MALVERN, Pa. — From game-based e-learning courses to handcrafted outdoor tools to portable devices protecting ATM PIN numbers, Penn State Great Valley's first-ever Student Pitch Day drew a wide variety of student entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by the REV-UP Center of Entrepreneurship, the inaugural event consisted of two rounds of pitches, a keynote address from YPrime CEO Shawn Blackburn, and a panel discussion with faculty and area professionals.
Six students participated in the competition — representing both the undergraduate and graduate programs offered at the campus.
Finalists included:
- Winner: Matt Dever, founder of 30 Minute Fit, an individualized fitness and nutrition program geared to help individuals in 30 minutes or less per day.
- Runner up: Lavanetta Quince, creator of Essential Marketing Group, a consulting firm designed to aid small businesses in engaging and expanding their audiences.
Both Dever and Quince are students in Great Valley’s MBA program.
30 Minute Fit
Matt Dever has never had the option to be unhealthy. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 14, he spent years monitoring his nutrition and exercise habits. Around the same time, he began teaching karate and kickboxing classes.
But working as a Managing Software Architect at Cerner had made it difficult to maintain his two-hour-long workout routine. After trying CrossFit and other workouts, he discovered he could achieve similar results in shorter, 10-15 minute routines that fit better into his busy schedule.