Students Dive into Rapid Innovation at Startup Jam

In late October, students in the Entrepreneurship Club at St. John Fisher University had the incredible opportunity to participate in the AI Startup Jam 2025, hosted by NextCorps.

Under the guidance of Dr. Chantz Miles, Rebecca Pelino ’86 Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the School of Business, the student entrepreneurs dove into rapid innovation—moving from idea conception, to building a software prototype, to pitching to real judges. The Jam is designed to help teams turn a new software idea into a working prototype—no prior AI or technical experience required.

“I’m proud of our students for being hands-on with the process—brainstorming a concept, working as a team to build a SaaS/AI-backed app, and presenting their solution with clarity and energy,” said Miles. “Watching them engage with workshops on AI tools and APIs, sprint through build sessions, and then step up for the final showcase reminds me why experiential learning is so vital for future entrepreneurs.”

Jack Heltzel, a junior majoring in finance, found success on his very first pitching experience, earning third place and a $250 prize.

 “Events like this remind us that entrepreneurship isn’t just about business plans on paper. It’s about doing—solving problems, iterating quickly, and connecting with mentors and judges who push you to raise your game,” said Miles.