Coverage from WMU News, published 2026-03-30.
Western Michigan University announced the finalists for the inaugural Cultivate 269 pitch competition, a partnership with investment firm Kalamazoo Forward Ventures that puts up to $100,000 before student entrepreneurs. Nine students emerged from 49 applicants, evaluated by a selection committee drawn from the university, venture capital and technology firms, financial institutions, economic development groups and community leadership. A concurrent monthlong public vote drew participation from more than 2,000 students, roughly a tenth of the campus.
Community-vote finalists included Khang Nguyen (VolleyNet – Subfinder), Samuel Marseille (Oneshot AI), Chy’Ah Smith (Thirsty Lemon Co.) and Kalea Barnes (Parisian Dream Desserts); judge-selected finalists included Genesis Erhabor (Ground Loop), Garrett Patnoude (Dekree) and Dericka S. Bellamy (The Deranda Institute). Dwayne Powell Jr., KZFV’s operating chief and Main Street lead, said the response was extraordinary, while platform and programming director Marcel Fable Price praised the first-year turnout.
Remzi Seker, WMU’s vice president for research and innovation, tied the program to applied learning. Finalists received coaching from Michigan consulting firm A:LAB ahead of the April 10 pitch night.
