HC Launch held an end-of- year dinner on Tuesday, May 7th at Volturno in Worcester, MA to celebrate its inaugural year with the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society. This event reviewed the first year of the incubator, announced several awards and new leadership, and recognized the seniors.
HC Launch is a student-run incubator in the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program focusing on turning innovative business ideas into real ventures. This year the incubator supported eight student-run ventures covering a wide range of concepts.
At the event Ja-Nae Duane, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, highlighted the many successes of the incubator. She referenced key accomplishments such as the first annual Entrepreneurship Week held during the spring semester, the Innovation Challenge held to address systemic issues on campus, and the most successful Shark Tank pitch competition to date.
Joe Egan ’19, managing director, was recognized for his contributions. “We were so happy to be able to honor and highlight the hard work and dedication of the HC Launch Incubator this year.” Egan commented. “It has been an honor to be able to work with the incubator and celebrate the members.”
Duane, Egan and Paul Wiley ‘20, current managing director, announced the following awards:
- Innovation Award: Sanctuary (Mike Brown ‘19, Nolan Howard ‘19, Mike Lyons ‘19 & James Gould ‘20)
- Dedication Award: The Equanimity Project (Tim Doyle ‘21, Kerry Grumka ‘21, Max Krause ‘21 & Tom Cremins ‘21)
- Growth Award: Wilox (John Bowen ‘22, Mike Brown ‘19, Joe Egan ‘19, Nolan Howard ‘19, Luke Knox ‘22, Eric Lane ‘21, Mary Anne Wiley ‘22 & Paul Wiley ‘20)
- Leadership Award: Luke Knox ‘22
- Rising Star Award: Tolu Akin ‘20
As a graduating senior, Egan announced his replacement for the new managing director for HC Launch, Tom Cremins ’21. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and innovative students on campus.” Cremins stated. “I know I have big shoes to fill, but I look forward to bringing HC Launch to new heights in the years to come!” Cremins has worked with HC Launch as an associate since January 2019.
The incubator saw incredible success in its inaugural year, and the future is looking bright. See photos from the event on Facebook. Thanks for reading!
Cassie Gevry, Associate Director of Student Engagement
Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society
