Stillwater, Oklahoma, February 4, 2026
Oklahoma State University students showcased their entrepreneurial talents at the Riata Business Plan Competition, winning a total of $40,500 in scholarships. This annual event, open to all OSU students, highlights the importance of fostering creativity and business acumen. Participants presented innovative business ideas across multiple categories, demonstrating the vital role of entrepreneurship in Oklahoma’s economy.
OSU Entrepreneurs Win $40,500 at Riata Business Plan Competition
Innovative students showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and expertise
Stillwater, Oklahoma – Oklahoma State University (OSU) students demonstrated their entrepreneurial flair and innovative spirit at the annual Riata Business Plan Competition, where they secured an impressive total of $40,500 in scholarships. This event, held on January 30, 2026, serves as a platform for student entrepreneurs to present their business ideas while promoting the vital role of entrepreneurship and small business development in today’s economy.
Organized by OSU’s Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the competition welcomes participation from all OSU students across various disciplines, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and business acumen. This initiative highlights the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs who are pivotal in driving economic growth and job creation in Oklahoma.
Competition Overview
The Riata Business Plan Competition is designed to showcase ventures that are created, managed, and owned by students. Participants receive valuable feedback from industry experts, enhancing their ability to transform ideas into viable business opportunities. The competition is structured into four main categories: Main Street Lifestyles, Big City High Tech, Social Enterprise, and Rising Entrepreneur.
2026 Competition Results
In 2026, the competition came alive with energetic presentations and innovative ideas. The winners for each category are:
Main Street Lifestyles
- First Place: Plenish Pouches – Wyatt Nantz, Luke Nantz, Tyler Reynolds
- Second Place: Az-Tec, LLC – Steven Azzaro
- Third Place: Crescendo Guitars – Charles Christe
Big City High Tech
- First Place: PLUS – Amit Navare, Ujjval Patel
- Second Place: Traditions AI – Racheal Appiah-Kubi
- Third Place: EntrepreneursEat – Thomas Kettles
Social Enterprise
- First Place: MonConnect Uganda – Nicholas Ssebalamu
- Second Place: Prograte Capital Ventures – Kevin Kuteesa
Rising Entrepreneur
- First Place: Scivince – Soroosh Farsiani, Mahla Hosseini
Additional Awards
- Best Elevator Pitch: Plenish Pouches – Wyatt Nantz, Luke Nantz, Tyler Reynolds
- Richard L. Tourtellotte Family Scholarship: Prograte Capital Ventures – Kevin Kuteesa
Support for Student Innovation
The Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, located within OSU’s Spears School of Business, stands as a vital hub for fostering innovation. By organizing events like the Riata Business Plan Competition, it provides students with the necessary resources and support to bring their entrepreneurial ideas to fruition. The focus on entrepreneurship not only cultivates the skills needed for business success but also contributes significantly to the economic landscape of Oklahoma.
Key Features of the Riata Business Plan Competition
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Open to All OSU Students | The competition is open to all OSU students across various disciplines, regardless of their business experience. |
| Multiple Categories | The competition features categories such as Main Street Lifestyles, Big City High Tech, Social Enterprise, and Rising Entrepreneur. |
| Scholarship Awards | A total of $40,500 in scholarship money is awarded to finalists. |
| Expert Feedback | Participants receive expert feedback to help turn their ideas into viable ventures. |
| Richard L. Tourtellotte Family Scholarship | A $3,000 scholarship awarded annually, including naming recognition on a bench in the Tourtellotte Family Garden. |
Conclusion
The success of the Riata Business Plan Competition reflects the determination and creativity of OSU students and highlights the importance of supporting entrepreneurship in the region. As these young innovators take their first steps into the business world, it is essential for the community to rally behind them and foster an environment where small businesses can thrive. Engaging with and supporting local entrepreneurs will not only help propel individual ideas but also strengthen the economic foundation of Oklahoma City.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Riata Business Plan Competition?
The Riata Business Plan Competition is an annual event organized by Oklahoma State University’s Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. It is open to all OSU students across various disciplines and aims to promote entrepreneurship and small business development by showcasing student-created, managed, and owned ventures.
Who were the winners of the 2026 Riata Business Plan Competition?
The winners in each category are as follows:
- Main Street Lifestyles: First Place: Plenish Pouches – Wyatt Nantz, Luke Nantz, Tyler Reynolds; Second Place: Az-Tec, LLC – Steven Azzaro; Third Place: Crescendo Guitars – Charles Christe
- Big City High Tech: First Place: PLUS – Amit Navare, Ujjval Patel; Second Place: Traditions AI – Racheal Appiah-Kubi; Third Place: EntrepreneursEat – Thomas Kettles
- Social Enterprise: First Place: MonConnect Uganda – Nicholas Ssebalamu; Second Place: Prograte Capital Ventures – Kevin Kuteesa
- Rising Entrepreneur: First Place: Scivince – Soroosh Farsiani, Mahla Hosseini
Additional awards included Best Elevator Pitch: Plenish Pouches – Wyatt Nantz, Luke Nantz, Tyler Reynolds, and the Richard L. Tourtellotte Family Scholarship awarded to Prograte Capital Ventures – Kevin Kuteesa.
What is the Richard L. Tourtellotte Family Scholarship?
The Richard L. Tourtellotte Family Scholarship is a $3,000 award presented annually during the Riata Business Plan Competition. The scholarship includes naming recognition on a bench in the Tourtellotte Family Garden on the Business Building’s north side.
Who is eligible to participate in the Riata Business Plan Competition?
The competition is open to all OSU students across various disciplines, regardless of their business experience.
What is the Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship?
The Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, housed in OSU’s Spears School of Business, serves as the university’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The center offers various programs and competitions to support student entrepreneurs in developing and launching their business ideas.
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