Not just one, but two student-led ventures—DegreeMap and SneakerSync Labs—represented Towson University at the Maryland Intercollegiate Student Venture Showcase and inaugural Pava LaPere Innovation Awards on February 18, and they absolutely delivered.
They were two of nine student-led ventures selected from nominations from colleges and universities across greater Baltimore. Each was awarded $50,000 grants through the Pava LaPere Legacy of Innovation Act of 2024, managed by TEDCO and UpSurge.
DegreeMap, co-founded by Andres Londoño ’24 and Matthew Dibbern ’23, graduate students from the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics, had the challenge of pitching their venture first. Their product, DegreeMap, is an intuitive platform that streamlines the process for college students and their advisors to plan, track, and manage degree completion plans.
Andres Londoño (r) and Matthew Dibbern pitch their product, DegreeMap, at the inaugural Maryland Student Venture Showcase on February 18. (Photo credit: UpSurge)
Londoño and Dibbern participated in the 2024 College Cup, a university-wide pitch competition designed to help students develop new socially- or commercially-oriented ideas that positively impact the world. They’re currently working with Towson University to pilot DegreeMap on campus.
Hermes Bunch highlights SneakerSync Labs during the inaugural Maryland Student Venture Showcase on February 18. (Photo credit: Anand Macherla/Technical.ly)
Hermes Bunch ’25, founder of SneakerSync Labs, was the only founder with revenue. He cleared $147k in 2024 while being a full-time entrepreneurship major in the TU College of Business & Economics.
Founded in 2023, SneakerSync Labs enables anyone to start a plug-and-play resell business by offering streamlined sourcing automations. Their three-pillar approach combines an experienced community, proprietary technology, and expert guidance to help new resellers drive success.
It was a spectacular night for Towson University, with two student-led ventures winning a total of $100,000 to further their growth. The StarTUp at the Armory team was on hand to support the hard work of both ventures and to celebrate their success that exemplifies the innovation fostered for student entrepreneurs at Towson University.
“We are incredibly proud of Hermes, Matt, and Andres. Their success underscores the strength of our entrepreneurial ecosystem and reaffirms TU’s leadership in innovation.,” said Mark Ginsburg, president of Towson University
A community effort: TU’s formula for success
Towson University’s ability to secure two of the nine winning spots in such a competitive showcase is a testament to its entrepreneurial ecosystem. With over 70 applications and 20 universities competing, TU’s wins underscore the power of its network of community, resources, and mentorship.
Behind the scenes, the StarTUp network went into overdrive to support these ventures.
- Conrad Brake ’22, a College of Business and Economics and TU StarTUp Accelerator alum, directed and filmed the required pitch videos with just an iPhone and microphone.
- Molli Chang ’24, an Electronic Media and Film graduate and 2024 College Cup finalist, served as assistant director. She edited the pitch videos, ensuring they were robust, polished, and impactful.
“Towson University and the StarTUp at the Armory is where entrepreneurship comes alive,” said Patrick McQuown, executive director of entrepreneurship at Towson University. “This isn’t just about individual student success. It’s about the entire TU StarTUp community coming together to make it happen.”
The Pava LaPere Legacy of Innovation Act was created to highlight student innovation across Maryland. While many assumed the competition would favor STEM-heavy institutions, TU’s finalists proved that entrepreneurial excellence transcends disciplines.
“This achievement showcases Towson University’s unwavering commitment to fostering student success,” said Provost Melanie Perreault. “From the StarTUp at the Armory to the College Cup to the StarTUp Accelerator, our ability to mobilize resources and create a culture of innovation sets us apart.”
Congratulations founders. We’re so proud of you!
