On Saturday, March 7, 2026, Bryant University hosted the 14th annual BUNEEC (Bryant University Northeastern Entrepreneurial Conference) — a student-led event that brings together aspiring entrepreneurs from universities across the Northeast.
The conference opened with a keynote from Arnell Milhouse of YCONIC, who challenged students to use AI tools to rapidly build a minimum viable product (MVP) and submit their projects for a chance to win prizes.
The event provided an exciting opportunity for students to test ideas, refine their customer discovery process, and engage with peers who share an entrepreneurial mindset.
Several University of Rhode Island students connected to the RISE-UP Ideation Studio — an entrepreneurship program supported by URI Innovations — were in attendance, showcasing ventures they have been developing through the program.
Students participating included:
- Chelsie Santos – Founder of Finsight Intelligence, URI senior
(RISE-UP Ideation Studio – Fall 2025 cohort) - Nicolas Kennedy – Co-founder of ServiceSurfer, URI sophomore
(RISE-UP Ideation Studio – Spring 2026 cohort) - Briac Werner-Guichebaron – Co-founder of ServiceSurfer, URI junior
(RISE-UP Ideation Studio – Spring 2026 cohort) - Chris DosReis – Founder of RowRunner, URI senior (Accounting)
(RISE-UP Ideation Studio – Spring 2026 cohort)
All were actively engaging in customer discovery and pitching their ideas throughout the conference.
Congratulations to Chris DosReis, who took home 2nd place and the $500 prize for RowRunner.
URI student Isaac Gbaba also took 1st place and the $1,500 prize, highlighting the strength of URI’s growing entrepreneurial community.
Events like BUNEEC provide valuable opportunities for students to build confidence, test ideas, and connect with the broader startup ecosystem. Programs like the RISE-UP Ideation Studio help prepare students for these experiences by equipping them with the tools and mentorship needed to move early-stage ideas toward real ventures.
If you’re interested in learning more about RISE-UP’s Ideation Studio, visit https://rise-upinnovation.org/ideation-studio/ or contact Gina Lopardo at glopardo@urirf.org.
