Achievement

Derek Dashti participated in the inNOLAvation challenge. For this entrepreneurial contest, applicants had to write a two-page report on their entrepreneurial venture or idea highlighting product specifications and the target market. Derek’s report was accepted into the semifinal round during which he pitched his idea for regenerating esophageal cancer via bioamaterials and mesenchymal stem cells during a five-minute presentation followed by a thirty-minute question and answer session. Although he did not advance to the final round -- a presentation to win $20,000 to start your idea – he feels this was a valuable experience to speak in front of real life investors and get their feedback on his entrepreneurial idea.