LSU Student Incubator awards largest cash prize to date at Venture Challenge

The Hospitality & Senior Care Institute, an LSU student-led startup providing professional and workforce development training in the short-term hospitality industry, was awarded the largest single cash prize to date from the LSU Student Incubator at its third annual Venture Challenge. The institute was awarded $15,000 of the possible $25,000 up for grabs at Friday’s event, which saw four finalists pitch their business plans to a panel of 18 local judges from the professional community. The panel also awarded $4,500 to ETCH Studios, a laser-cut jewelry business that was also named the “Audience Choice”; $3,000 to Foundations Family Fitness, a fitness center that utilizes psychological research to maximize program adherence and optimize health and fitness for the whole family; and $2,000 to Environmental Robotics Institute, which is committed to implementing and developing environmental robotics systems and networks to support global environmental sustainability. Mashball was awarded a $500 runner-up “Audience Choice” prize for its tailgate, beach and outdoor game. —Staff report