Student Competitions
Entrepreneurs at MU
Entrepreneurs at Manhattan University (E@MU) gives students a head start in turning ideas into real businesses. The program combines academic study with hands-on, experiential learning to support innovation, creativity and student entrepreneurship.
This program empowers students to think entrepreneurially, and provides them with the tools to succeed professionally.
Entrepreneurs at Manhattan University (E@MU) gives students a head start in turning ideas into real businesses. The program combines academic study with hands-on, experiential learning to support innovation, creativity and student entrepreneurship.
Built on the strengths of the O’Malley School of Business and the School of Engineering, E@MU creates a campus-wide ecosystem where ideas can develop and grow. Students collaborate across disciplines, forming teams that bring together business strategy, technical expertise and creative problem-solving.
Through mentorship from faculty, alumni and industry professionals, students gain the guidance and support needed to move their ideas from concept to execution. The program emphasizes practical application, helping students test, refine and scale their ventures.
E@MU integrates business and engineering perspectives, combining areas such as product development, financial modeling and strategic management with design, functionality and implementation. This interdisciplinary approach prepares students to build ventures that are both innovative and viable in today’s global marketplace.
Battle of the Bronx (BOTB)
The Battle of the Bronx (BOTB) is a Shark Tank–style business pitch competition developed in partnership with the O’Malley School of Business and Fordham University’s Fordham Foundry. The competition highlights student entrepreneurship across the Bronx and provides a platform for emerging ventures to take shape.
Selected teams from Manhattan University’s E@MU Innovation Challenge compete against teams from Fordham University, presenting their business ideas in a fast-paced pitch format to a panel of entrepreneur judges and investors. Participants refine their ideas, strengthen their presentations and gain valuable feedback from industry professionals.
The competition is open to Manhattan University students from all academic disciplines who have participated in the Innovation Challenge.
E@MU Initiatives
The following entrepreneurial programs are designed for students who are curious about entrepreneurship and want to explore how ideas become real ventures. Open to students across all majors, these experiences support entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration and practical skill development.
Startup Bootcamp
This short, intensive workshop introduces the full life cycle of building a startup, from idea development to execution. Students gain a hands-on understanding of what it takes to launch and grow a business.
Weekly Startup Roundtable Discussions
These informal, lunchtime conversations explore current startup news and emerging trends. Students gain insight into the startup ecosystem while engaging in discussion with peers, faculty and guest contributors.
Entrepreneur Speaker Series
This interview-style series gives students an inside look at how founders build and scale their businesses. Speakers share their experiences, challenges and lessons learned while creating innovative companies.
Previous Speakers
- Purcell Dugger, Founder, FitForUs
- Jamian Polk, 1921 Ventures
- Richie Cruz, General Manager, The Robot Company
- Mel Peralta, Co-founder, Stadium Status