Rinker Paladin Pitch Showcases Student Innovation at Timmons Arena

Camden Johnson ’28 presents during the Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition in Timmons Arena on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.

Sophomore Camden Johnson ’28 and his company Toy Aisle claimed the top prize at Furman University’s Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition on April 16, earning the $10,000 Johnny Flynn Award in a live, Shark Tank–style showdown at Timmons Arena. Fellow sophomore Long Nguyen finished second for his ScholarVerse gamification in education concept and first-year football player Jacob Hanson ’29 captured the Crowd Favorite vote, capping off an afternoon of fast-paced pitches and big ideas from Furman student entrepreneurs.

Furman University’s Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship brought the campus community together for the high-energy event spotlighting student-led ventures and bold ideas. The competition featured four student finalists pitching their businesses live to a panel of three judges for a chance at a cash prize that could get their concept off the ground.

This year’s judges included Dillon Dieffenbach ’00, co-founder and CEO of CI-Discern, Kamber Parker-Bowden ’17, founder and CEO of General Performance Solutions (GPS), and last year’s Paladin Pitch winner Jackson Price ’25, founder and CEO of GoldRush Energy.

Paladin Pitch was also a place for students to showcase, promote and sell their own products from their own businesses at The Dins Student Marketplace in the hour before the event began. Ten different students put a variety of products out for sale including travel mugs, coasters, dog bandanas and an energy gum.

The entire program was a kickoff to Furman Engaged, highlighting hands-on learning and real-world problem solving across campus. That all-day event takes place throughout Furman’s campus Friday.

Paladin Pitch Finalists

Long Nguyen ’28 presents during the Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition in Timmons Arena on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.

Camden Johnson ’28 | Toy Aisle

An app designed to identify any toy ever produced with just a photo, Toy Aisle connects buyers and sellers based on exactly what they’re searching for. Johnson, a sophomore, turned his passion for collectibles into a thriving venture, running a successful eBay business sourcing and selling vintage toys and comics. Through Toy Aisle, he aims to make it easier for collectors to discover, evaluate and purchase the items they love.

Long Nguyen ’28 | ScholarVerse

Nguyen’s Scholarverse is an AI-powered learning ecosystem where K–12 students learn through games, storytelling and immersive role-playing as scientists, engineers and business analysts. A sophomore driven by curiosity about the future of educational technology, Nguyen is focused on how Scholarverse can build critical thinking, logical reasoning and creativity, preparing students for evolving learning environments.

Lola Dixon ’29 presents during the Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition in Timmons Arena on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.

Lola Dixon ’29 | Wear Share

Wear Share is a platform that instantly connects students to buy, trade or borrow clothing. Dixon, a freshman, is passionate about creating more sustainable and community-driven approaches to fashion. Her platform allows students to refresh their wardrobes affordably while promoting resource sharing and reducing waste on college campuses.

Jacob Hanson ’29 | The Scholarship Speed System

Hanson’s venture is a training program designed to help high school football players become faster, more athletic and better prepared for the college recruiting process. A freshman and member of Furman’s football team, Hanson has translated his passion for athletic performance into a business that helps athletes build the speed, strength and discipline needed to compete at the next level.