Furman students advance to finals and semifinals of SC Innovates competition

Furman University student Ashley Ramos ’26 (business administration and Spanish) has been named one of eight finalists in the SC Innovates Pitch Competition for her no-mess eye makeup concept, Oops-a-Liner. Another Furman student, Alexa Valdovinos ’25 (a sustainability science major with a minor in Latin American and LatinX studies), reached the semifinals for her product that extends the life and improves the sound of woodwind instruments.

Alex Valdovinos won the 2022 Paladin Pitch competition.

Ramos and Valdovinos, coached by Furman’s Steve Stewart, an associate professor of entrepreneurship in the Department of Business and Accounting, were among more than 75 graduates and undergraduates to participate in the competition hosted by the South Carolina Department of Commerce and South Carolina Reseach Authority. The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman provided financial support and entrepreneurial guidance to Ramos and Valdovinos.

Furman was among 16 colleges and universities represented in the competition. In an email, Stewart wrote, “It’s great to see both Furman students make it to the semifinals and for one to secure a spot in the finals!” Finals for the SC Innovates Pitch Competition will take place Thursday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business. Learn more at SC Innovates.