High Point University students took on the Big Apple in New York City last week for the Global Entrepreneurship Initiative competition. Pictured from left to right are Zach Viscomi, president of Celebrity Branding Agency; Addi Antico, co-founder of MJ Bottle; Jordan Rubin, co-founder of MJ Bottle; Ivana Korankyi, founder of Flasky Labware; and Nick Nanton, CEO of Celebrity Branding Agency. Each HPU student took home a $1,500 grant to further their business after presenting at the NYC event.
HIGH POINT, N.C., June 22, 2022 – High Point University students took on the Big Apple in New York City last week for the Global Entrepreneurship Initiative. Three students who have created businesses pitched their products and received grant money on June 15.
HPU students toured the Big Apple after the competition, visiting landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and the National September 11 Memorial Museum. Pictured from left to right are Rubin, Antico and Korankyi.
Ivana Korankyi, a Class of 2024 Doctor of Pharmacy student from Jamestown, North Carolina, is the founder of Flasky Labware, a specialized tool that collects the medication researchers and drug companies are usually unable to reach on the bottom of flasks. She won first place at this year’s annual Business Plan Competition for her product.
“Going to the Global Entrepreneurship Initiative introduced me to so many new individuals and ideas,” said Korankyi. “I felt so prepared to be in new environments and to have conversations with different people because HPU prepared me for that. I came away from this experience thinking new thoughts and ready to ask new questions. It was truly a priceless experiential learning opportunity.”
Jordan Rubin, from Wayland, Massachusetts, and Addison Antico, from Sherborn, Massachusetts, are both Class of 2022 strategic communication graduates and the founders of MJ Bottle. This product is an all-in-one baby formula feeding bottle that is in the process of being officially patented.
“This opportunity High Point University gave my partner and I to share our business with experienced global entrepreneurs was one we will cherish forever,” said Rubin. “The growth that our business has experienced in less than a year is all thanks to HPU. We felt confident during our preparation for the Global Entrepreneurship Initiative, which included conducting primary research, putting together business materials and creating our website. It was truly an honor to represent such a special school and to share its impact with so many. I hope to continue to represent High Point University in any way possible!”
The two businesses took home a $1,500 grant to further their business after presenting at the NYC event.
HPU students toured the Big Apple after the event, visiting landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and the National September 11 Memorial Museum. HPU Class of 2018 graduate Marco Sebastian connected with the entrepreneurs at the New York City-based company Bloomberg where he is the hedge funds account manager.
