Six student and alumni entrepreneurs took center stage at the University of Baltimore's 14th annual "Rise to the Challenge" Business Pitch Competition on May 6, competing for more than $35,000 in prizes and showcasing innovative ventures spanning biotechnology, sustainability, publishing, wellness, and community health.
Hosted by the University of Baltimore's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
(CEI), the
annual competition celebrates emerging entrepreneurs from across the UBalt community
and
provides finalists with coaching, mentorship, exposure to Baltimore’s entrepreneurial
ecosystem, and the opportunity to secure early-stage funding.
This year's top honor, the Most Promising Business Award, which carried a combined
prize of
$20,000, was split between two founders: John Butler, founder of Totem Jou Publishing, a
creator-first micro-publisher helping underrepresented writers produce books while
retaining
ownership and profits; and Terjahna Richards, founder of Pharmynx, a biotech platform
advancing exosome research, education, and innovation to expand access in health and
science.
Hope Jones, founder of 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, captured
first
place in the Existing Business Venture category and received a $5,000 prize.
The Aspiring Business Venture Award, along with a $2,500 prize, went to K'La Hamilton,
founder of K'Raw Juice, a local business bringing fresh, healthy beverages directly
to
underserved communities. Hamilton also received the PitchCreator "Hustle Award," a
$1,000
prize recognizing the finalist who demonstrated exceptional growth, determination,
and
commitment throughout the coaching process.
The Baltimore Fund Award, honoring the entrepreneur who best exemplifies UBalt's
commitment to community and civic engagement, was awarded to Erica Attoe, founder of
Steady Hands, a Baltimore-based organization delivering affordable CPR training while
funding
cancer research.
Matthew Morris, founder of BLUE DREAM, a sustainable infrastructure venture repurposing
data center heat to power high-density farming, received the Most Innovative Award
and its
accompanying $3,000 prize.
Audience members also played an active role in the evening, voting John Butler and
Totem Jou
Publishing as the recipient of the $1,000 Crowd Favorite Award.
As a special highlight of the evening, alumnus Dorien Murphy, founder of Cheffin and a 2025
recipient of the Ripley Prize, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on his entrepreneurial
journey and encouraging finalists to embrace both the uncertainty and opportunity
that come
with building a business.
The evening also marked the in-person return of Jason Tagler, founder of PitchCreator, who
personally presented the PitchCreator "Hustle Award" for the first time since 2019.
Tagler's
continued partnership and support have helped finalists strengthen their storytelling,
pitch
development, and presentation skills throughout the competition process.
The live final round was judged by a panel of local entrepreneurs, business leaders,
and
ecosystem partners:
"This competition is about far more than prize money," said Henry Mortimer, director of
UBalt's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and emcee for the awards ceremony.
"What we witnessed tonight was growth, resilience, and the willingness to put ideas
into motion. These founders refined their thinking, embraced feedback, and developed
the confidence to stand up and share something meaningful with the community. That
kind of momentum matters—not just for the entrepreneurs themselves, but for the future
of Baltimore's innovation economy."
This year's event also served as part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of
the Center
for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which has spent two decades supporting students,
alumni, and community entrepreneurs through mentorship, experiential learning, pitch
competitions, and connections to Baltimore's business ecosystem.
The Rise to the Challenge competition is sponsored by the University of Baltimore's
Center for
Entrepreneurship and Innovation and is designed to generate awareness of emerging and
established ventures nurtured by the UBalt community. The Center for Entrepreneurship
and
Innovation supports students and alumni interested in launching or growing a business
through
workshops, mentorship, events, coaching, and connections to the regional business
community. Meet with a CEI counselor to discuss launching or growing your business.