From Pitch to Prize: Inside Westcliff’s 2025 E-Biz Challenge

What happens when student entrepreneurs step into the spotlight and pitch their real-world businesses to seasoned investors? At Westcliff University, the answer is innovation, resilience, and a glimpse into the future of entrepreneurship.

This year’s E-Biz Challenge brought together 25 students with bold ideas and growing startups. Over several months, participants refined their business models, crafted marketing strategies, and prepared to pitch to one of the most respected angel networks in North America: TCA Venture Group.

The final round mirrored the high-pressure environment of Shark Tank, with real angel investors, led by TCA President Pat Hwang and Westcliff’s own Dr. Barry Sandrew, Director of Entrepreneurship and TCA member—asking tough, pointed questions and offering authentic, real-world feedback. Joining them were members of Westcliff leadership including President & CEO Dr. Anthony Lee and Dr. Matt Hubbs, ensuring students were surrounded by support and expert insight.

“Westcliff is entrepreneurial to our core,” said Dr. Raef Assaf, Westcliff college of business professor and founder of the E-Biz Challenge. “We were started by an entrepreneur, and we create an environment that fosters innovation, bold ideas, and helps students realize their ambitions.”

What Do the Winners Receive?

The E-Biz Challenge is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad.

This year’s winner received $3,000 in seed funding, 6 months of incubation with Westcliff mentors, and a dedicated SMART MBA Capstone team to help bring their business to the next level.

The remaining Top 5 finalists were each selected as official SMART Businesses, receiving their own MBA Capstone team for a full 8-week term, an opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and grow with hands-on support.

It’s a two-way street of growth: student founders get the tools and guidance to accelerate their ventures, while SMART students gain real-world experience helping build early-stage companies from the ground up.

Meet the Final Five:

Out of dozens of applicants, five finalists were selected to pitch in the finale. Their businesses reflected a diversity of sectors—from artificial intelligence and e-commerce to social impact fashion and 3D printing—all united by a shared drive to make a difference.

 Winner: Link Wave AI – Phu Do (MSCS Student)

AI-powered construction planning software
A former Army veteran and contractor, Phu Do created Link Wave AI to solve a painful problem: costly errors in construction due to overlooked code and design flaws. After losing $20,000 on a project due to an avoidable oversight, he set out to streamline the process. Link Wave AI allows contractors to upload plans and instantly detect issues—saving time, reducing rework, and improving safety.

“This whole event has helped me so much,” said Phu Do after receiving the $3,000 seed prize.”From the incredible feedback I’ve gotten along the way, to the seed money that will help me continue growing Link Wave AI, and the support I’ll receive from the SMART Capstone MBA team, it’s all been invaluable. Westcliff’s flexibility and practical curriculum have shaped everything I do as an entrepreneur.”

NutriSync – Hassana Ennami (DBA Student)

Personalized, AI-driven supplement plans
In a $60B+ health supplement industry overwhelmed with options, NutriSync offers a smarter approach. Customers take a personalized quiz powered by AI to receive tailored supplement recommendations. With a robust marketing strategy and plans for one-time purchases, subscriptions, and B2B partnerships, Hassana is targeting a growing demand for wellness customization.

“Health isn’t one-size-fits-all, so supplements shouldn’t be either.”

DO YOU FEEL ME – Max Wessel (MBA Student)

Social mission streetwear with impact
Built from personal experience, Max created a streetwear clothing brand that gives back. Each purchase helps fund blindness prevention and treatment in underserved communities—an issue close to his heart. With more than $42K already generated and a 90% ROI, the brand is gaining traction through pop-ups, social media, and a strong customer base.

“We’re building more than clothing. We’re building conversations through fashion with purpose.”

Jabble Inc – Noaman Patne (DBA Student)

Custom mechanical keyboards through 3D printing
Jabble Inc focuses on truly customizable products, not just the illusion of personalization. Through 3D printing and community engagement, Noaman is carving out a niche in a booming market with passionate, loyal users. His pitch focused on scalability and profitability without compromising on quality or user experience.

“Lifestyle brands give the illusion of customization, we offer the real thing.”

Yello – Claire Xiaoyu Zhu (MSCS Student)

Social platform for free, local events
Yello aims to make socializing and community engagement more accessible. By connecting users with non-ticketed events nearby, Yello provides a platform for businesses to promote gatherings and for users to discover free ways to connect. In an era where isolation is increasing, Claire’s app centers on bringing people together in meaningful, low-barrier ways.

“We put the social in social media, bringing people together and helping businesses thrive.”

A Launchpad for Real-World Innovation

More than 30 attendees joined in person and virtually to witness the pitches—and the energy was electric. The E-Biz Challenge wasn’t just a competition; it was a launchpad. A real-time simulation of what it takes to present a business to investors, receive feedback, and navigate real market challenges.

The insights from TCA Venture Group weren’t hypothetical, they were sharp, specific, and deeply valuable. Students walked away with not only validation of their work but a clearer path forward.

More Than a Competition

As Westcliff continues to grow its entrepreneurial ecosystem, the E-Biz Challenge stands as a core part of that journey, bridging academic knowledge with applied learning, innovation with execution.

Congratulations again to all participants, especially our winner, Phu Do and Link Wave AI. We can’t wait to see where your ventures go next.