On 10 April 2025, the Arden Enterprise Incubator proudly co-hosted the GUS Business Pitch Competition, bringing together student entrepreneurs from across the Global University Systems (GUS) network. The event celebrated innovation and creativity from students at Arden University, London College of Contemporary Arts, Berlin School of Business & Innovation, Gisma University of Applied Sciences, London School of Business & Finance, and University of Niagara Falls Canada, each presenting their startup ideas to a panel of expert judges. 

Opening remarks from Nick Wylie, Arden’s Associate Dean of Business, set an encouraging tone. “These are always the moments of maximum anxiety,” he joked, capturing the nervous energy as the first team prepared to pitch. 

The first venture was Fixxit Beauty & Spa from London College of Contemporary Arts, led by Dr. Noman Mahtab. Their concept combines AI-powered personalised beauty services with an eco-conscious business model, offering a sustainable spa experience that responds to trends in wellness, technology, and the environment. 

Representing Arden University, student founder Amir Emami pitched FYNDA, a blockchain-powered crowdfunding platform. It will help early-stage startup founders raise investment using token-based fundraising with instant secondary market trading. Judges were particularly impressed by FYNDA’s innovation and awarded it a special innovation prize. 

Kalid Sacbe Juarez Ponce from University of Niagara Falls Canada presented Le Crems, a venture using drone imagery and predictive AI to help vineyards detect pests and crop disease before damage occurs. Combining agriculture, AI, and sustainability, the pitch earned joint first place for its technical depth and potential global impact. 

Also awarded joint first place was Trace Amigo, a travel app pitched by Subhanshu Arora from Gisma University of Applied Sciences. The app allows users to follow travel influencers' routes and recreate their journeys—merging social media with real-world exploration in a way that reimagines how we plan travel. 

Innovator’s Circle, from London School of Business & Finance, presented by Pranan Bajav, Ivana Taruni, and Brenda Chebet, introduced an AI-powered leadership coaching tool. Designed for modern learners, the platform offers real-time guidance, skill tracking, and personal development support, bringing scalable executive coaching to wider audiences. 

Finally, CTO (Come Try On) from Berlin School of Business & Innovation, led by Divyesh Anchalia and Mazen Daher, tackled online fashion’s high return rates. Their solution allows customers to reserve items online and try them in-store before purchase, helping retailers cut costs and improve customer satisfaction. 

Students showcased not only creativity but also business insight. Judge Ben McClure from the Arden Enterprise Incubator commented, “These ideas could be brought to market sooner than you think—the potential is real, and the revenue models are exciting.” 

Judges were unable to choose a single winner and instead awarded Le Crems and Trace Amigo as joint winners, each receiving a cash prize. 

The GUS Business Pitch Competition reflects the Arden Enterprise Incubator’s mission: to equip students with entrepreneurial confidence, connect them with mentors, and support their journey from idea to execution. 

Congratulations to all the student entrepreneurs for delivering great pitches. We look forward to supporting their ventures—and the next wave of student innovators in our community.

Contact the Arden Enterprise Incubator: aei@arden.ac.uk

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