Student Ideas Brought to Life Through Business Pitch Competition

Limer is a lime and salt beverage business with a micro-electrolyte boost, offering a different drinking experience in the sea of sweet beverages found on supermarket shelves. Limer provides a new,

savory spin on wellness drinks so customers don’t have to worry about sacrificing taste in a healthy beverage alternative. 

“My family has enjoyed Limer’s recipe for as long as I can remember,” said Needham. “Growing up, I found myself in many situations where I craved one, but every option I tried tasted nothing like it. My mission is to turn Limer into not just a healthy and refreshing beverage, but a message—a reminder of your roots, both through heritage and nature.” 

The Belmont Experience: “The Belmont community has lifted me higher than I could have on my own. In following my passion, people have given me their utmost care and attention, helping me in any way possible,” he added. 

Alayna Rindler, The Porch Cafe and Bakery
Second Place - $1500 

The idea:  

The Porch Cafe and Bakery is a place for community members to slow down, connect and remember the simple moments in life. Through nutritious goods and quality coffee, Rindler plans to fuel her hometown community and remind customers of a slow-paced lifestyle that is dear to her. Through her winnings from last year's pitch competition, Rindler had the opportunity to host cafes back home in Ohio and gain experience serving over 200 people and will continue to grow with this year’s winnings.   

“This was my third time competing in a pitch competition, and each experience leaves me even more energized about my business,” she said. “Sharing my passion with others reminds me why I started. It’s also inspiring to be surrounded by other student entrepreneurs who are equally driven to bring their ideas to life.” 

Maddie Miles, Verse
Third Place - $1000

The idea:  

Verse is a digital software that provides both music fans and artists with ways to connect. By tapping their phones on an near-field-communication (NFC) chip embedded in an artist’s physical merchandise at a concert, fans are instantly directed to the Verse sign-up page. Through this technology, fans can prove their loyalty to become “verified fans” of their favorite artists, creating a tangible connection and helping restore organic artist-to-fan relationships. 

“I wanted to create something that lets musicians share their art authentically and reach the right audience without chasing trends or gimmicks,” said Miles. “This pitch competition was so valuable because it was our first time sharing Verse in front of a large audience, and it confirmed what we’ve been hearing all along: people are craving real, human connection again.” 

Peter Gorgey, Pictures to Pages
Sullivan Award - $1000

The idea:  

Pictures to Pages takes cherished photo memories and transforms them into an interactive experience that lives on in a different form in a coloring book. Families, friends and individuals simply upload their photos and Pictures to Pages will deliver a coloring book to enjoy and relive those priceless experiences.  

Gorgey plans to use a portion of his prize money to partner with Book’em, an organization that provides books to children in Nashville without regular access to them.  

“I wanted to support local companies since I am a Nashville native,” Gorgey said. “Investing in Pictures to Pages is investing in Nashville.” 

The Sullivan Award 

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation promotes service through partnerships with colleges and universities in the South, offering scholarships and awards to students who make service a cornerstone of their college experience. 

This year was the first time a pitch competition participant received the Sullivan Award, given to a student whose business exemplifies change-making and impact.  

In addition to his winnings, Gorgey will get the opportunity to compete at the Sullivan Competition in March against other student entrepreneurs across the U.S. for greater cash prizes and business visibility. 

Daniela Drukteinis, Matchaaa
People's Choice - $250

The idea:  

Matchaaa provides quality and affordable matcha to college students so they can purchase matcha without sacrificing price or nutrition.  

“The competition was a useful experience as I was able to share my ideas with people who I normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to,” reflected Drukteinis.