A competition that started with 35 student-led business startups competing for $105,000 in seed funding several months ago concluded March 28 with Harbert College of Business accounting junior Sophia Aulisio’s Protector Innovations earning first prize and $30,000 in startup capital.

Protector Innovations offers a new volleyball knee pad, which unlike the traditional pad, allows for better mobility, stays in place, and truly delivers on the “one size fits all” model because it is adjustable. It is also made of highly durable material. The product is patentable, and the design differentiates from other pads because they all stick to the traditional look.

“Tiger Cage has been a truly life-changing experience, which is why I returned for a second year,” said Aulisio. “This competition has shown me that failure isn’t the end—it’s just a redirection, an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger. It has pushed me beyond what I thought was possible, challenging me to take risks and embrace mistakes as lessons. If you have a passion for entrepreneurship but don’t know where to start, my advice is to just start—because once you do, the sky is truly the limit.”

The 2025 competition final

Presented by the Harbert College of Business, six finalist teams were given 15 minutes to pitch their ideas and 15 minutes for Q&A. Teams were questioned by judges on financials, market shares and product availability, among other topics. To support their business plans, the 2025 Tiger Cage competition provided startup capital to all teams that placed in the final six, including a series of special awards.

Alumnus Mark Forchette (’81 Marketing), the original driving force behind the creation of the Tiger Cage pitch competition, kicked off the finals event, which has now completed its eleventh year.

Forchette’s recipe for entrepreneurial success starts with a “Playbook” that allows business leaders to know who they are and to define what they believe in because that’s what’s going to sustain them when they go through tough times.

 “There will be deep breath moments that cut to your core,” said Forchette. “Knowing who you are, knowing what you can do, and what you believe in, is what will get you through to the other side.”

His advice to young entrepreneurs is simple, “Embrace the criticality of curiosity, surround yourself with talent, and when you get the chance, take big audacious swings. If you fail, so what. There is no failure you can’t recover from.”

Other prize winners

Second place, receiving $20,000 in startup capital, went to Planet of Snacks. Co-founded by Liam Heary, sophomore in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and Harrison Rainer, sophomore majoring in Apparel Merchandising, Planet of Snacks is in online retailer designed to meet the growing demand for international snacks, candies, and drinks in the United States.

In their pitch, the students explained that international students with diverse backgrounds who are studying in the U.S. lack access to their favorite snacks from abroad, particularly at affordable prices and with original ingredients from each country.

"When Liam and I first went into the NVA with what we thought was a good business idea, we were completely unaware that the New Venture Accelerator and the Tiger Cage Competition would be the key contributors to not just creating a good plan for our business but executing with excellence and ease while formulating an exceptional business model,” said Ranier. “We have learned so much from world-class mentors who have provided us with knowledge that no class in school has or will ever teach me. The Auburn NVA has provided me with connections and resources that for the rest of my life I will be grateful for."

“The New Venture Accelerator is more than just accelerating start-ups; it is about learning and growing from the best mentors in the industry,” added Heary. “The Auburn Tiger Cage experience has reshaped how we view our company and made us even more excited to be young entrepreneurs in a competitive landscape."  

Third place, receiving $15,000 in startup capital, went to The Tradition Apparel Company. Founded by Harrison Irby, Harbert College junior majoring in Finance, Tradition Apparel is built on creativity and emerging fashion trends to deliver the special apparel that fans love. 

According to the startup’s marketing materials, we all have a deep-rooted need to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. This need materializes in different ways with different people; in the South and increasingly across the nation, this need materializes in the form of college football. Unfortunately, the current collegiate apparel market is antiquated and boring.

“Tiger Cage has been the best decision I’ve made in my professional life thus far,” said Irby. “The amazing folks at Auburn’s New Venture Accelerator, Harbert College of Business and the Auburn Entrepreneurship Program have not just helped to transform my business, but helped my business transform our market.” 

Fourth place, receiving $15,000 in startup capital, went to Polar Docks.  Founded by Vince Visser, Ginn College of Engineering sophomore majoring in Industrial & Systems Design, Polar Docks provides liquid cooling to docks across the southeast through strategically placed misters.

According to Visser’s pitch, docks, patios, and wood surfaces can get up to 150 degrees burning feet, paws, and radiating heat in the summer. Polar Docks provides relief from this extreme heat allowing people to spend more time out on the dock.

“Tiger Cage has been the breakthrough I was searching for, transforming my business skills and expanding my network with invaluable connections,” said Visser. “The competition pushed me to refine my marketing strategy while sharpening my presentation and communication abilities. Looking back, I'm surprised I didn’t pass out during my first presentation — but now, I stand in front of an audience with confidence, ready to deliver my message clearly and effectively.”

The other two teams competing in the finals received $5,000 Soar Awards—Trusty and Bandit Duck Calls.

Led by Eliot Wilson-Daniel, a recent Harbert College graduate with a degree in Business Administration, Trusty is dog-sitting platform that aims to provide a safer, more transparent, and user-friendly experience for both dog owner and caretaker.

According to its marketing materials, Trusty offers peace of mind by connecting users with reliable, qualified sitters through a system that includes detailed dog profiles, complete medical histories, emergency contacts, and behavior logs. The platform uses AI to match sitters with dogs based on medical requirements and breed experience and provides emergency information assistance if needed.

Wilson-Daniel received two Soar Awards totaling $10,000.

"The Tiger Cage competition has been an incredible opportunity for me to grow, both personally and professionally,” said Wilson-Daniel “The connections I've made with experienced mentors and fellow entrepreneurs have provided invaluable guidance and opened doors I never could have imagined. It’s been a pivotal experience, helping me refine Trusty and giving me the support and confidence to take the next steps in bringing it to life." 

Led by Simon Worley, Harbert College senior majoring in Management , Bandit Duck Calls is a redesigned duck call that solves a common issue with all current duck calls that also helps support waterfowl conservation by releasing a duck for each call sold.

"I cannot imagine a better resource for young entrepreneurs than Tiger Cage and the New Venture Accelerator,” said Worley. “I have learned so many valuable lessons through this experience and the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that the only way to find out if it’s a great business idea is to do it. Competing in Tiger Cage has opened so many doors for me in my entrepreneurship, friendships, and personal growth. I could not recommend it enough."

Special category awards

Protector Innovations was the recipient of the Thomas Walter Center for Technology Management special award in the amount of $5,000 that will be used for hardware/software prototyping.

The Burr & Forman Award in the amount of $5,000 for in-kind services was awarded to Tradition Apparel.

The Muncie, Mattson, & Gunter Award in the amount of $5,000 for in-kind services was awarded to Trusty. 

The Lake Martin Marketing Group Award in the amount of $3,000 for in-kind services was awarded to Bandit Duck Calls.

NVA Director Lou Bifano noted that he is encouraged not only by the continued variety of diverse business ideas, but how students involved in the annual competition have developed their business plans and pitching skills since beginning the program in the fall.

"This year's Tiger Cage cohort has shown remarkable growth and innovation,” he said. “The progress we've seen from the initial stages of idea development to the polished business plans and compelling pitches is a testament to their commitment and the support provided by the program. I can’t thank the New Venture Accelerator’s entrepreneurs-in-residence enough for their passion to ensure that our students develop. It's exciting to witness their transformation into confident entrepreneurs ready to tackle real-world challenges and seize opportunities. I look forward to seeing how their ventures evolve and contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Beyond attaining a degree, college is about acquiring the skills and experiences that inspire and enable the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. At Auburn University, from our own New Venture Accelerator and robust program of business idea pitch competitions to the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation (ARTF), the Intellectual Property Exchange (IPX) , the Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship and the Entrepreneurship Minor offered at the Harbert College of Business, Auburn is fast becoming known as having one of the best entrepreneurship programs in the country. 

Thank you judges

As always, special recognition and appreciation go to the judges who support our student entrepreneurs. Our 2025 Tiger Cage final-round judges were:  Kendall Butler, Ken Evola, Adam Ficken, Logan Loomis, Mark Mettleman. Pam Oldham, Ralph Runge, Walt Woltosz, and Zac Young.

And maybe most importantly, congratulations to all 17 teams who participated in Tiger Cage 2025. The caliber of this year’s business ideas, the professionalism of the presentations, and the answers to the judge’s questions were outstanding.

2025 Tiger Cage participants: Alma Bound, Bandit Duck Calls, Chifforo, Choice Employ, Executive, Farm Hub, Gory EV, Hustle, Planet of Snacks, Polar Docks, Protector Innovations, Rentify It, SAKE Virtual Assistant, Student Tasks, Tradition Apparel, Trunk Trip and Trusty.

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Please click HERE or contact Lou Bifano to learn about the 2026 Tiger Cage business pitch competition as well as the broad array of services provided by the New Venture Accelerator that are available to help those looking to start a new business or grow an existing one.