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Have an idea?

The Riata Startup Experience (RSX) is a two-tiered initiative designed for entrepreneurs within the Oklahoma State University community who are keen on cultivating a business concept or expanding an existing venture. Each tier offers a ten to twelve-week curriculum during the Fall and Spring semesters, providing participants with educational opportunities, personalized coaching and exposure to competitions at the university and national levels. Upon successful completion of both tiers, participants may apply for the Summer Greiner Accelerator Program. 

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.

Mentorship & expert engagement

  • Meet with Entrepreneurs-in-Residence as needed to establish clear deliverables, set milestones and develop a personalized plan of action to guide your venture's progress.
  • Participate in Genius Bar hours to connect with additional subject-matter experts.

Event participation

  • Take part in at least one PITCH event during the semester.
  • Showcase your work at both the Riata Student Innovation Expo and the Business Plan Competition.
  • Present your venture during the final Demo Day on Nov. 21.

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.

Kristen Hadley headshot


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.

Cara Evans

RSX group photo

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 Christe
    The 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 Vona
    Keystone 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 Kuteesa
    Prograte 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 Freeny
    The 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 Fatima
    Lumos 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 Contreras
    Aquadome 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 Sagehorn
    Hubletics 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.
 
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