Finalists Announced for UBalt's 14th Annual 'Rise to the Challenge' Business Pitch Competition

The University of Baltimore's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) has announced the six finalists for its 14th annual "Rise to the Challenge" Business Pitch Competition, taking place on May 6.

The competition, a signature program of the Merrick School of Business, showcases some of the most promising student and alumni entrepreneurs from across the University of Baltimore community. Finalists will compete for a share of more than $30,000 in cash and in-kind services, pitching their ventures live before a panel of judges composed of business leaders, investors, and members of Baltimore's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

These 2026 Rise to the Challenge participants finalists and their ventures have been selected to advance to the final round:

• Erica Attoe for Steady Hands, a Baltimore-based organization delivering affordable CPR
  training while funding cancer research.
• John Butler for Totem Jou Publishing, a creator-first micro-publisher helping
  underrepresented writers produce books while retaining ownership and profits.
• K'La Hamilton for K'Raw Juice Truck, a  mobile juice business bringing fresh, healthy
  beverages directly to underserved communities.
• Hope Jones for Keepin' Up with the Jones' Hair Care, a plant-based hair care brand focused
  on safer products that improve scalp health and reduce toxic exposure.
• Matthew Morris for BLUE DREAM, a sustainable infrastructure venture that repurposes data
  center heat to power high-density farming.
• Terjahna Richardson for Pharmynx, a biotech platform advancing exosome research,
  education, and innovation to expand access in health and science.

Selected from a competitive pool of more than 30 applicants, these finalists represent a diverse range of industries and ideas—from early-stage concepts to revenue-generating businesses—demonstrating the depth of entrepreneurial talent at The University of Baltimore.

A Launchpad for Baltimore's Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

"Rise to the Challenge is more than a competition—it's a transformational experience," said Henry
Mortimer, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. "Each year, we see participants—representing the graduate and undergraduate levels, as well as a range of colleges—develop ventures from concept, in some cases, to viable businesses over the course of a few short weeks. This program reflects our commitment to hands-on learning and our role in supporting Baltimore's entrepreneurial ecosystem."

Event Details

The final competition will take place on the evening of Wednesday, May 6, on The University of
Baltimore campus. More details to follow soon. The event is free and open to the public, and attendees will have the opportunity to hear pitches, engage with founders, and connect with members of the local business community.

About "Rise to the Challenge"

Now in its 14th year, the "Rise to the Challenge" Business Pitch Competition is a cornerstone initiative of The University of Baltimore's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The program provides student and alumni entrepreneurs with mentorship, coaching, and the opportunity to secure funding to launch and grow their ventures.

About the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at The University of Baltimore's Merrick School of Business empowers students, alumni, and community members to develop, launch, and scale new ventures. Through experiential learning, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, CEI plays a vital role in strengthening Baltimore's innovation economy.