Winners of the 2025 NY Business Plan Competition (NYBPC)

Upstate Capital Association of New York is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC), which highlights the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers in New York State. The NYBPC Finals were held at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Troy, NY on April 24, 2025 with over 350 student entrepreneurs, advisors, and college professionals from 65 colleges and universities representing all 10 regions in New York State in attendance.

This year’s NYBPC finals brought together the best and brightest student-led startups, competing across six tracks: AgTech & Food, Consumer Products & Services, Energy & Environment, Health & Wellbeing, Military & First Responder, and Technology & Entertainment. Finalists pitched their concepts to esteemed judges from the investment and business communities, vying for top prizes in each category and the coveted Grand Prize.

Grand Prize Winner: Sara Technology

Taking home the Grand Prize of $25,000, Sara Technology is transforming access to pediatric speech therapy with AI. Founded on the mission that every child deserves to be heard and understood, Sara Technology addresses the widespread gap in speech therapy services by offering an affordable, AI-driven platform that empowers Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and families.

“We’re incredibly grateful to be recognized by the New York Business Plan Competition. This recognition strengthens our momentum and opens new doors for partnerships, funding and growth,” said Sara Technology Co-Founder, Jiaxin Zhang. “We’re excited to build on this opportunity to bring our solution to even more families and communities.”

2025 NYBPC Finalists and Winners by Track:

Health & Wellbeing

1st Place: Sara Technology from Columbia University
2nd Place: VAPGuard from the University of Rochester
3rd Place: Sante from Columbia University
The Concept Stage Award: Empathera from Cornell University

Food & Agtech

1st Place: BuzzHive from Binghamton University
2nd Place: Sipsafe+ from Syracuse University
3rd Place: Adapt Nutrition from Clarkson University
The Concept Stage Award: Xila from the Fashion Institute of Technology

Safety, Power & Mobility

1st Place: Slice Guard from Clarkson University
2nd Place: Jaden from Cornell University
3rd Place: Everlasting Technology from Colgate University
The Concept Stage Award: Slice Guard from Clarkson University

Learn, Work & Live

1st Place: NIL Finder from SUNY Cortland
2nd Place: Renewed Life House from SUNY Ulster
3rd Place: Homii from the University of Rochester
The Concept Stage Award: Brailleo from Cornell University

Software & Services

1st Place: Filmify from Cornell University
2nd Place: KnotHastags from St. John’s University
3rd Place: LocalLists from Binghamton University
The Concept Stage Award: WingStat from Syracuse University

Products & Hardware

1st Place: Polar Hockey from Skidmore College
2nd Place: SOLACE Collective from Syracuse University
3rd Place: Twelve Twenty One from SUNY Buffalo State
The Concept Stage Award: Kipkees from Pratt Munson

The NYBPC has a long-standing tradition of launching impactful businesses that contribute to the growth and vibrancy of New York State’s economy. This year’s winners showcased exceptional innovation, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

About the New York Business Plan Competition

The NYBPC is New York State’s premier student business plan competition, offering student entrepreneurs mentorship, resources and funding opportunities to help turn their ideas into thriving ventures. Organized by the Upstate Capital Association of New York, the competition brings together students from two-year colleges, four-year colleges and universities across the state.

Event Sponsors

A huge thank you to our sponsors who made this event possible:

Event Photos

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