The John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Tampa’s Sykes College of Business has chosen the members of its Spartan Incubator Cohort for 2024-25.
The program is “designed to cultivate business ideas from recent graduates and early-stage community businesses” and turn their innovative ideas into viable businesses, according to a release. The cohort will commence on Aug. 20.
“The level of innovation and drive we’ve seen during the selection process is truly inspiring,” Josh Ray, a new venture adviser, said in the release. “I’m looking forward to working closely with these founders as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of building their businesses.”
It also provides a unique “live lab” environment where recent graduates and early-stage community businesses can refine their concepts and develop their ventures.
“The Spartan Incubator is a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship at the University of Tampa,” Rebecca White, director of the Lowth Entrepreneurship Center, said in the release. “This program not only provides our founders with the resources and mentorship they need but also focuses on developing their entrepreneurial mindset — an essential component of long-term success.”
This year, the program adopted a twist inspired by the popular television show "The Voice." Applicants were given five minutes to pitch their ideas, followed by a Q&A with mentor coaches. Twelve founders were selected based on “their potential to innovate and impact the entrepreneurial landscape.”
The 2024-25 Spartan Incubator Cohort
- Salvator DeBenedetto ’24 and Owen Cascio ’24 – PartPal, an online platform to find car parts at lower prices and auto repair shops
- Adrienne Falcone Godsell – The Food Whisperer, videos to teach others how to prepare meals in minutes
- Jamilet Figueroa – Habla y Lenguaje, a speech therapy app offered in English and Spanish
- Kyle Franklin – MoshoBoga, an app that suggests streaming shows based on friends’ preferences
- Patrick Istefanidis M.S. ’24 and Kathleen Dorta – Timeless Tapes, a white-glove service to convert memories on old media to digital
- Rachael Kierych – Versus, legal software with unique security features
- Terrance King – Clean Box, an automated bathing machine for those who need bathing assistance
- Sarah Krolik ’20, M.A. ’23 – You Plan, a customizable time-management product
- Martin Lakovic ’22 and Stevo Lugonja – Healthy Bite Supplements, health and wellness products for pets
- Jonathan Locust Jr. – Conscirise, a spiritual wellness and consciousness platform
- Terry Perenich and Mohammad Ali – Tripsora, an app that prepares trip itineraries and bookings
- Stephanie Philpot – Eczema Sample Store, a mail-delivery service to try specialized skin products
