Riata Startup Experience
Have an idea?
Program ExpectationsAs a valued member of the cohort, you'll engage in a variety of enriching activities designed to support your entrepreneurial journey. Please review the following:
Time commitment
- Attend the kickoff orientation program meeting (Sept. 8).
- Participate in monthly group meetings throughout the semester.
- Complete a minimum of 10 hours per week in the Riata Center's RSX dedicated space.
Fall 2025 program dates
Sept. 8-Nov. 21
Applications open
August 1, 2025
Applications close
August 29, 2025
RSX Fall Kick Off & Orientation
September 8, 2025
Kristen Hadley
Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Kristen is a seasoned entrepreneur with over thirty years of experience, started and managed more than twenty businesses and serves as a CEO, COO, inventor, founder, business advisor and startup coach, specializing in simplifying the startup process. Kristen's passion for the early stages of small businesses and her hands-on approach make her an invaluable mentor.
Cara Evans
Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Cara brings a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, real estate, economic development, commercial construction, and angel investing. She’s an expert in the Business Model Canvas, market analysis, competitive strategy, and leveraging state and federal resources. As a leader in Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, she helps founders navigate key agencies and build ventures that thrive.
Front row: Chad Mills (Director), William Holcombe, Olivia Tregellas, Dominic Vona, Tammy Torkelson (Advisory Board member), Linah Fatima, Kevin Kuteesa, Kristen Hadley (EIR)
Back row: Carter Kunkel, Laramie Freeny, Trevor Sagehorn, Thomas Kettles, CJ Christe, Steven Azzaro, Carson McLain, Luliia Semtsova
Not pictured: Maija Knudson, Marian Gutierrez, Manu Contreras
RSX Student Members
- Carson McLain
Sodaville is a mobile soda lounge that offers a unique twist on the classic soda experience with “dirty sodas”. Whether you’re craving a cola with a kick or a fruity, fizzy creation, we’ve got a perfect mix for everyone. Coming soon you’ll be able to find us around town or book us for your next event for a completely customized beverage experience.
- Carter KunkelI'm developing an App very similar to Uber, but the driver who picks you up brings another person with them to drive the customers car back to them.
- CJ ChristeI am currently making prototypes for my product, the Crescendo Compact Guitar, a foldup, traveling guitar.
- Dominic VonaA mobile app that allows people see tattoos on themselves with realistic mockups from the designs, photos, or pictures and customize both through an editor feature.signs or photos, generate realistic tattoo.
- Kevin KuteesaPrograte Capital Ventures provides micro-investments of $15-$500 to women entrepreneurs in Uganda's informal sector.
- Laramie FreenyAutomatic Wheel aims to address the challenge of safely transporting various items—from children to furniture—up and down stairs by utilizing a conventional wheel design. This solution overcomes the limitations posed by the disproportionate sizes and shapes of wheels currently available on the market.
- Linah FatimaThe Student Agency connects talented university students with organizations to deliver short, impactful projects in areas like event design, public health, and many more.
- Luliia SemtsovaTrombocare is a mobile app designed for patients with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). It combines symptom and medication tracking, reminders for taking medications, educational resources, etc.
- Maija Knudson
Request Relief is an app that empowers you to “Be The We.” Request Relief simplifies the process for neighbors in need to request clothing and other items, while also making it easier for donors to support their fellow citizens. This app streamlines the donation process for both sides.
- Manu ContrerasWaterlogged Helmets are a full coverage surfing helmet that protect surfers from head trauma and provide breathing support for surfers who are held underwater for extended periods of time.
- Marian Gutierrez
The 405 would be a college nightclub in Stillwater, Oklahoma, known for its vibrant atmosphere. It features the best music, modern experiences and exciting lighting and special effects.
- Olivia Tregellas
GaurdU enhances safety for outdoor enthusiasts and ride-share users by tracking location and time. Users can set a route or area, and if they go outside these boundaries or exceed a preset time without responding, their emergency contacts are alerted. The app has two modes: one for outdoor activities like running or walking, and another for monitoring ride-share trips. This solution offers peace of mind by ensuring users' whereabouts are monitored for safety.
- Steven Azzaro
AzTech is revolutionizing sporting equipment, such as golf clubs, baseball/softball bats, tennis rackets, pickleball paddles and hockey sticks. By reimagining the way that the equipment handles interact with your natural anatomy and physiology, AzTech products provide comfortable and simple swing stabilizers to enhance your game at any level.
- Thomas Kettles
EntrepreneursEat is an app that helps entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives to expand their professional circles by pairing them with five other professionals for dinner. By matching members based on their personalities, networking goals, and interests, every table is turned into an opportunity for collaboration, mentorship, and lasting relationships.
- Trevor SagehornUCoach is like Tinder, but instead of swiping for dates, you're swiping for sports coaches. The app connects local athletes looking for affordable, personalized training with coaches (usually college athletes, ex-athletes, or skilled hobbyists).
- William HolcombeReplace vaping, Zyn, or cigarette habit with a healthy alternative that helps you feel calm and relaxed, ZenPak is a pack of short, essential oil-infused bamboo straws that taste great and make breathwork easy so you can focus on other tasks.
Putting in the time
