Elmhurst University digital marketing communication major Nhat Nguyen ‘25 recently took first place in the Spring 2025 Bluejay Tank Pitch Competition for his innovative travel planning app Flyson.ai.
Nguyen, an international student from Hanoi, Vietnam, who graduated from Elmhurst in May, impressed the judges and won a $1,500 prize for his app, which is designed to streamline and personalize travel planning using artificial intelligence.
Modeled after the popular television show Shark Tank, Bluejay Tank is a showcase of creative entrepreneurial ideas conceived and pitched by students. The Spring 2025 competition featured eight pitches from nine contestants, who were judged on criteria including first impressions, pitch content and delivery, incorporation of a digital element, and how confidently and competently the contestants answered judges’ questions.
The judging panel included James Drury, a veteran entrepreneur and national leader in auction education and professional training; Elaine Jans, an entrepreneur and retired operations manager who, along with her husband, Robert, are longtime philanthropic supporters of Elmhurst U.; and Rafi Zareef, a former third-place Shark Tank winner and recent graduate of the Elmhurst MBA program.
“This is a wonderful experience” for our students, whether or not they win a prize, said emcee Patrick Yanahan, executive-in-residence of Elmhurst’s E-celerator entrepreneurship program. “In this room, there are investors; in this room, there are job scouts; in this room, there are internship scouts. These are tremendous opportunities.”
Nguyen’s app, which integrates AI to build custom travel itineraries based on user preferences, budgets and timelines, was praised for its real-world applicability, while Nguyen was complimented on his polished execution.
Other winning Bluejays included Naomi Jones, a public health major and rising senior from Hoffman Estates, Illinois, who took second place; and Angelina Rodriguez, a marketing major and rising senior from Addison, Illinois, who took third.
Jones’ presentation, described by attendees as a “surprise standout,” highlighted BeautyByOmi (BBO), an AI-powered makeup app that provides personalized tutorials based on a user’s face shape, skin tone and makeup collection. The app also features social elements like a look-book, challenges and community engagement tools. She won a $1,000 prize.
Rodriguez, who won the $500 third prize, pitched Get Ready With Me, a mobile beauty pop-up shop designed for festivals and events. The concept offers makeup, hairstyling, wardrobe rentals and photo ops in a fun, social setting.
Events like the Bluejay Tank Pitch Competition reflect Elmhurst University’s commitment to providing students with hands-on, real-world learning opportunities, and to supporting student innovators with funding and mentorship as they prepare for careers or whatever comes next. The competition continues to grow in popularity and visibility, drawing entries from a diverse range of majors and backgrounds.
