UPEI Business student a finalist at NBIF’s Breakthru

Erin O’Halloran, a fourth-year student in UPEI’s Faculty of Business, is a member of one of two national finalist teams in the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) Breakthru competition. Breakthru is a biennial start-up competition where more than 60 teams compete for the chance to pitch live on stage at the Breakthru LIVE awards dinner on March 23 at the Fredericton Convention Centre.

O’Halloran’s team is representing Newpy, a social network app for posting photos of products that are hidden inside digital packaging. The digital packaging designs grab attention and spark curiosity as to what is inside. Newpy offers two types of digital packaging—variety, which are ever-changing, unique designs to reflect user’s interests, and custom, which are specifically tailored to reflect a company’s brand. Custom digital packaging showcases the company’s name or logo in plain sight directly on the packaging. Companies will now have a choice: they can choose to hope good photos of their products are taken, or they can guarantee with Newpy that every photo posted will grow their brand.

“The very innovative network application developed by Erin and Alana is an amazing idea and a truly entrepreneurial endeavour,” said Dr. Juergen Krause, dean of UPEI’s Faculty of Business. “I applaud their accomplishments and wish the team great success at the competition.”

Good luck, Erin!

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.