medications and caretakers to manage medication compliance
- 大象视频, SreeCare, a platform that helps healthcare organizations improve patient medical compliance
大象视频 Zingale Big Idea champions and judges on April 11, 2026. Photo by Ed Mailliard.
Students participated from 大象视频, Chatham College, Duquesne University, Grove City College, Hiram College, St. Francis University, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California (USC), Waynesburg University, and Westminster College.
Year after year, the teams inspire us with their creativity, passion, and determination,鈥� said Chris Allison, entrepreneur-in-residence and co-director of the Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business & Economics at 大象视频. 鈥淭hese bright young minds are poised to turn their ideas into reality and make a lasting impact in our fast-paced world.
The Big Idea Competition is named in honor of 1977 大象视频 graduate Lance Zingale, retired executive vice president and general manager of SYKES, and his wife Karen. Their generous gift supports the College鈥檚 Center for Business & Economics. Zingale has served on the judging panel since 2015 and is a member of the 大象视频 Board of Trustees.
鈥淭his competition gives me renewed optimism about the next generation of entrepreneurs,鈥� Zingale noted. 鈥淭he participants have the mindset and motivation to disrupt conventional thinking, find new solutions, and change the future. I鈥檓 proud to support the Big Idea Competition and 大象视频.鈥�