The University of Texas at Austin is proud to announce a momentous triumph as its Product Prodigy students secured first place in the highly competitive HSI Battle of the Brains 2023 competition. This remarkable achievement underscores the commitment by the Office of Inclusive Innovation & Entrepreneurship (II&E) to develop the next generation of socially conscious technologists, innovators, and wealth creators.
HSI Battle of the Brains, a renowned competition gathering exceptional minds from Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) nationwide, serves as a crucible for creative thinking and entrepreneurial problem-solving. Over the course of 24 hours, students were presented with a business challenge and asked to develop a technology-based solution that would yield value and local impact aligned with the goals of the event sponsor, KPMG. The UT Austin Product Prodigy team’s resounding victory is a testament to students’ dedication, ingenuity, and unwavering perseverance.
“We are thrilled and inspired by the exceptional performance of our Product Prodigy students,” said Rubén Cantu, Executive Director of the Office of Inclusive Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UT Austin. “This achievement exemplifies the university’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting diversity in the realm of innovation and entrepreneurship.“
The success of the Product Prodigy team would not have been possible without the guidance and mentorship of UT Austin’s esteemed faculty and the unwavering support of the university community. This victory not only highlights the students’ brilliance but also reflects the collaborative spirit that defines the Office of II&E.
The Product Prodigy Institute and WIELD Texas are two flagship two-year undergraduate programs that the Office of Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship offers to accelerate and nurture future innovators and leaders in our community.
The HSI Battle of the Brains win marks a significant milestone in the program’s pursuit of excellence. As Product Prodigy continues to empower the next generation of leaders, the university anticipates even greater achievements and contributions to the field of entrepreneurship and beyond.
“This was an incredible opportunity to practice getting outside of my comfort zone. It was 100 hours of self-exploration, connecting with great minds, and a test of my leadership,” said Valeria Plaza.
Join us in celebrating this extraordinary accomplishment by the students, who are not only the champions of today but also the trailblazers of tomorrow.