News Summary
The Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation has announced the winners of the fourth annual Oxford CoBuilders Business Pitch Competition. The event, which took place at the Oxford Conference Center, showcased ten entrepreneurial teams vying for cash prizes. The competition serves as a qualifier for the CoBuilders business accelerator program, supporting regional businesses in their growth. Winners from both the Innovate MS and SBDC tracks were recognized, with prizes awarded to boost their development efforts.
Oxford CoBuilders Business Pitch Competition Crowns Innovative Startups with Cash Prizes
The Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation has announced the winners of the fourth annual Oxford CoBuilders Business Pitch Competition, which took place on June 12, 2025, at the Oxford Conference Center. The competition showcased ten entrepreneurial teams, each presenting innovative ideas to a panel of five judges composed of regional business owners and investors.
This local pitch competition serves as a qualifying event for the statewide CoBuilders business accelerator program led by Innovate Mississippi, expected to start this fall. Winning teams from regional competitions are eligible to participate in this program, which aims to support and develop promising business ventures across the state. Other regional locations for the pitch competitions include Clarksdale, Starkville, Jackson, Vicksburg, Hattiesburg, and Biloxi.
Track and Prize Breakdown
The competing teams were split into two tracks: the SBDC track focused on traditional and lifestyle businesses, and the Innovate MS track which featured innovation and technology ventures. Each first-place winner received a cash prize of $7,500 to aid in business development, while second-place winners were awarded $3,000, and all other finalists received $500.
Winners of the Innovate MS Track
- First Place: Julien Bourgeois and Andrew Bradford of Automatic AI, LLC, specializing in smartwatch software and AI for tracking sports performance. Automatic AI, which launched in January 2024, has already amassed 7,000 monthly users and tracked 1.7 million basketball shot attempts.
- Second Place: Dr. David Colby of Fluoriq LLC, a healthcare technology firm that is developing a non-invasive endocannabinoid test.
Winners of the SBDC Track
- First Place: Dylan Adcox of Rebel Check, offering home watch services for second-home owners in Oxford and accredited by the National Home Watch Association.
- Second Place: Dr. Josie Nicholson of Arc Counseling & Sports Performance, providing mental performance training tailored for athletes.
Notable Finalists
Among the finalists were notable competitors including Zach Adamz of Komorebi Bonsai, Camille Breckenridge of The Stitchery, John Allen Walker of Hang-n-Hole, John Reyer Afamasaga of YALLWANTADS, Abhirup Chatterjee of Skill Match, and Luke Henderson of Taxi Cart LLC.
Community Impact
The Oxford CoBuilders competition was lauded for its role in fostering entrepreneurship within the LOU (Lauderdale, Oxford, University) community. The event was a platform for collaboration and networking, promoting the development of successful business ideas.
Allen Kurr, vice president of the Economic Development Foundation, expressed appreciation for all participants, mentors, and attendees who contributed to the success of the competition. Their dedication underscores the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial spirit in Oxford and the surrounding areas.
Individuals seeking more information about the competition or interested in future events can contact Allen Kurr at 662-234-4651 or via email at [email protected]. Further details can also be found on the official website www.cobuilders.ms.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Oxford Eagle: 2025 CoBuilders Winners Announced
- Hotty Toddy: Oxford CoBuilders Winners Announced
- Business Insider: Jobs at Risk from AI
- Wikipedia: Business Pitch
- Google Search: Oxford CoBuilders Business Pitch Competition
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
