This past spring, Farmingdale State College received a generous $4,000 donation from
Derek Peterson of Soter Technologies for our annual competition, formerly known as
The New York Business Plan Campus Competition, now rebranded as Ram Tank.
Modeled after the popular TV show Shark Tank, Ram Tank gives FSC students the opportunity
to pitch their innovative business ideas to a panel of experienced judges. This event
not only allows students to showcase their talents but also provides valuable feedback
and guidance from industry professionals. Contestants present their ideas to the panel
and the Farmingdale community, encouraging entrepreneurial growth and building networking
connections.
Ram Tank aims to inspire student entrepreneurs by giving them the resources and mentorship
needed to turn their ideas into reality. All participants receive support for their
entrepreneurial development, and up to twelve teams are awarded cash prizes. The top
winners also advance to the Long Island Regional Competition, where they compete against
students from schools like NYIT, SUNY Old Westbury, Stony Brook University, Adelphi,
and Hofstra, with the chance to move on to the statewide New York Business Plan Competition.
This year, twelve teams participated in Ram Tank. In second place were Alexa Gutterson
and Julia Seitz with GURU, a portable makeup box with a smart mirror. First place
went to Kai Schrader and Andrew Lewis with LinedUp, an app that allows users to skip
lines at bars. Both teams advanced to the Long Island Regional Competition and then
to the state competition. Derek Peterson praised the students, saying, “I was impressed
by the ingenuity and passion displayed by the students participating in the Ram Tank
program. The level of dedication and entrepreneurial spirit was truly inspiring, and
I believe the program is fostering the next generation of business leaders."
Farmingdale remains an active participant in the Long Island Regional competition
as part of the New York Business Plan Competition. No FSC student is turned away from
participating. Get ready for the next Ram Tank competition this coming spring!
