Brink SBDC Celebrates Successful Completion of AI Workshop Series
The Brink SBDC has wrapped up its 6-part AI Workshop Series, led by Brink Advisor Pankaj Kedia—renowned AI investor, advisor and adjunct MBA professor at The Knauss School of Business at the University of San Diego. The series brought together a mix of founders, investors, students and faculty eager to deepen their understanding of artificial intelligence and its transformative potential.
Over the course of six sessions, participants explored the evolving landscape of AI, from foundational knowledge to practical applications across industry sectors, start-up opportunities, ethical challenges and hands-on tools.
Each week featured expert-led lectures, case studies and interactive discussions, culminating in an in-person AI Start-up Pitch Finale. In this final session, nine selected founders pitched their ventures to a panel of expert judges for live feedback, applying the insights gained throughout the series.
Congratulations to all the founders who participated. Special recognition goes to the following winning teams:
First Place: Food Reveal, founded by Nicole Ring and Lauren Rezende
Second Place: IGL, founded by Andrew Willoughby
Third Place: Farewell Finder, founded by Jolene Green and Nadia Urbina-DeLaO
People’s Choice Award: InvestIQ, founded by Kobuk Van Houten
Sincere thanks to judges Andy White, Benton Moore, Bobby Edelman, Patrik Schmidle and Tracy Stevens for their thoughtful questions and valuable feedback to each of the presenting founders. Their expertise and engagement contributed significantly to the success of the final session.
Recordings of the first five sessions of the series are available on The Brink SBDC's YouTube channel. The in-person finale was exclusive to attendees and not recorded.
This series is part of The Brink’s ongoing efforts to empower innovative founders with the tools, knowledge and networks needed to scale AI-driven ventures. Stay tuned to The Brink’s website and social media for upcoming workshops, events and resources designed to help founders scale innovative businesses and stay ahead of the curve.