The Bud Albin Challenge acts as the semifinal round of the
Paul J. Holloway Prize Innovation to Market Competition.
The 2026 Bud Albin Challenge will take place on Friday, April 10, at UNH Paul College. The 2026 schedule is below. The Teams and Judges sections are from 2025, and will be updated closer to the date of the competition.
Teams present their business concepts to a panel of judges using PowerPoint, a poster, and a prototype of their innovation, if available. Posters are not required as part of the formal presentation.
Twenty teams will advance to the Semifinal Bud Albin Challenge Round where they present their business concept before a panel of business and industry judges who have reviewed their 5-page submissions and videos. Teams are allotted 10 minutes to present followed by 15 minutes of Q&A with the judges.
At the conclusion of the Semifinal Bud Albin Challenge Round, all teams will receive detailed feedback from the judges and six teams will advance to the Holloway Prize Competition Championship Round.
Prizes
Cash prizes will be awarded to all teams not advancing to the Holloway Prize Competition Championship Round
$600- 2nd Place Teams
$500- 3rd Place Teams
$300- Runner-up Teams
| Time | Room | Order | Track |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:50 p.m. | 175 | Competition Opening | |
| 1:00 p.m. | Presentation #1 | ||
| 115 | VerteGuard | Health and Wellness Ventures | |
| 125 | Vitrospear | Industry and Business Solution Ventures | |
| 175 | Armored Pig Studios | Consumer Product & Service Ventures | |
| 185 | SportSight Coaching Analytics | Public Sector & Community Ventures | |
| 1:30 p.m. | Presentation #2 | ||
| 115 | OmniClimb | Health and Wellness Ventures | |
| 125 | Lase-X | Industry and Business Solution Ventures | |
| 175 | Vision | Consumer Product & Service Ventures | |
| 185 | Curling our Future | Public Sector & Community Ventures | |
| 2:00 p.m. | Presentation #3 | ||
| 115 | Love & Listen | Health and Wellness Ventures | |
| 125 | Agent Integrator | Industry and Business Solution Ventures | |
| 175 | GlowDrift Studio | Consumer Product & Service Ventures | |
| 185 | Municable | Public Sector & Community Ventures | |
| 2:30 p.m. | Outside 165 | Break | |
| 3 p.m. | Presentation #4 | ||
| 115 | Prime Health Media | Health and Wellness Ventures | |
| 125 | The 5-Minute Lead Response System | Industry and Business Solution Ventures | |
| 175 | Burlingame Technologies | Consumer Product & Service Ventures | |
| 185 | Symbiolink | Public Sector & Community Ventures | |
| 3:30 p.m. | Presentation #5 | ||
| 115 | Quai Company | Health and Wellness Ventures | |
| 125 | InfraLoop | Industry and Business Solution Ventures | |
| 175 | TNT Durham | Consumer Product & Service Ventures | |
| 185 | Lablincs | Public Sector & Community Ventures | |
| 4:00 p.m. | G45 | Dinner | |
| 4:50 p.m. | Great Hall | Advancing Teams Announced | |
| 5:15 p.m. | G45 | Run-off Round: Presentation #1 | Health and Wellness Ventures |
| 5:45 p.m. | G45 | Run-off Round: Presentation #2 | Industry and Business Solution Ventures |
| 6:15 p.m. | G45 | Run-off Round: Presentation #3 | Consumer Product & Service Ventures |
| 6:45 p.m. | G45 | Run-off Round: Presentation #4 | Public Sector & Community Ventures |
| 7:40 p.m. | Ground Floor | Run-off Round Winners Announced |
Health and Wellness Ventures
Love & Listen
Love & Listen is an agitation response system for Alzheimer’s patients delivering personalized de-escalation methods. By the tap of a button from a caregiver, it responds to patients with an ideal reply relative to that episode. This care is tailored to individuals through generative voices that resemble their loved ones, and personas based on their background to provide a sense of familiarity and serenity.
David Meyer, UNH, (Hometown: Epping, NH)
Andrew Lage, UNH, (Hometown: Hebron, CT)
Hannah Ritchie, UNH, (Hometown: Seabrook, NH)
OmniClimb
Our venture is OmniClimb - a technological advancement in the field of indoor rock climbing that provides climbers with real-time feedback on their climbing performance, providing a way to track their progress, log which climbs they've completed, and find ways to improve.
Ethan O'Leary, UNH, (Hometown: Madison, NH)
Prime Health Media
Prime Health Media is a unified agentic orchestration enterprise, empowered by one of the most notable publishing houses in Switzerland, known as Prime Public Media AG. Prime Health Media is the product of three unique public health media services, including a comprehensive directory of 17,000 conditions, a community hub for large groups of individuals affected by major illnesses, and a medical knowledge radio app featuring board certified professionals.
Tyler Norcross, UNH, (Hometown: Adams, MA)
Quai Company
Quai Company's "Sublime" is an emotionally intelligent matching engine that translates how you feel into where you go — connecting users to real-world wellness destinations. Powered by AI, Sublime gauges your emotions, interests, and local resources — then delivers the right place at the right moment.
Quinton Martin, UNH, (Hometown: Gardiner, ME)
VerteGuard
VerteGuard strives to enhance safety for motorcyclists by creating an attachment that clips to the back of a rider's helmet that deploys an airbag like neck brace in the event of a collision
Ben Kalman, UNH, (Hometown: Nashua, NH)
Matthew Dexter, UNH, (Hometown: Litchfield, NH)
Colton Rubbicco, UNH, (Hometown: Topsfield, MA)
Sam Labrie, UNH, (Hometown: Barkhamstead, CT)
Industry and Business Solution Ventures
Agent Integrator
Agent Integrator is an AI transformation firm and venture studio. We build vertical AI agents inside SMB/E's and co-build ventures with industry leaders.
Shaun Devan, UNH, (Hometown: Derry, NH)
InfraLoop
InfraLoop is a compliance-focused B2B marketplace that connects contractors with buyers to resell surplus construction materials, reducing waste and disposal costs. By standardizing listings and integrating compliance documentation, the platform helps companies meet sustainability mandates while improving efficiency and cost recovery.
Kristina Logan, UNH, (Hometown: Kamas, UT)
Sophie Lorenscheit, UNH, (Hometown: Muenster, Germany)
Lase-X
Lase-X develops integrated laser marking technology that embeds a unique digital identity into parts during the manufacturing process, enabling seamless traceability across their entire lifecycle. By connecting production, quality, and compliance data at the source, Lase-X helps manufacturers reduce risk, improve efficiency, and meet growing regulatory demands.
Shea Garland, UNH, (Hometown: Lakeville, MA)
The 5-Minute Lead Response System
The 5-Minute Lead Response System automates lead response for independent gyms losing 20-40% of potential members to slow follow-up. We went from idea to fully operational go-to-market infrastructure in 21 days—complete with an AI agent, 158-gym prospecting database, and live A/B testing—while competitors are still writing business plans.
Matthew Miclette, UNH, (Hometown: Hooksett, NH)
VitroSpear
VitroSpear is a portable, modular device that streamlines field-based cell collection by combining tissue sampling and stabilization into a single, efficient process. It reduces contamination risk, improves reliability, and expands access to biological research in remote and resource-limited environments.
Ralph Cerbone, UNH, (Hometown: Derry, NH)
John Eaton, UNH, (Hometown: Andover, NH)
Consumer Products and Services Ventures
Armored Pig Studios
We are a development team focused on creating XR (AR/VR) applications and games.
Kinoa Witt, UNH, (Hometown: Concord, NH)
Aidan Cronin, UNH, (Hometown: Attleboro, MA)
Dylan Nye, UNH, (Hometown: Laconia, NH)
Burlingame Technologies
Burlingame Technologies is a hardware and software company redefining productivity for knowledge workers through seamless workflow automation. We design premium, easy-to-use macro pads that combine multi-step sequence automation, intuitive software, and AI integration to help creators, developers, and professionals work faster and smarter.
David Scholz, UNH, (Hometown: Adams, MA)
GlowDrift Studio
GlowDrift Studio is developing Merchanteer, a systems-driven indie game that prioritizes deep, interdependent gameplay and emergent player experiences over traditional high-cost, graphics-focused development. By leveraging innovative design and efficient production methods, the studio delivers a scalable, immersive experience for underserved strategy and simulation gamers.
Dillon Ladd, UNH, (Hometown: Durham, NH)
Luca Fortin, UNH, (Hometown: Durham, NH)
TNT Durham
TNT Durham LLC (Tacos n’ Tea) is a SoCal-inspired, student-founded late-night food venture serving affordable, high-demand street tacos and rotating SpecialTeas in campus-centered environments. Operating through high-energy, live-cook pop-ups, TNT is designed for student nightlife and is building a scalable mobile food brand to expand bold, accessible food experiences across the New England region.
Sierra Parsons, UNH, (Hometown: Madison, NH)
Sabby Clemmons, UNH, (Hometown: Los Angeles, CA)
Vision
Vision is an AI-powered platform that helps early-stage entrepreneurs create investor-ready pitch decks, business plans, and executive summaries through guided, structured inputs. By combining automation with proven business frameworks, it reduces the time, cost, and complexity of producing high-quality startup documentation.
Amanda Clifford, UNH, (Hometown: Shrewsbury, NH)
Jack Cennamo, UNH, (Hometown: Gilford, NH)
Public Sector and Community Ventures
Curling Our Future
Curling Our Future is a proposed dedicated curling facility in Sanford, Maine designed to address a lack of accessible, year-round recreational opportunities for youth and the broader community. By combining adult leagues and corporate events with subsidized youth programming, the venture aims to create a sustainable community hub that promotes healthy lifestyles and reduces risk factors like inactivity and substance use.
John Henkelman, UNH
Lablincs
Lablincs is a unified research ecosystem designed to solve three critical challenges in academia—inefficient researcher–PI matching, difficult-to-navigate research knowledge , and fragmented research workflows—enabling faster, more effective collaboration.
Kwasi Owusu-Boateng, UNH, (Hometown: Accra, Ghana)
King-James Egbe, UNH, (Hometown: Benue State, Nigeria)
Nizar Alhalabi, UNH, (Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon)
Fatima Hanif, UNH, (Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan)
Municable
Municable is a GovTech company modernizing the local government citizen experience through AI-powered search. We help residents get answers and complete tasks instantly while reducing workload for government staff, saving time on both ends.
Arthur Murphy, UNH, (Deerfield, NH)
SportSight Coaching Analytics
SportSight Coaching Analytics delivers streamlined analytics solutions designed for basketball coaching staffs limited in time and resources, enabling teams to sharpen their strategy and elevate competitive performance.
Dylan Bradsher, UNH, (Hometown: Bedford, NH)
James Mcgimpsey, UNH, (Hometown: Windham, NH)
Symbiolink
Symbiolink is a geosocial platform that enables users to exchange services using time-based credits instead of money, creating a peer-to-peer system of mutual aid. By connecting individuals based on needs and skills, the app aims to reduce financial barriers and increase access to essential services like food, transportation, and education.
Sia Manna, UNH
Health and Wellness Ventures
Kristin Laberis, VP of Operations at Parkland Medical Center
Nick Doucette, Manager, Health Policy and Reimbursement at Novocure
Mike Aldous '11G, Vice President of Product Management and Data Analytics, Warner Pacific Insurance Services
Jose Abreu, Associate Vice President, Eastern Bank
Dr. Sebastian Titz '08G, Investment Manager, 3M New Ventures
Industry and Business Solution Ventures
TJ Evarts '20, Founder & CEO of SMARTwheel
Jeff Lapak '02, '13G, Director at UNH InterOperability Lab & COVID Lab Operations
Dave Widener, AVP, Innovation and Analytics at Service Credit Union
Ray Grady, Board member at CQL
Consumer Products and Services Ventures
Joe Whitten, Co-founder & CEO, Apparel Impact
Connor Roelke '15, Founder & CEO, NOBL Beverages
Larry Spera, Managing Partner at Road Angel Capital, LLC
Rose Lopez, Senior Project Management Consultant at Lincoln Financial
Public Sector and Community Ventures
Kendra Bostick, Founder & CEO, Kikori
Jessica Nelson, Principal at New North Ventures
Brian Veroneau, Chief Executive Officer at Argen Tech Solutions Inc.
Cole Jaillet, CEO, Turnstone
Runoff Round
Lindsey Hayes, Apparel Executive
John Pelaggi, RVP Enterprise Sales, Americas East at Dataminr
Mike Morneault, Founder and Managing Member at Adams Point Capital
About the Benefactor
Harold C. "Bud" Albin, Jr. '55 was an active and generous supporter of his alma mater, most notably in the area of entrepreneurship and business development.
After working full-time and attending the University of Maryland part-time, Bud Albin enrolled at the University of New Hampshire. Following graduation, Mr. Albin entered the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and became a Naval Aviator. He was attached to squadrons in Georgia, Rhode Island and Virginia, piloting all weather fighter/interceptors.
In 1961, Mr. Albin joined a small company that manufactured steel parts. He continued his active participation in the Naval Reserve in flying status and was promoted to Officer-in-Charge. Mr. Albin retired from the Naval Reserve in 1978 at the rank of Captain.
While serving in the Reserve, he founded Albin Industries, which sold copying supplies. Shortly after its start-up, Mr. Albin expanded the company to include the sale and servicing of copier and fax machines. When sold to Konica Business Machines in 1995, Albin Industries had grown to a business employing 185 people.
In honor of his fiftieth class reunion, Mr. Albin established the endowment that bears his name to encourage and advance entrepreneurship within the Whittemore School of Business and Economics and support activities related to entrepreneurship, primarily in New Hampshire.
The Albin Entrepreneurship Fund supports faculty and administrative programs that link students with entrepreneurs; provides consulting support for new start-up companies; supports lectures and in-residence programs; funds external entrepreneurship competitions; and brings UNH students, faculty, and industry experts to the larger community.
Mr. Albin earned his Bachelor of Science at the University of New Hampshire, was awarded an MBA degree from Wayne State College and completed Harvard University's Owner/President Management program.
Questions? Email holloway.prize@unh.edu
