Pitch for Pizza 2025
On October 20, 2025, the Usdan International Lounge once again buzzed with creativity as students, faculty, and staff gathered for Pitch for Pizza, one of Brandeis Innovation’s most anticipated events of the fall semester. From fresh startups to early-stage ideas, participants took the stage to share their visions and get feedback from an esteemed panel of judges:
- Adam Cohen, Startup & Venture Capital Attorney @ Wiggin and Dana LLP
- Debbie Berechman, Executive Director, Global Academic Programs @ Brandeis School of Business and Economics
- Ian Roy, Executive Director @ Brandeis Design and Innovation, Robert I. Mallet Senior Lecturer in Engineering and Business
- Philippe Wells, Ain Family Professor of the Practice in Entrepreneurship, Director @ Asper Center for Global Entrepreneurship
- Christina Inge, Founder @ Thoughtlight, World-renowned CRM and AI Marketing Consultant
- Fern Shamis, Program Coordinator @ Office of Technology Licensing (OTL)
- Rajnish Kaushik, Director of Licensing and Strategic Alliances @ OTL
Throughout the evening, students delivered pitches—covering everything from influencer marketing startups to consumer packaged goods. The judges shared feedback and advice, helping participants refine their ideas and prepare for the next stage of their entrepreneurial journeys.
As the event concluded, attendees stayed to network, exchange insights, and of course, share slices of pizza. Pitch for Pizza continues to be a launchpad for new ventures at Brandeis, sparking the confidence and community that fuel the university’s innovation ecosystem. One participant went on to win the Brandeis Pitch.
The event also marks a key milestone leading up to the Spark Program 2026. Applications will open soon! Spark provides funding, mentorship, and training to help founders bring their projects from concept to impact.
Interested innovators can learn more at https://www.brandeis.edu/innovation/grant-programs/spark/index.html