CSUN Students Shine at 11th Annual Fast Pitch Competition
Innovation took center stage at the 11th Annual CSUN Fast Pitch New Venture Competition, hosted by the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics’ Center for Social and Technology Entrepreneurship Center.
Five student teams delivered three-minute pitches to a panel of judges and a live audience competing for cash prizes.
First place and $2,000 went to Listabid, founded by Kamyar Sepanlou. The platform lets homeowners save thousands in commissions by inviting real estate agents to compete for their listings. Since launching three months ago, Listabid has grown to more than 160 users and a 250-agent waitlist.
Second place and $1,000, along with the Audience Choice Award for $500, went to Olga’s Salsa, created by Jatziri Lopez and Olga Ahumada. Their handcrafted salsas, inspired by Lopez’s family taco stand, use all-natural, locally sourced ingredients to bring authentic Mexican flavor to the community.
Third place and $500 went to Les Chouchous, founded by Aaliyah Troupe. The brand’s refillable LED-lit lip compact keeps beauty essentials organized while promoting elegance, inclusivity and sustainability.
Honorable mentions went to Carlos Marin of New Earth Regeneration Initiative (NERI), a nonprofit developing faster organic waste processing systems, and Luis Olmos of Cerebral Atlas, which provides adaptive AI infrastructure for enterprises.
Special guest Alyssa Chen, a high school student from Granada Hills Charter, showcased ConnectAI, an app that uses artificial intelligence to help Gen Z users build communication skills.
Judges included Eric P. Rose, founder of Pinnacle Product Innovation; Catherine Grooms, director of the Small Business Development Center at College of the Canyons; and Fran Guzman, faculty member at CSUN and Cal State LA.
Fast Pitch serves as a launchpad for student entrepreneurs preparing for the Jeff Marine Bull Ring Competition in spring 2026.
“Fast Pitch gives our students a chance to test their ideas in a real-world setting,” says Entrepreneurship Program Director Ryan Holbrook. “It’s where innovation meets action.”
To learn more about Fast Pitch and future entrepreneurship opportunities, visit the Fast Pitch web page.