ORU Student Entrepreneurs Earn Top Honors at 2026 Entrepreneur’s Cup

ORU teams earned four finalist spots and top awards across multiple Entrepreneur’s Cup divisions, which included winning more than $50,000 in prizes.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, July 27, 2026—Oral Roberts University (ORU), in collaboration with the Fenimore & Fisher College of Business and the Stovall Center for Entrepreneurship, celebrated multiple wins at the 2026 Entrepreneur’s Cup, Oklahoma’s premier collegiate business plan competition. ORU student entrepreneurs earned four finalist placements and brought home top honors across multiple categories. 

This event showcased the creativity, leadership, and startup potential of students across the state. More than $260,000 was awarded across three divisions: High Growth Undergraduate, High Growth Graduate, and Small Business. ORU teams stood out among student entrepreneurs from the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Central Oklahoma, East Central University, and the University of Tulsa.

Advisor Isaiah Sparkman, Timothy Blanco and Jarrett Miller McLure,
and the Entrepreneur’s Cup Representative

Small Business Division: OASIS | $25,000

In the Small Business Division, OASIS claimed first place and a $25,000 prize. Designed as a smart habitat system for exotic pets, OASIS integrates climate control, lighting, and monitoring into one customizable unit, making it easier for owners to replicate natural environments. The venture was developed by Timothy Blanco and Jarrett Miller McLure under the guidance of advisor Isaiah Sparkman, who also received a $1,000 advisor award.

"The Entrepreneur’s Cup has given me more than I ever could’ve expected over the last four years,” said Timothy Blanco. “The growth and opportunities I experienced because of this competition are unique and the kind that simply can’t be found in a classroom. I am confident this experience will play a meaningful role in what I will achieve in business. Thank you everyone at I2E for changing lives, and for changing mine."

"This year, I have challenged myself to step outside of my comfort zone,” said Jarret Miller McLure, “because it is the only way to increase your ceiling. The Entrepreneurship Cup revealed my weaknesses and my strengths, but most importantly has given me a clear vision of what I want for my future."

“Watching the team leaders, Timothy and Miller, compete with OASIS was genuinely inspiring,” said Isaiah Sparkman, Team Advisor. “Timothy has competed at the Entrepreneurs Cup all four years of his time at ORU and placed every single year. Seeing him close out his university career with another strong result was a true blessing. Miller matched his energy every step of the way, and together they represented what the Stovall Center is all about. I'm deeply grateful to i2E and Love's for continuing to invest in competitions like this—these opportunities change students' trajectories, and that matters."

High Growth Graduate Division: TorchBear | 2nd Place | $20,000

TorchBear earned second place in the High Growth Graduate Division and a $20,000 prize. Created by Anagraciela Lara and Josh Brennan, the portable tool safely fuses synthetic rope ends into durable, long-lasting tips, reducing fraying and improving reliability in demanding environments. The team was advised by Dr. Kevin Schneider, who received a $1,000 advisor award.

 

         
          Anagraciela Lara, Josh Brennan,
            and Advisor Kevin Schneider

Black Oak Social Innovation Award: Catering Change | 2nd Place | $3,000

Catering Change received second place in the Black Oak Social Innovation Award competition, earning $3,000. Funded by the Moore Family Foundation, the award recognizes teams that address societal challenges through innovative and sustainable business solutions. Team members Leah Libert, Ryan Enoya, and Towah Neese developed Catering Change to improve corporate food quality while addressing broader food insecurity concerns. The team was advised by Wendy Wells-O’Rear.

Towah Neese, Ryan Enoya, and Leah Libert

90-Second Pitch Competition Winners

Two ORU competitors captured first-place honors in the Entrepreneur’s Cup 90-Second Pitch Competition, each earning $2,000. Timothy Blanco won the Small Business category for OASIS, while Anagraciela Lara claimed the High Growth Graduate category for TorchBear.

Small Business Division Finalist: Shepherd’s Cup | $1,500

Shepherd’s Cup, a coffee shop concept designed to support working parents, was named a finalist and earned $1,500. The venture was developed by Danny Knight under the guidance of advisor Victor Bustinza, who received a $1,000 advisor award.

ORU’s performance at the 2026 Entrepreneur’s Cup reflects the talent, creativity, and determination of its student entrepreneurs. Through mentorship, experiential learning, and a commitment to Spirit-empowered innovation, ORU continues to equip students to develop ideas that create meaningful impact in business and society.

Nationally Ranked, Globally Recognized

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 17 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. In 2024, the Carnegie Foundation recognized ORU with a “Leadership for Public Purpose” award, a distinction earned by only 25 universities nationwide. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 176 nations in the last 7 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.