Over 100 participants embraced collaboration, resilience, and innovation throughout the weekend-long program.
The Spring 2025 Red Raider Startup, held September 26–28 at the Texas Tech Innovation Hub, welcomed over 100 participants for a three-day dive into entrepreneurship. Students, faculty, high schoolers, and community members collaborated to turn raw ideas into early-stage ventures while gaining skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
“Red Raider Startup is just the beginning of the entrepreneurial journey. Teams gain valuable experience testing their ideas and building momentum,” said Ryan Bain, Program Director of the Innovation Hub. “From here, programs like the iLaunch Competition help them transform those early concepts into fully developed business models with real market potential.”
Throughout the weekend, participants brainstormed solutions, formed 12 teams each based on a novel idea, and attended workshops led by mentors and industry experts. With undergraduate students making up the majority of attendees, the program showcased the creativity of Texas Tech’s rising entrepreneurs and the value of diverse perspectives.
On Sunday, September 28, teams pitched their ventures to a panel of judges for the $1,000 grand prize sponsored by the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA).
Among the standout teams was Yummms, a social media platform for bakers and baked-good lovers. “I’m so thankful for every team that got up here and presented,” said team leader James Hardeman. “Earlier this weekend, I saw a lot of ideas just crash and burn, but they didn’t quit and picked themselves right back up and kept pushing. I just want to brag on my team… they jumped in, started sectioning it off, and even gave me ideas for my business.”
Puffi, another team, developed a custom stuffed animal venture that transforms keepsakes into plush toys while employing retired individuals seeking community. “This weekend taught me a lot about myself and helped me mature as a person,” shared team member Nick Hernandez. “I am an engineer, I like all the math and computer science, but for a while I just wanted to grow as an entrepreneur and this weekend makes me want to continue that.”
The winning team, Chorus, earned first place and the $1,000 prize with their social platform connecting early musicians and artists with a community of followers, venues, and music lovers. Their goal: to strengthen the local music economy while celebrating musical diversity worldwide. The team was comprised of Red Raider Startup alumni, undergraduate students, and even a high schooler; each bringing unique perspectives shaped by their own musical backgrounds, from band and choir to orchestra and passionate fans. Their pitch stood out for its vision, teamwork, and a live demo of the app they hope to fully develop through future programs.
Though Chorus took home the prize, the weekend offered more than competition. Red Raider Startup gave every participant a supportive community, practical tools, and the confidence to take their entrepreneurial journey to the next stage.
A special thank you goes to the Red Raider Startup Leadership Team, comprised of program alumni and local entrepreneurs, who dedicated their time and expertise to make the event possible: Katie Weiss, Kal Sitler, Chris Tobin, Ryan Bain, Jackson Deaton, Taylor Soucy, Ashton Montgomery, Abby Rosilier, Zach Rosilier, Ashley Rosilier, and Kathryn Dankesreiter. Their mentorship and leadership continue to shape the Innovation Hub’s entrepreneurial community.