2026 Final Awards

Congratulations to all the participating teams on their achievements in the 2026 Rist DifferenceMaker Spring Idea Challenge Finals! Their creativity, dedication, and drive to turn bold ideas into real-world impact were truly inspiring. We are proud to recognize their hard work and innovation, and we look forward to what comes next. This year, a record 39 teams applied to the Idea Challenge, with 28 advancing to the preliminary competition. These top 10 finalists represented the best of this year's cohort!

A sincere thank you to our sponsors:

  • Rist Campus-Wide DifferenceMaker - Sponsored by Kim and Brian Rist ’77, Manning School of Business
  • Jack M. Wilson First to Market - Sponsored by The Jack M. Wilson Center for Entrepreneurship
  • Sutherland Innovative Technology Solution - Sponsored by Andrew Sutherland ‘94, Manning School of Business
  • Commitment to a Sustainable Environment - Sponsored by Chancellor Emerita Jacqueline and Ed Moloney
  • Significant Social Impact - Sponsored by Rockland Trust

Now Presenting the 2026 DifferenceMaker Award Winners...

Rist Campus-Wide DifferenceMaker - $6,000

Sponsored by Kim and Brian Rist ’77, Manning School of Business

Winner: Bridge Operations
Team:

  • Michael Sanchez
  • Adam Embarch
  • Nhu Le
  • Rohan Vaidya
  • Umer Syed-Quadri

Description:

The team developed a centralized operations management platform designed to help organizations streamline equipment maintenance tracking, operational workflows, and performance monitoring. By addressing the challenges of fragmented systems and disconnected processes, the platform provides a unified solution for scheduling maintenance, generating reports, and coordinating day-to-day operations. Through its integrated approach, the system improves efficiency, reduces downtime, and enhances visibility across organizational activities. Developed by students from Manning School of Business (MSB), Kennedy College of Sciences (KCS), and Francis College of Engineering (FCOE), the project demonstrates a practical application of technology to solve real-world operational challenges while delivering measurable value to organizations managing complex equipment and workflows.

Jack M. Wilson First to Market - $4,000

Sponsored by The Jack M. Wilson Center for Entrepreneurship

Winner: SwineShield
Team:

  • Brett Schultz
  • Ryan Ciulla

Description:
The team developed an innovative protective vest designed to reduce piglet mortality caused by accidental suffocation by mother pigs, a persistent challenge in the swine farming industry. By improving piglet safety during the critical early stages of life, the solution aims to enhance animal welfare while helping farmers reduce economic losses associated with piglet deaths. Combining practical design with a deep understanding of agricultural needs, the project offers a scalable and cost-effective approach to improving survival rates in swine operations. Developed by Brett Schultz and Ryan Ciulla from FCOE, the venture demonstrates how engineering innovation can address real-world challenges in modern agriculture.

Sutherland Innovative Technology Solution - $4,000

Sponsored by Andrew Sutherland ‘94, Manning School of Business

Winner: Markit
Team:

  • Nathan Marino

Description:
Markit is a digital property management platform designed to help independent landlords streamline leasing workflows, tenant communication, and day-to-day property operations. By replacing time-consuming manual processes with an intuitive, centralized system, the platform simplifies tasks such as tenant management, lease administration, and operational coordination. The solution enables small-scale landlords to manage their properties more efficiently while improving organization and communication with tenants. Developed by Nate Marino from MSB, Markit demonstrates a practical and scalable technology solution that addresses the evolving needs of independent property owners and the rental housing market.

Contribution to a Healthier Lifestyle - $4,000

Winner: Balanced Campus
Team:

  • Aliah Ramos
  • Elizabeth Sentamu
  • Eva Picarski
  • Nancy Tekityamazzi
  • Alicia Kasekende

Description:
Balanced Campus is a mobile application designed to help college students make healthier and more informed food choices within campus dining environments. Recognizing the challenges students face with limited nutrition transparency, busy schedules, and competing priorities, the app provides personalized dining recommendations, nutritional insights, and meal-planning tools tailored to individual preferences and goals. By making healthy eating more accessible and convenient, the platform empowers students to develop better dietary habits while navigating campus dining options. Developed by Aliah Ramos, Elizabeth Sentamu, Eva Picarski, Nancy Tekityamazzi, and Alicia Kasekende from MSB, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences (ZCHS), and KCS, the project combines technology, wellness, and user-centered design to promote healthier lifestyles and improve student well-being.

Significant Social Impact - $4,000

Sponsored by Rockland Trust

Winner: Motion
Team:

  • Wilmer Nunez

Description:
Motion is a story-driven financial education platform designed to make financial literacy more engaging, accessible, and relevant for students. Through interactive scenarios and relatable real-world experiences, the platform helps users build essential skills in budgeting, saving, managing debt, and making informed financial decisions. By transforming complex financial concepts into immersive learning experiences, Motion empowers students to develop confidence and financial independence before entering the workforce. Developed by Wilmer Nunez from MSB, the project addresses a critical educational gap while creating meaningful social impact by equipping young adults with the knowledge needed to achieve long-term financial well-being.

Commitment to a Sustainable Environment - Sponsored by Chancellor Emerita Jacqueline and Ed Moloney - $4,000

Winner: Plastos
Team:

  • Joanita Amoah
  • Brendan Viarella
  • Amber AbuZahra

Description:

Plastos is a data-driven recycling enterprise in Ghana focused on reducing plastic waste while creating economic opportunity within local communities. The venture uses data to optimize plastic collection routes and build a more efficient, scalable recycling network. Collected plastics are processed into reusable materials that can be supplied to local manufacturers, supporting a circular economy and reducing waste in streets, drains, and waterways. Plastos is paired with Keevah, a nonprofit social-impact initiative that supports vulnerable women and communities through programs focused on safety, job training, economic empowerment, and long-term stability.

Seed Fund Award Winners - $2,000

Four Winners:

Winner: Paycore
Team:

  • Enea Nushi
  • Shkamb Tafarshiku

Description: Paycore is a financial infrastructure platform designed to modernize cross-border payments and digital financial operations using stablecoin technology. By addressing the challenges of slow transaction speeds, high fees, and limited accessibility in traditional financial systems, the platform enables faster, more efficient, and cost-effective transfers for users participating in the global digital economy. Leveraging emerging blockchain-based financial ecosystems, Paycore aims to create a more seamless and inclusive payment experience while supporting the future of digital commerce. Developed by Enea Nushi and Shkamb Tafarshiku from KCS, the project showcases innovative thinking at the intersection of finance and technology, earning recognition through the Seed Funding Award.

Winner: Bagul
Team:

  • Kevin Tamayo
  • Paige Magner
  • Diya Nambiar

Description: Bagul is a humane pet training solution designed to improve training outcomes without causing discomfort, stress, or harm to animals. The team developed a pain-free training collar that prioritizes animal welfare while helping pet owners encourage positive behaviors in a safe and effective manner. By rethinking traditional training methods, the product offers a compassionate alternative that balances functionality with the well-being of pets. Developed by Kevin Tamayo, Paige Magner, and Diya Nambiar from MSB, Bagul demonstrates a thoughtful approach to pet care innovation, combining market awareness, user-centered design, and a commitment to ethical animal treatment.

Winner: BLOQ
Team:
  • Alexandra Pace
  • Loren Mae Lingat

Description: The team developed an innovative drink-spiking detection solution designed to enhance personal safety in bars, parties, and other social environments. Addressing the growing concern of drink tampering, the product enables users to quickly identify potential contamination, providing an added layer of protection and peace of mind. By combining convenience, accessibility, and a focus on user safety, the solution empowers individuals to make informed decisions and reduce risks in social settings. Developed by Alexandra Pace and Loren Mae Lingat from MSB, the project demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing a critical public safety issue through practical and impactful innovation.

Winner: Mindful vs. Mind full
Team:

  • Sydney Shea

Description: Mindful vs. Mind Full is a guided wellness journal created to support college students in managing stress, anxiety, and burnout through intentional self-reflection and mindfulness practices. Designed with the unique challenges of student life in mind, the journal provides structured exercises, prompts, and wellness tools that encourage healthy mental health habits and personal growth. By offering an accessible and practical approach to self-care, the solution empowers students to build resilience, improve emotional well-being, and maintain balance throughout their academic journey. Developed by Sydney Shea from ZCHS, the project addresses a growing need for proactive mental wellness resources on college campuses while promoting healthier lifestyles and long-term well-being.

Fan Favorite Award - $1,000

Winner: Thermolid
Team:

  • Rudshel Volcy

Description: Thermolid is an innovative kitchen solution designed to improve the way food is reheated in the microwave. Addressing the common problem of uneven heating and moisture loss, the team developed an advanced microwave cover that helps distribute heat more effectively while preserving the texture, flavor, and moisture of food. By enhancing the reheating process, Thermolid offers a simple yet practical solution that improves everyday convenience and food quality for consumers. Developed by Rudshel Volcy from FCOE, the project combines thoughtful product design with a clear understanding of a widespread household challenge, earning recognition as the Fan Favorite award winner.

We are so proud of each of these incredible teams. Let’s keep making a difference—together!