Students earn prizes for innovative ideas

Another entrepreneurial inspiration came when Aliou Aboubakar Mouhamed was frustrated by the repetitive nature of job applications and created Zapp, an app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to tailor resumes to job postings and allows users to apply for jobs in seconds rather than 20 minutes or more.

These innovations earned top honors when 10 student groups or individuals shared their business ideas at the innovateUNG Pitch Challenge held March 2 in the Cottrell Center for Business, Technology & Innovation at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. The UNG event included undergraduate and graduate students, as well as fall graduates.

Bowmar and Smith earned the $5,000 first prize, while Aboubakar Mouhamed took home the $3,000 second prize. Aboubakar Mouhamed advances to the inaugural University System of Georgia (USG) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition set for April 6-7 at Kennesaw State University's Marietta Campus, as Smith graduated in the fall and the USG competition requires teams or individuals to be current students.

Bowmar, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies with focus areas in business and social sciences, said receiving feedback at the UNG competition affirmed the potential of the Lifebandz idea.

"This could make an impact if we wanted to pursue it," Bowmar said.

Smith, a Cumming, Georgia, resident who earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies with focus areas in business and social sciences, pointed to Vecchiarini-Piazza's mentorship as pivotal for her and Bowmar.

"Dr. V was so personable and always took the time to sit with each student. She would really help us develop our product," Smith said. "I really felt seen as a student. Her confidence in us gave me a lot of confidence."