Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship (JMC) showcased an impressive demonstration of innovative thinking last Thursday, when several students presented their business ventures at the college’s Spring 2025 Student Expo.
Taking over much of Landis Green, the event provided another opportunity for JMC students to interact with others while making strong pitches for their latest ventures. The startups on display were wide ranging, from health and wellness to aquatic transportation, landscaping, trendy foods and more.
Among the businesses represented was Design Scape, a landscaping company that bucks the traditional planning model by using drones, 3D mapping and AI to present designs to customers. Created by commercial entrepreneurship majors Brannon Willis and Julia Abreu, the company uses LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology to allow customers a more seamless experience in choosing their appropriate design. Everything is viewable through their Structural Studios app, where customers can also make payments.
“It makes the process seamless and personable, as it allows the customer to pick or create their desired look and know exactly how their land will look before landscapers even come out to work,” Willis said of Design Scape’s model.
The idea of Design Scape came from Abreu’s family experience. Her stepfather used the same app for his pool company to help show customers the finished look of their investment. Her uncle also felt it could be a wise venture.
“I think this business could be successful in many ways,” Abreu said. “With the right communication, marketing and knowledge it could meet the needs of many high-end homeowners and business owners who are looking for a specific look and feel to their space. Our business would simply stand out from others and add a special touch to our customers.”
JMC students Elle Van Der Linden and Margaret Wallace partnered on their açaí bowl business called Topped Up, tapping into a trendy health option popular with different demographics. It is a self-serve establishment that offers customers the experience of customizing their own bowls with a variety of fresh toppings. Topped Up’s menu also features handcrafted smoothies and breakfast options.
Van Der Linden, a double major in commercial entrepreneurship and finance, says the idea came from her own obsession with açaí bowls – a popular substitute for ice cream where she grew up in San Diego.
She credits JMC with helping build her entrepreneurial skills as she seeks to elevate the business.
“JMC has been wonderful at providing mentors and faculty who are well experienced in startups and passionate about helping and supporting students with their ideas,” Van Der Linden said. “I’ve been able to utilize JMC’s expansive alumni network to help find internships in industries I’m curious about, and work on projects that reflect the building blocks businesses start with.”
Wallace is upbeat about the future of Topped Up, feeling it caters to an industry that shows no signs of slowing down.
“In my eyes, Topped Up can be a successful venture because health and wellness are at an all-time high today and people love having healthy, affordable places where they can purchase meals,” Wallace said. “For the company itself, having everything be self-serve would reduce labor costs, which would be very beneficial to the company, especially at the beginning of establishment.”
Laith Rukab and Gerry Gonzalez are partners for Cold Plunge Community, a startup that focuses on bringing people together through the power of cold plunges. Rukab wanted to feel the benefit of helping create a social alternative in a fun, healthy way.
“Our events create an exciting atmosphere where students and fitness enthusiasts can connect, challenge themselves and enjoy a unique experience,” Rukab said.
The social event idea came from what were originally small gatherings between Rukab and his friends that evolved into something bigger.
“It started as a casual ice bath hangout with friends, where we’d plunge, grill food and have a good time,” Rukab added. “Over time, I realized the cold plunge created a unique and fun social atmosphere – something different from the usual college scene. It quickly turned into a weekly tradition, bringing together people who were looking for both community and wellness.”
JMC fosters the entrepreneurial spirit of its students through their product showcases by providing them a platform to engage others with innovative ideas and networking opportunities.
Recognized by the Princeton Review as one of the nation’s top schools for undergraduate entrepreneurship, JMC is developing the next generation of dedicated leaders ready to thrive in a competitive world.