Alfred University places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, giving students more than just theoretical knowledge. Through programs like Saxon Tank, students have the opportunity to test real business ideas in front of experienced judges. This semester, that hands-on environment led to the development of several innovative ventures, including UniConnect.
First-year students Mariam Swedan (finance, political science major) and Vinci Armas (finance major, psychology minor) took first place at the 2026 Saxon Tank Competition with UniConnect, a verified student app that combines ride-sharing and a campus marketplace in one place. The idea came from problems most Alfred students know well.
"The concept was driven by common student challenges: limited transportation options and no centralized marketplace," Swedan explained. "By addressing both in one system, the project aims to create a more efficient, connected, and accountable campus environment."
Instead of bouncing between group chats and random listing apps, UniConnect gives students one verified space to find a ride home for the weekend or sell a textbook they'll never open again. The platform is still in development, but the team has already built a demo website showing how it works, including core features and the overall user experience. A waitlist is currently open for students who want early access as the project moves forward.
What sets UniConnect apart is accountability. "It is designed to be strictly university-verified, meaning only confirmed members of the campus community would have access," Swedan said. The platform also includes a review and reporting system, with reports going directly to university representatives. That structure matters. Violations can be addressed quickly and may carry consequences, which keeps the community honest.
The project has backing from the President's Office, Provost's Office, Registrar's Office, Division of Student Experience, and ITS. That kind of institutional support at the early stage reflects how real the demand is. "This highlights both the demand for the solution and its potential campus-wide impact," Swedan noted.
Swedan and Armas identified two gaps that affect most students on campus and built a solution before finishing their first year. Saxon Tank gave them the opportunity, and they made the most of it.
Story by Andrii Maltsev ’27
