Delaware Valley University Announces Judges for Fifth Annual Spark Bowl Event
Delaware Valley University, the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce and Startup Bucks, has named the panel of distinguished judges for the fifth annual Spark Bowl competition, which will be held on Nov. 21, 2024.
Inspired by the hit TV show Shark Tank, Spark Bowl awards thousands of dollars in prizes to local small businesses. The venue for this year’s event is the Life Sciences Building Auditorium on DelVal’s main campus in Doylestown. Doors open at 5 PM for networking and refreshments, giving area entrepreneurs and small business owners the chance to connect. The main event begins at 6 PM and will conclude around 8 PM.
Five local businesses, each representing a unique industry, will present their ideas or products to the panel of judges in 15-minute pitches. The industries featured this year include non-profit, artificial intelligence and automated tools for the healthcare industry, business automation, delivery services, and software. Last year’s winners took home a combined $21,000 in prizes, raising expectations for another year of outstanding entrepreneurial innovation.
As part of DelVal’s experiential learning program, advisors from the DelVal Small Business and Entrepreneur Center work closely with DelVal students who serve as business consultants for the Spark Bowl competitors. The winning student teams will also receive prize money in recognition of their efforts. Spark Bowl is made possible through the generosity of Bucks County businesses and individual sponsors, supporting innovation in the local business community.
Meet the judges:
President and CEO, Sterling Drive Ventures, LP
Michael Araten leads Sterling Drive Ventures, a family office that includes The Rodon Group, a leader in automated plastics injection molding used in over 100 industries, including food, pharmaceutical, construction and toys. His latest venture, SillDry, sets a high standard for window and door flashing in residential and commercial settings. Prior to his current role, Araten was President and CEO of K’NEX Brands where over 95 percent of component parts are made in Hatfield, Pa., and distributed in 40 countries.
Investor and Advisor in Technology and Telecom
Daniel Moloney advises early-stage technology firms in data, analytics and communications. He also serves as Chairman of Adeia, Inc., an innovation leader in media, entertainment and semiconductors. With nearly three decades in technology and telecom, including as President of Motorola Mobility, Moloney’s expertise spans from data to fintech and software.
Southeast Region President, C&N Bank
A DelVal alumnus, Blair Rush has over 40 years in banking, serving in senior roles across several institutions. In 2020, Rush joined C&N Bank as Southeast Region President. Active in his community, Rush also serves on the DelVal Board of Trustees and the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce.
Founder, Delaware Valley Saxophone Quartet
Bill Schutt is a celebrated entrepreneur featured in TIME Magazine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and more, with appearances on Good Morning America and FOX News. His extensive nonprofit work includes mentoring and board memberships. Schutt is a former DelVal Trustee and holds an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Delaware Valley University.
Learn more at Delaware Valley University.
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