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Spears School of Business

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. 

Program Expectations As 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.
  • 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.

Important Dates

August 10-September 2: Applications open for Fall Cohort

September 3–4 • Applications reviewed and acceptance notifications sent

September 8 • Fall Cohort Kickoff

Program Phases & OverviewRSX PartnersGreiner Summer Business Accelerator

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.

Riata Startup Experience 2025-26

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

  • Myles Lozano & Reese Huhnke

    Hunter Radar is a safety-focused communication platform built for hunters operating in remote environments with limited or unreliable cell service. Designed to enhance group awareness and emergency response, the system enables real-time location sharing and alert capabilities across a hunting property. Hunter Radar provides a practical, field-ready solution that improves coordination, reduces risk, and increases overall situational awareness in the outdoors. 

  • 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. 

  • Dom Vona

    The Vona Company helps blue-collar business owners prepare for and execute successful exits. Many owners spend decades building HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and similar trade businesses, but when they are ready to retire, they often have no successor, no exit plan, and little knowledge of how to sell. We help improve operations, clean up financials, increase business value, find buyers, and guide owners through the sale process. If a traditional buyer cannot be found long-term, we may also help create flexible acquisition solutions that preserve the business, jobs, and owner retirement security. 

  • 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. 

  • Steve 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. 

  • 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.