Brook T. Smith Launchpad hosts third annual Business of AI Symposium in downtown Clemson

The Brook T. Smith Launchpad in downtown Clemson hosted its third annual Business of AI Symposium, bringing together about 150 students, faculty, staff and community members for a day centered on entrepreneurship, emerging technology and industry connections.

As Clemson University’s hub for entrepreneurship, the Launchpad continues to expand its role in preparing students to develop, launch and scale ideas in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the symposium featured 20 Clemson-affiliated panelists, including AI founders, venture capitalists and corporate executives. Several speakers brought experience from global companies such as Microsoft, Amazon and Nvidia, offering insight into how artificial intelligence is influencing business creation and growth.

“This year’s symposium highlighted the strength of Clemson’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the growing role of AI in shaping new ventures,” said Launchpad Founding Director John Hannon. “Startups garnered investments, companies found interns, students got jobs and everyone who attended walked away with a better understanding of AI.”

Panel discussions focused on the business of artificial intelligence, exploring how entrepreneurs and organizations are applying AI to build companies, attract investment and scale solutions. The format encouraged participation and networking, giving attendees opportunities to connect directly with experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

The symposium also highlighted Clemson’s entrepreneurial pipeline. Michelle Wiltse, a recent alumna and former Launchpad intern, served as a founder and co-chair of the event. Current Clemson student Chase Hornbecker participated as an entrepreneur, demonstrating how Clemson students are actively building ventures while still on campus.

The day concluded with a student-centered pitch competition featuring 12 finalist teams from colleges across the University. Teams presented AI-driven business concepts to a panel of judges, competing for up to $10,000 in prize funding.

Pitch competition winners included:

• First place: Drive AI – Danika Pfleghardt and Reid Turner
• Second place: Cyrstal XG – Luka Garcia
• Third place: PetroSeq – Scott Burkholz, Serban Ciotlos, Shervin Shahidizandi, Richard T. Carback III, V.C. Herst, Stephen Lewis and Neal S. Turlock
• Fourth place (tie): CaseHug – Jackson Wisecarver | MyNonna – Rose Miglionico

“The competition was an incredible experience. I’m really grateful for the Launchpad community and everything it’s done to help us grow Drive AI.”

Danika Pfleghardt, student participant, Drive AI

“It was my first time pitching online, but it was an unforgettable experience. I look forward to seeing what each of the finalists will accomplish with their ventures.”

Lukas Garcia, student participant, Cyrstal XG

“The AI Pitch Competition was my final presentation as a Clemson undergraduate and Entrepreneur In Residence at the Launchpad, and I could not have asked for a better way to end my Clemson career. I walked in with the goal of being present and enjoying the experience as much as possible, so being able to walk away feeling successful was incredibly gratifying.”

Rose Miglionico, student participant, CaseHug

As the Business of AI Symposium continues to grow, the Brook T. Smith Launchpad remains central to Clemson’s commitment to entrepreneurship and equipping students with the skills, connections and experiences needed to bring ideas to market.

The downtown Clemson location of the Brook T. Smith Launchpad reinforces its role as a central gathering place for entrepreneurship, connecting campus and community while supporting collaboration, mentorship and career exploration.