Riata Startup Experience
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Spring 2026 program dates
Feb. 2 - April 24, 2026
Registration Opens
December 1, 2025
Registration Closes
January 27, 2026
Riata Startup Experience Spring Program Kickoff
February 2, 2026
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.
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
NXT Turbine Technologies is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in micro turbojet engines ranging from 20 to 200 pounds of thrust. Designed for use in Department of Defense (DoD) attritable drones, NXT Turbines are disposable engines with a low Time Between Overhaul (TBO), offering a cost-effective and mission-ready solution for unmanned aerial systems.
- CJ ChristeThe Crescendo Guitar is a full-size acoustic guitar designed for musicians on the move. It breaks down into four easy-to-assemble components—the sides, top, bottom, and neck—allowing for quick setup in under a minute. No tools, expertise, or restringing are required, making it an ideal solution for travel, storage, and convenience without compromising sound quality or playability.
- Dominic VonaKeystone Capital Club is a private equity fund that buys and grows trade-based businesses. We find these businesses through the Keystone Operators Club, a membership program where owners join to save on supplies, get access to workshops, receive business evaluations, and network. By providing value to owners first, we build relationships and gather data the fund can use for acquisition, so both the owners and our investors win.
- Kevin KuteesaPrograte Capital Ventures is a U.S.-based micro-finance social enterprise dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs in Uganda’s informal sector. Through its flagship initiative, the Prograte Revolve Fund, the organization provides small, renewable loans ranging from $50 to $200, with flexible repayment options tailored to the needs of under-served women.
By offering access to capital often denied by traditional financial institutions, Prograte fosters financial inclusion, business growth, and sustainable economic empowerment. Its model is designed to drive community development while supporting long-term resilience and independence for women-led enterprises. - Laramie FreenyThe Broken Arrow Arena is a versatile indoor venue designed to host a wide range of events, including rodeos, livestock shows, concerts, and large community gatherings. With its flexible layout and modern amenities, the arena offers year-round event opportunities in a distinctive rural setting—making it an ideal destination for both local and regional audiences.
- Linah FatimaLumos Care is a specialized marketing and design agency dedicated to helping healthcare providers—including medical and dental offices, medical spas, pharmacies, clinics, and nonprofits—grow through strategic branding, digital marketing, and patient engagement. By combining expertise in Public Health and Creative Design, Lumos Care delivers ethical, visually compelling, and results-driven campaigns tailored to the unique needs of the healthcare industry.
- Maija Knudson
Request Relief is an app that allows people to request items that they need but cannot afford, they are then matched with someone who can donate said item. The app also displays opportunities to volunteer near you.
- Manu ContrerasAquadome Surf Helmets are designed to elevate both safety and performance for surfers. Unlike traditional helmets, they offer a full field of vision and complete facial coverage, helping keep water out of the eyes and lungs. A unique, comfortable watertight seal provides temporary access to air while submerged, offering critical protection during hold-downs and enhancing confidence in challenging surf conditions.
- Marian Gutierrez
The 405 is a modern, high-energy nightclub launching in Stillwater, Oklahoma, designed exclusively for college students. It delivers an immersive nightlife experience featuring premium sound systems and synchronized lighting, creating a dynamic atmosphere that transforms every night into a must-attend event.
With its student-focused design and cutting-edge entertainment features, The 405 is set to become a central hub for social life and celebration in the Stillwater community. - Steven Azzaro
The Az-Tec Swing Right is an swing stabilizing insert that goes under the wrappings of sporting equipment. It aligns and elevates the knocking knuckles in such a way that when a swing is performed with the forces required to effectively complete a swing, a natural bracing effect is achieved. Currently, the Swing Right is being used for sporting equipment such as baseball/softball bats, golf clubs, tennis rackets, pickleball paddles, and cricket bats, but applications are being explored in civil, therapeutic, industrial, and tactical populations.
- Thomas Kettles
EntrepreneursEat is a networking app for entrepreneurs and small business owners. They download the app, take a survey about their personality, interests, networking goals, strengths, and weaknesses-- and then are paired for dinner with 6 other entrepreneurs and small business owners.
- Trevor SagehornHubletics is a two-sided sports marketplace app designed to connect athletes with qualified freelance coaches around the world. Its mission is to eliminate costly overhead associated with traditional coaching models—allowing coaches to earn more while offering clients a more affordable experience.
Athletes can easily browse and filter coaches by location, reputation, cost, and availability, while coaches can showcase their expertise through bios, certifications, videos, and customizable pricing. All transactions are securely processed within the app, with Hubletics collecting a small platform fee per engagement.
By streamlining access and reducing barriers, Hubletics aims to reimagine the coaching industry, making high-quality training more accessible to everyone.









