Our Startup Scholars are building the future—one passion project at a time. From AI-powered healthcare solutions to community-focused social enterprises, from cutting-edge automotive safety technology to platforms that connect citizens with their governments, these first-generation scholars are turning their ideas into impact. Explore their stories, learn about their ventures, and see what's possible when curiosity meets opportunity.
Our Startup Scholars are proving that first-generation students can build ventures, solve real problems, and create meaningful change while earning their degrees. If you're ready to turn your idea into reality, we're ready to support you.
(Applications due January 15, 2026)
Business Administration
Aman is modernizing the computer repair industry through Bay Area Computer Plugs, transforming traditional tech support into a contemporary, customer-centric experience. With interests spanning entrepreneurship, marketing, and business strategy, he's building a brand that delivers meaningful market impact while pursuing his long-term goal of developing and scaling multiple business ventures.
Passion Project: Bay Area Computer Plugs - Mobile tech support and custom PC building
Computer Science
Anthony is revolutionizing healthcare through artificial intelligence integration. Proficient in Python, Java, and Linux systems, he's actively researching and synthesizing technological components to build AI applications that enhance medical diagnostics and treatment. His work represents the intersection of cutting-edge technology and meaningful healthcare advancement.
Passion Project: AI-enhanced medical diagnostic systems
Business Administration
Bryant is creating Global Sips & Bites, a culturally inspired vending concept that curates international snacks and drinks while gamifying the customer experience through collectible rewards. His venture combines his interests in entrepreneurship and accounting with hands-on experience from volunteer work in environmental education and videography.
Passion Project: Global Sips & Bites - International snack vending with gamified rewards
Computer Science
Chris is developing BACP, an innovative modular external hardware ecosystem that democratizes high-performance computing through plug-and-play GPU and RAM expansion modules. This solution addresses the accessibility gap in hardware upgrades, enabling users with limited technical expertise to seamlessly enhance their systems. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, Chris brings creative problem-solving to hardware engineering.
Passion Project: Bay Area Computer Plugs - Mobile tech support and custom PC building
Business Administration
Delaney is developing an AI-powered women's health platform that helps women understand their symptoms, identify potential conditions, and access personalized testing and care more quickly. With experience in community-focused initiatives and a passion for promoting equity, she's addressing critical gaps in women's healthcare through innovative technology.
Passion Project: Lilly -- An AI-powered women's health diagnostic and care platform
Computer Science
Edwin is the driving force behind BACP, a technology company dedicated to democratizing computer access through cost-effective hardware solutions. By supplementing his technical education with business administration and marketing coursework, Edwin has developed comprehensive insights into organizational management essential for technology entrepreneurship. His mission: reducing financial barriers to computer ownership.
Passion Project: Bay Area Computer Plugs - Mobile tech support and custom PC building
Computer Science
Enrique is developing innovative safety solutions for motorcyclists, addressing critical needs within the riding community. With entrepreneurial ambitions in the motorcycle idustry and strong technical skills, he's building technology that enhances road safety for riders. His passion for motorcycles and automobiles has cultivated his ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations.
Passion Project: Motorcycle safety enhancement technology
Business Administration
Jennifer founded Eternal Care Services, a specialized company providing cemetery plot maintenance and beautification services. Her venture addresses dual objectives: providing families with reliable, dignified memorial care while creating flexible employment opportunities for senior citizens and retirees. Jennifer combines sustainable business practices with community empowerment through purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Passion Project: Eternal Care Services - Cemetery maintenance and senior employment
Business Administration
Jocelyn is creating an online retail marketplace offering affordable and sustainable goods by partnering with local artists, farmers, and creators. Through her sales internship and restaurant experience, she has strengthened her skills in customer service, communication, and business operations, positioning her to build a business that merges commerce with environmental consciousness.
Passion Project: Sustainable online marketplace connecting local producers
Business Administration
Kyros is developing two innovative ventures: Senses, a personalized self-care service, and Bay Area Computer Plugs, a mobile tech-support business bringing repairs directly to customers. With passions spanning philosophy, storytelling, and entrepreneurship, Kyros seeks to improve everyday well-being and accessibility while developing his voice as a modern thinker and future author.
Passion Projects: Senses (self-care service) and Bay Area Computer Plugs (mobile tech support)
Business Administration
Tatiyana is focusing on gym recovery, helping people improve athletic performance, prevent injuries, and prioritize overall well-being. With experience playing multiple sports and organizing community fitness events, she understands the importance of recovery and balance in active lifestyles. Tatiyana aims to create programs and spaces that support wellness through fitness and recovery.
Passion Project: Gym recovery and athletic wellness programs
Business Administration
Adelenne is launching Pure Healthy Goods, addressing her community's lack of healthy, fresh food options through a sustainable food establishment. Her venture will feature daily nutritious menu items, outdoor seating, pet-friendly amenities, organic ingredients, energy-efficient equipment, and sustainable packaging—establishing an environmentally conscious food service model while meeting community nutritional needs.
Passion Project: Pure Healthy Goods - Sustainable healthy food establishment
Business Administration
Arianna is the founder and operator of an established floral arrangement enterprise, through which she has cultivated advanced competencies in leadership, operational management, and stakeholder communication. With specialized expertise in floral design and photography, she continues to explore diverse artistic disciplines, providing a unique interdisciplinary approach to business development and creative innovation.
Passion Project: Floral design and creative business development
Computer Science | College Track Scholar
After completing a professional internship with the City of New Orleans' Intergovernmental Relations department, Brennen is developing an innovative digital platform to optimize connectivity between municipal residents and government services. This comprehensive civic engagement solution streamlines access to community initiatives and public resources, democratizing civic participation and enhancing public service delivery efficiency.
Passion Project: Civic tech platform connecting residents with government services
Business Administration | College Track Scholar
Diana is pursuing a degree with special interests in Human Resources Management and Marketing. Through comprehensive coursework at SFBU, she has developed substantial knowledge in these disciplines and actively engages with contemporary practices. Diana maintains diverse interests including textile arts, ornithology, outdoor recreation, and wildlife observation, reflecting her commitment to environmental engagement and creative expression.
Areas of Interest: HR Management, Marketing, Professional Development
Business Administration | College Track Scholar
Diego is developing Easy Mind, an innovative educational technology solution designed for academic institutions. This application enhances student emotional intelligence and facilitates peer support networks within schools and universities, advancing mental health awareness and establishing supportive communities for student wellbeing. His multicultural background and bilingual capabilities inform his approach to creating inclusive technology.
Passion Project: Easy Mind - EdTech for student emotional intelligence and peer support
Business Administration
Jade is developing a startup initiative to educate stakeholders on the potential risks and ethical considerations associated with artificial intelligence implementation. With particular interest in the psychological dimensions of business management and organizational behavior, she's working to ensure responsible AI deployment while enhancing her public speaking and professional communication capabilities.
Passion Project: AI ethics education and responsible implementation
Computer Science
Logan is developing a thermal imaging technology solution—an AI-enhanced camera system designed to assist hunters in tracking blood trails. This innovative solution combines advanced imaging capabilities with artificial intelligence to enhance the safety and efficiency of outdoor tracking activities, demonstrating Logan's commitment to creating technology that provides tangible benefits to end users.
Passion Project: AI-enhanced thermal imaging for outdoor tracking safety
Business Administration
Lucas is an aspiring entrepreneur passionate about storytelling, community building, and creating opportunities that unite people. His journey spans award-winning filmmaking, media management, and community event organization. At SFBU, Lucas is leveraging his creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial mindset to build ventures focused on health, fitness, and community engagement that make a lasting impact.
Areas of Interest: Media, Community Building, Health & Fitness Entrepreneurship
Computer Science | College Track Scholar
Malik brings diverse, high-level experience including an Amazon Web Services internship, Apple Design Mentorship, and Career Discovery externship with Google, JPMorgan, and Deloitte. Focused on the intersection of technology and business strategy, Malik possesses strong entrepreneurial drive and aims to launch his own startup at the nexus of tech innovation and strategic business development.
Professional Experience: AWS, Apple Design, Google/JPMorgan/Deloitte externships
Business Administration | College Track Scholar
Matthew is developing an advanced automotive safety solution—an enhanced airbag system incorporating artificial intelligence for real-time crash detection and automated emergency response activation. This innovation addresses traffic collisions in his Hayward community, ensuring immediate medical assistance deployment following accidents. His project represents a convergence of mechanical engineering, AI technology, and public safety.
Passion Project: AI-integrated automotive airbag safety system
Computer Science | College Track Scholar
Quaron is developing College Connect: Bridging Students to Success, a platform connecting high school seniors with college students and staff to help them explore potential colleges, gain insight into campus life, and make informed decisions about their higher education paths. With interests in cybersecurity and innovation, Quaron aspires to become a cybersecurity analyst while pursuing entrepreneurial goals.
Passion Project: College Connect - Platform connecting high school seniors with college resources
Business Administration | College Track Scholar
Uriel is developing an AI-integrated cushion designed specifically for truck drivers that monitors sitting duration to help prevent long-term back problems commonly associated with the profession. With practical business management experience co-founding a company with his father and strong interests in automotive engineering, Uriel brings an innovative approach to improving driver health and safety.
Passion Project: AI-integrated ergonomic cushion for truck driver health
