At 360 PSG, we have always been proud to be led by individuals whose dedication and visionary leadership are second to none. Today, we have another reason to celebrate as our very own CEO, Joel Colombo, has been recognized with the Luminary Award. The award was presented by Hadar Borden, Director of Blackstone LaunchPad at the University at Buffalo (UB), in recognition of Joel's significant contributions to entrepreneurial initiatives and guiding students in their business journeys.

For those unfamiliar with the context, the Luminary Award is a distinguished accolade recognizing individuals who have significantly contributed to the success of the Blackstone Launchpad, including the University at Buffalo’s Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition (Panasci TEC). This program is a collaborative endeavor by the UB School of Management and the UB Office of Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships, funded by a $1 million endowment from the late Henry A. Panasci Jr. Its mission is to facilitate and promote enrolled student-led start-up businesses and foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Western New York.

Panasci TEC isn't your average competition. Each year in April, it hosts a live pitch-style event where five finalist teams composed of UB students from diverse disciplines such as science, technology and business come together to present their innovative business ideas. The stakes are high — a top prize of $25,000 in startup capital and in-kind services valued at over $50,000 for the winning team. The second-place team also receives a substantial prize of $10,000.

Joel's involvement in such a program is a testament to his unwavering commitment to innovation and his passion for nurturing the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. He has spent over a decade in various roles of coaching and mentoring, in addition to sitting on the review panels during each year's new class of business applicants. He has guided and advised up to 50 student entrepreneurial ventures each year for the program. His receipt of the Luminary Award is indeed well-deserved and we are thrilled to celebrate this significant recognition.

We at 360 PSG couldn't be prouder of Joel's achievement and commitment to volunteer his time for those embarking on their own entrepreneurial ventures. His visionary leadership is not only inspiring to us as a team, but also instrumental in shaping the future of technological entrepreneurship in Western New York.

Please join us in congratulating Joel on this remarkable accolade. His leadership and passion for innovation continue to shine brightly, just as a luminary should.