Three student-led ventures and the student entrepreneurs associated with them were recognized during Appalachian State University’s seventh annual Spring Launch Party, held Monday, April 6.
The event offered entrepreneurial networking and featured 10-minute pitches by App State student entrepreneurs vying for cash prizes.
Selected by a panel of judges, the 2026 Spring Launch Party award recipients are as follows.
Skyler Perguidi, University Headboards
First place ($3,000) was awarded to junior management major Skyler Perguidi for his business, University Headboards.
University Headboards is a dorm-focused product that offers a tool-free, perfectly fitted headboard delivered at move-in, addressing a common comfort and functionality gap in college living while simplifying the transition for students and parents.
Kiera Murphy, Camp Vertica
Second place ($1,500) was awarded to junior management major Kiera Murphy for her venture, Camp Vertica.
Camp Vertica provides guided, coach-led outdoor climbing experiences designed to bridge the gap between gym training and real rock performance.
Evan Smith and Harrison Cash, SHRED Boone
Third place ($500) was awarded to junior economics major Evan Smith and sophomore management major Harrison Cash for their venture, Shred Boone.
SHRED Boone is building a scalable live music platform by delivering high-quality, professionally produced events with modular infrastructure, transforming Boone’s fragmented event scene into a repeatable, growing entertainment ecosystem.
About the Spring Launch Party
The Spring Launch Party provides students with opportunities to present their ventures, receive feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, and showcase progress developed through entrepreneurial coursework and mentorship at App State.
Judges for the event included Dr. Rita Joyner, practitioner-in-residence in the College of Fine Arts’ Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment; AJ Lewis, founder and CEO of AI Access & Opportunity; and Bob Webb, retired CEO of Myers & Chapman.
The event was made possible with support from the Anne Cannon Trust.
About the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship
The Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship advances student entrepreneurship at Appalachian State University by providing education, coaching and access to resources that help students translate academic learning into practical, market-ready business concepts. The center connects students with experienced entrepreneurs, industry partners and alumni while focusing on developing viable, sustainable businesses. Learn more at https://entrepreneurship.appstate.edu/.
From left are Harrison Cash, Kiera Murphy, Skyler Perguidi and Evan Smith
Spring Launch Party Winners