Suffolk Reporter

In 2015, Stony Brook University launched Wolfie Tank, a pitch competition inspired by the TV show Shark Tank. This initiative was designed to provide faculty, staff, and students with a platform to present their ideas to entrepreneurs from Long Island's business community. The concept was developed by two students who believed in the power of combining innovation and entrepreneurship.

David Ecker, an adjunct faculty member in the College of Business and founder of Wolfie Tank, stated: “Something inside me knew that these students were right. As we look back at 10 years of Wolfie Tank, we can see that this has become much more than a competition.”

Last month marked the event’s 10th anniversary through collaboration between the College of Business, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Division of Information Technology, and Economic Development. Derek Peterson, founder and CEO of Soter Technologies and Stony Brook alum, returned as a judge for the tenth year alongside Distinguished Professor Manuel London and Danielle Tedesco.

Ecker commented on the event’s significance: “This event highlights the creativity, ingenuity, and exciting programs that Stony Brook is committed to do from the business and engineering schools.” He emphasized Stony Brook's commitment to fostering creative ideas across various disciplines within the university.

Stony Brook has expanded its efforts by partnering with SUNY Old Westbury and SUNY Farmingdale for a regional event called SUNY LI Pitch Fest. Additionally, it hosted Art Tank in October where artists pitched their ideas for campus showcases.

“Wolfie Tank is that catalyst that we’ve used to spark business ideas,” said Ecker. “We aren’t sure what’s next, but this ecosystem that we’ve developed has made a positive impact on our students’ lives.”

This year saw six teams present their pitches. Mayur Talele and Kishan Patel won first prize with Antigence — an AI technology aimed at advancing antigen research in biotechnology.

“Our pitch was called Antigence,” Patel explained. “It accurately generates antibodies — proteins your body uses to fight illness —and visualizes their sequences...to target specific illness-causing proteins like viruses.” Patel highlighted how such precision could transform antibody therapeutics research.

Talele described his experience as both "challenging and enlightening," noting lessons learned about business building as well as machine learning skills. He credited perseverance along with support from others for overcoming challenges faced during development.

Both Talele and Patel are motivated by Antigence's potential impact on therapeutic drug R&D processes; they sought feedback from experts while showcasing their product through Wolfie Tank.

Patel aims to integrate healthcare provision with entrepreneurial ventures while Talele plans an MD-PhD path focusing on biotech innovation: "Leading Antigence has further solidified my passion for using innovation."

Reflecting on past participation when he won alongside his brother Satyam Talele ’22 in 2021 helped boost confidence this time around: “Having participated before...I felt more confident especially knowing how...to craft a clear compelling pitch."

Ecker remarked on Wolfie Tank’s role within campus culture stating it embodies encouragement towards student aspirations since its inception back in 1957: “Wolfie Tank is one of those events encouraging development beyond traditional thinking.”