Funding Awarded to Three Early-Stage UT Student Businesses at the Spring 2025 Vol Court

An AI-powered translation system for 911 dispatchers, tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) social networking platform and handmade quilted bag brand supporting literacy initiatives were the winners at the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s (ACEI’s) spring 2025 Vol Court.

Vol Court is a four-week program featuring an entrepreneurial speaker series that concludes with a 90-second business pitch competition. Hosted each semester by the ACEI at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business, the event allows students to apply insights from the speaker sessions by presenting their business ideas to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs. Participants compete for a grand prize of $1,500.

“This semester, we saw more students pitching than ever before, and I’m excited about the momentum Vol Court is gaining,” said Breanna Hale, executive director of the ACEI. “It’s inspiring to see students from all parts of campus pitching their ideas and supporting their fellow Vols — a true testament to the growing spirit of entrepreneurship on campus.”

Vol Court Pitch Competition Winners

The team of judges awarded ResQTalk the first-place prize of $1,500, Tavern the second-place prize of $1,000 and Ellie & Shell the third-place prize of $500.

ResQTalk, founded by Max Gallinek, a freshman supply chain and international business double major from Charlotte, North Carolina, was awarded first place at Vol Court. ResQTalk is an AI-powered system that detects a caller’s language, translates their speech in real time and synthesizes it back in clear audio for 911 dispatchers, ensuring seamless emergency communication.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to pitch my ideas through Vol Court — it truly means the world to me,” says Gallinek. “This experience has allowed me to continue pursuing my passion for combining business with emergency healthcare. With the support I’ve received, I’m excited to take these ideas to the next level.”

Second place was awarded to Tavern, formed by Semilore Abiodun-Adeniyi, a senior computer and data science double major from Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Tavern is a social platform that connects local TTRPG players in the same network and location.

“I am ecstatic to have been chosen as a winner and I am glad to hear that my vision for a better TTRPG space is shared,” said Abiodun-Adeniyi. “Vol Court has enabled the start of my entrepreneurial journey, and I am eternally grateful.”

Ellie & Shell, a company that creates handmade, one-of-a-kind quilted bags while fostering a community that values authenticity, creativity and philanthropy through literacy initiatives, was awarded third place. Ellie & Shell’s founder is Charlotte Colling, a senior marketing and business management double major from Guthrie Center, Iowa.

“Winning Vol Court means the world to me, and it shows that hard work and belief in your abilities will take you far,” says Colling. “I can’t wait to use this financial support to give back to the Ellie & Shell Communitie soon!”

Alumni Entrepreneurs Share Insights at Vol Court

Vol Court’s speaker series kicked off the first session with Amy Kelly (UT, ’05, ’08) founding principal of Hatteras Sky. Kelly, a seasoned entrepreneur, co-founded Hatteras Sky to develop top-tier multifamily and hospitality projects nationwide. In her presentation, Kelly encouraged students to become comfortable with not knowing everything, reminding them they will learn all they need to know the more they put themselves in positions of growth.

In Vol Court’s second session, Jade Adams (UT, ’19), founder of Oglewood Avenue, shared her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. She spoke on her transition from medicine to business and how her passion for plants led to the creation of Knoxville’s first boutique plant shop. Adams emphasized community engagement and the challenges of brand-building, concluding with the announcement of her next venture, Mother Shop & Bar, opening in April as a new milestone in Knoxville’s small business scene.

The final speaker was Justin D’Agostino, UT career coach and owner of Café Lomez, a food truck he sets up at the Market Square farmer’s market. D’Agostino shared his journey as an entrepreneur in the food truck space, emphasizing the importance of passion and commitment. He walked attendees through the legal process of starting a food truck, sharing challenges and obstacles he experienced along the way, and encouraged emerging entrepreneurs to keep profitability and differentiation top of mind when developing a food business.

The ACEI thanks the Scott and Dianna Roe Foundation for their continued support of Vol Court and the student participants.

About the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Anderson Center, housed in Haslam, is the front door to entrepreneurship at UT, connecting entrepreneurs and innovators at every stage with the resources, networks and expertise needed to solve real challenges. By cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset across campus, connecting entrepreneurs with resources and mentorship they need to grow and collaborating with the UT and regional ecosystem, the Anderson Center is developing an entrepreneurial culture where Volunteers are empowered to identify unmet needs and take bold action to create value through new ventures.

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CONTACT:

Morgan Lounds, Marketing & Events Coordinator, mlounds@vols.utk.edu

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Leah Powell

Senior Editor

lpowel20@utk.edu

Haslam College of Business - Funding Awarded to Three Early-Stage UT Student Businesses at the Spring 2025 Vol Court