‘Piña Designs’ Takes Home Top Prize in 7th Annual Fowler Business Concept Challenge
The 2025 Fowler Business Concept Challenge (FBCC), organized by the Knauss School of Business, sparked a celebration of innovation and creativity at the University of San Diego. On Friday, December 5, 16 semi-finalist teams presented groundbreaking ideas to a packed audience of over 300 people at an event that exemplifies the entrepreneurial passion of USD students and their commitment to addressing real-world problems.
Following a day of full-length pitches, the Awards Ceremony provided students with the opportunity to present their ideas to the audience and compete for a People’s Choice Award. All 16 semi-finalist teams, selected by our esteemed judges, vied for an additional portion of the $45,000 scholarship award fund.
Graduate student Sage Dobby’s passion captured the attention of judges and attendees alike when pitching her groundbreaking business concept to help address an often ignored and unique source of pollution — hair ties. Her solution, a biodegradable hair tie made from pineapples, won the grand prize of $15,000.
“The leaves of the pineapple are recycled and the fibers are stripped, sundried and spun, then woven into fabric. The outside fabric and tag are made of that material, while the inside is natural rubber from rubber trees as well as natural cotton,” explained Sage, who is earning her MA in Social Innovation from USD’s Kroc School of Peace Studies.
The first runner-up, taking home $7,500 in prize winnings, was also created with sustainability in mind. Gracen Huffman, a supply chain management major, crafted Your Vintage Stylist, an innovative and effective way to shop, using AI-enhanced styling to curate vintage style bundles for women. The third runner-up, winning $3,500, was Dial, created by Naomi Debass, a second year Knauss student. The concept aims to transform career exploration into an immersive, story-driven experience.
Winning both the second runner-up award of $5,000 and the People’s Choice Award of $2,000 in funding was Oink, a “digital piggy bank” that rounds up every purchase you make to the nearest dollar and invests the difference into a cryptocurrency of your choice. Oink combined the expertise of a cross-campus duo, Zevin Attisha from the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering and Knauss student, Andre Suaid.
“We are immensely grateful to Ron, Alexis, and Andrew Fowler for their continued generosity and partnership in making this event a reality for our students.,” said Rob Raczkowski, a clinical professor of entrepreneurship who led this year’s concept challenge. “The success of the 7th annual Fowler Business Challenge, marked by a record level of participation, underscores the bright future being built by our students' hard work and innovative spirit.”
“The Fowler competition is a large part of the reason I decided to come to USD. I came in knowing that I wanted to compete,” said Sage. Now, after fulfilling her goal of winning, she plans to use the funds on marketing and public relations for Piña Designs, hoping to grow her brand’s awareness, especially in the local San Diego community. As the University of San Diego continues to nurture and empower the next generation of business leaders, the Fowler Business Concept Challenge remains a beacon of innovation and a platform for turning visionary concepts into reality.
-Jessica Applonie