Ramla (Rana) Hammoud, a member of Team 100% Fish, delivers part of the presentation at the Hult Prize on-campus finals. (Tife studios/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
A team of University of Windsor students won first place at the inaugural Hult Prize on-campus finals with a sustainability-focused business plan to turn fish waste into dog biscuits.
The competition on Feb. 5 saw six teams of entrepreneurially minded students pitch their plans to a panel of judges, with the goal of addressing real-world challenges through innovative business solutions.
The team, 100% Fish, won the contest with a startup concept to transform discarded Lake Erie fish byproducts into premium, nutritious dog treats.
Engineering graduate student Godswisdom Ogbonna, who helped organize the event, said the competition showcased the University’s growing entrepreneurial culture.
“The Hult Prize on-campus finals bring together students, academic leadership, industry professionals and community partners to celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Ogbonna.
“The event successfully met its objectives of fostering entrepreneurial thinking, elevating student innovation and positioning the institution on a national stage.”
Godswisdom Ogbonna was campus director for the Hult Prize on-campus finals. (Tife studios/University of Windsor)
The event was designed, Ogbonna said, to encourage innovation, provide a platform for students to develop and present startup solutions and prepare the winning team to represent the University of Windsor at a national level.
Following the pitches, attendees participated in a networking session where students engaged with industry professionals.
Second place went to Team MycoVolt for its idea to turn mushroom waste into sustainable batteries, while Team Novafloat placed third for a concept aimed at helping potential small businesses access capital.
Members of Team 100% Fish will go on to represent the University and the City of Windsor at the Hult Prize national competition in Montreal in April 2026, moving the team closer to competing in the global Hult Prize competition, where teams compete for a $1 million prize.
“The success of this inaugural competition establishes a strong foundation for future programming and reinforces the institution’s commitment to developing globally competitive entrepreneurs,” Ogbonna said.