Cubs’ Lair 2023 Winner Announced: Richa Sharma Secures $3,000 Grand Prize for Innovative Business Idea, TastEATools
March 28, 2023 – PETERBOROUGH, ON – The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is thrilled to announce the winners of the Cubs’ Lair 2023 entrepreneurial competition. The event, held on March 23rd at One Eighty Sports Pub in Peterborough. Young entrepreneurs from the region pitched their innovative business ideas to a panel of esteemed judges.
First place, with a cash prize of $3,000, was awarded to Richa Sharma for her groundbreaking business, TastEATools. TastEATools is an edible cutlery manufacturing business that creates delicious and sustainable utensils made from whole grain flour, natural sweeteners, and flavors. The company offers a variety of sweet and savory spoons, cups, bowls, forks, and straws. They also provide unique dining experiences through their “Joy Boxes” and cooking classes. Richa Sharma has graciously committed to donating 20% ($600) of her prize money to the Canadian Council of the Blind’s Peterborough Chapter, further exemplifying her dedication to making a positive impact on the community.
The runner-up, taking home a $1,500 prize, was Sahil Dabgotra and Dev Upadhyay, who presented their impressive business concept, Sustainabite. Sustainabite is a business application that collects surplus food from local grocery stores, fast food chains, and other food outlets to feed the homeless population. By using data analytics and machine learning technologies, they aim to optimize logistics and ensure efficient and effective distribution of food.
Finally, in third place and receiving a $500 cash prize was Maninder Singh, Amandeep Kaur, Amila Peiris, and Haritha Bollepalli for their innovative venture, Titan SmartLock. Titan SmartLock is a reliable, affordable, and highly secure smart lock solution that operates using NFC technology. This smart lock can be controlled by a smartphone application and offers a manual operation mode when the smartphone is not available.
The Cubs’ Lair 2023 competition showcased groups of talented entrepreneurs pitching their businesses in front of a live audience. The panel of expert judges included local business leaders and professionals who provided valuable feedback and guidance to all participants.
This year’s event was made possible through the support of the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas to ensure the finalists received the best possible feedback on their business ideas.
The Innovation Cluster congratulates all Cubs’ Lair 2023 participants for their exceptional creativity, innovation, and dedication. We look forward to witnessing the continued success of these promising entrepreneurs as they work to grow their businesses in the Peterborough community and beyond.
About the Innovation Cluster
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) is a non-profit organization that supports entrepreneurs to launch, grow and scale their businesses. They help entrepreneurs reach their business goals so that our local community, job market, and economy continue to grow.
The ICPK supports startup businesses by providing dynamic programming, mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs through three core programs.
STARTUP INCUBATOR – a full-service Startup Incubator Program
STARTup Visa Program Canada – an Immigrant Entrepreneurship Program
FastStart – Student Entrepreneurship Program
For more information on the ICPK, visit Innovation Cluster at www.innovationcluster.ca
Core Funding is provided by The City of Peterborough, Trent University, Fleming College, Peterborough Region Angel Network, The City of Kawartha Lakes, OMAFRA, Feddev Ontario, and Franklin Empire.
Media Contact
Innovation Cluster
Nicole Stephenson
Interim CEO
nstephenson@innovationcluster.ca