Students from seven Florida universities vied for over $50,000 in cash prizes in this year’s Blackstone LaunchPad Florida Network Innovation Challenge, supported by the Orlando Magic. The event provides students with insights into real business operations, helping them develop innovation skills and expand their personal and professional connections with peers from across the state. The UCF team, consisting of Allyson Judkins, Bryan Lupianez, Hayley Manners, and Mariana Marcotti, received $1,250 for finishing in fourth place. Over 500 students and 70 teams took part in qualifying rounds at various universities in Florida, including FAMU, FIU, FSU, Miami Dade College, UCF, UF, and UNF.
Lupianez, a graduate student in the DeVos sport business management program, said, “This was a valuable experience as we had the opportunity to present our partnership proposal to industry experts and apply the knowledge gained from the program over the past year and a half.” The challenge this year was presented by the Orlando Magic to enhance the NBA team’s international engagement strategy in new markets. The Magic’s Brazil Night, held during a home game, is a popular event that attracts Brazilian celebrities like Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima and Claudia Leitte.
Blackstone LaunchPad, managed by Blackstone’s charitable organization, aims to bridge the opportunity divide by providing essential entrepreneurial skills and career exposure to first-generation and underrepresented college students. Orlando Magic’s Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Jay Riola, stated, “This innovation challenge offers unparalleled opportunities for students to establish a track record and foster relationships to advance their careers in sports business.”
Students worked with senior members of the Magic innovation team to refine their ideas and present them to judges from the NBA team and technology company UKG. Former FSU basketball star Morgan Jones and UCF alumnus Jim Balaschak were among the judges. The final round coincided with the preseason game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Magic, giving students a firsthand look at the Magic’s live product.
Jermaine Fleming II from FAMU, who placed third in the competition, said, “This event was beneficial for me and my teammates as it showed us the standard we need to meet in the sports industry and any job setting.” Fleming, a registered sports agent, aspires to work in the front office of a major sports franchise.