Pippa Scott, a high school junior from Killington, Vermont (above), has won the grand prize at the University of Vermont’s (UVM) inaugural Vermont Pitch Challenge. This competition offers outstanding high school entrepreneurs worldwide the opportunity to secure a full-tuition scholarship for their innovative ventures.
Scott’s inspirational business proposal for her established organization, Ride for Mental Health, piqued the interest of UVM judges. This revolutionary initiative uses action sports to promote awareness and provide help to children and teenagers suffering from mental health issues.
“Pippa Scott’s outstanding presentation on a critical societal issue deserves not only our appreciation, but also our tangible support,” stated UVM President Suresh Garimella. “All of the Vermont Pitch Challenge finalists exemplify the key characteristics of success in today’s world: an entrepreneurial spirit, inventiveness, a global perspective, and a dedication to developing meaningful solutions for people and the environment. This competition acts as a springboard for the future generation of innovators, providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to turn their ideas into reality.”
The Vermont Pitch Challenge, announced in September, brought together over 150 teams from seven countries and 27 states. Over 220 ambitious students participated, each eager to make a good difference and address urgent issues in their individual areas. Throughout the competition, UVM provided opportunities for students to learn from experts about business plan drafting and pitch structure.
Following a rigorous review, five finalist teams were chosen to present their business concepts in person to a panel of eminent judges at UVM on April 4, with the final rankings announced on Thursday.
“As UVM increasingly attracts academically gifted and diverse students from Vermont, the U.S., and beyond, the Vermont Pitch Challenge is designed to captivate young entrepreneurs who are passionate about driving positive social change, engage more deeply with outstanding prospective students, and highlight UVM’s impressive culture of engaging students in entrepreneurship across academics, research, and student programs,” said Jay Jacobs, vice provost for enrollment at UVM.
Scott thanked the Vermont Pitch Challenge for the chance and pledged to support others facing mental health challenges. “I’m so glad I won, but the fact that people are going to learn more about the importance of mental health support and knowing that kids are going to have more help because of this accomplishment is really what means everything to me.”
In addition to Scott’s victory, numerous other notable contestants were acknowledged for their unique efforts:
- Danny Philip of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, earned a $5,000 cash prize for Agri-Equip Incorporation, which seeks to catalyze agricultural development in the vibrant landscapes of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Pierson and Parker Jones, twin brothers from Lutz, Florida, were awarded $5,000 for DiscGuard, a pioneering initiative focused on enhancing patient outcomes by preventing re-injury after spinal surgery.
- Sebastian Tan of Sewickly, Pennsylvania, received a $1,000 cash prize for OutsideConnection, which helps formerly incarcerated individuals find employment opportunities.
- Eliza Strum of Ticonderoga, New York, secured a $1,000 cash prize for EcoCharge, a venture aimed at reducing electric and plastic waste through eco-friendly charging solutions.
UVM offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurial students, including the Grossman School of Business and the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, the Sustainable Innovation MBA, the Academic Research Commercialization program, the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup, paid internships at leading companies, global study abroad opportunities, the UVM Entrepreneurship Club, and the thriving technology sector.
Looking ahead, the Vermont Pitch Challenge is set to commence its second year with submissions opening in January 2025, followed by the finalists’ in-person pitch event and awards ceremony slated for April 10, 2025. For information and updates about the Vermont Pitch Challenge, please visit go.uvm.edu/vtpitchchallenge
