ACC's Inaugural Student Startup Showcase
On November 7, 2025, Austin Community College made history with the first-ever NEST FEST — a student startup showcase that brought together 15 bold entrepreneurs, 4 expert judges, and over 60 community members at the Riverside Campus. From AI-powered booking systems to custom sports card frames to home bakeries, the inaugural showcase proved that ACC students are ready to build. Three ventures took home prizes, and every founder left with something more valuable: community, confidence, and connections.
Winners Podium
Deanna DeLeon
Pastry Arts
Made from scratch, baked with love. Custom cakes and holiday specials operating under cottage food laws, with a long-term goal of opening a brick and mortar shop.
Omer Ulucan
Computer Science
AI-powered appointment system handling phone, SMS, and WhatsApp bookings automatically for barbers. Reduces no-shows and creates a seamless customer experience.
Christopher Winnier-Cline
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Custom display frames for sports cards and graded collectibles. Aluminum and wood frames specific to featured cards, targeting the booming sports card collectibles market.
All Presenters — Fall 2025
Deanna DeLeon
Pastry Arts
Made from scratch, baked with love. Custom cakes and holiday specials operating under cottage food laws, with a long-term goal of opening a brick and mortar shop.
Omer Ulucan
Computer Science
AI-powered appointment system handling phone, SMS, and WhatsApp bookings automatically for barbers. Reduces no-shows and creates a seamless customer experience.
Christopher Winnier-Cline
—
Custom display frames for sports cards and graded collectibles. Aluminum and wood frames specific to featured cards, targeting the booming sports card collectibles market.
Eduardo Mejia Arteaga
Business Administration
A curated social dining and events concept bringing people together through food experiences, community gatherings, and elevated casual hospitality in Austin.
Faiza Hussain
Hospitality / Culinary Arts
A platform and community resource helping non-traditional entrepreneurs — especially aunts, caregivers, and family-first business owners — launch and scale their ventures.
Ben Harris
Economics
Professional FAA-certified drone photography and videography services for real estate, events, construction site documentation, and commercial clients in Central Texas.
Destiny Martinez
Business Administration
A mobile esthetics business bringing professional skincare services directly to clients — facials, waxing, and treatments delivered at home, office, or event locations.
Josie Flores
Business Administration
A service business offering handywoman and home repair solutions, filling the gap for clients who prefer to hire women professionals for in-home projects and maintenance.
Kiara Quick
Psychology
An educational enrichment program designed to support neurodivergent learners with engaging, brain-based learning strategies and tailored cognitive development activities.
Cullen Cline
Business
First-person-view drone media and content creation services for brands, events, and creatives. Cinematic FPV footage giving clients a new visual perspective on their story.
Jacob Moskalev
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A smart refrigerator management system that tracks inventory, suggests recipes based on available ingredients, and automates grocery ordering before items run out.
Cindy Gonzalez
Marketing
A marketing and promotional services firm helping small businesses and events with branded merchandise, event promotion, and community outreach campaigns.
Brittany Sanders
Business / Photography
A mobile beauty and photography service combining on-site makeup and styling with professional photo sessions — ideal for events, headshots, and social content creation.
David Dawson
Social Science
A peer support and education program providing community-centered resources for individuals and families navigating addiction recovery, reducing stigma and promoting healing.
Chutian Wu
Computer Science
A productivity-focused browser extension and web app that replaces the new tab page with a clean, distraction-free workspace featuring tasks, goals, and focus timers.
Judge Panel
Business Leader & Investor
Technologist & STEM Educator
Tech Founder
ACC Graduate & Tech Founder
Fall 2025 Schedule — Historical