Adam Mortanian, a senior entrepreneur major at California State University, Fresno, will compete against 1,600 other students Oct. 22-23 at the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) Elevator Pitch National Competition in Chicago.

For an elevator pitch, students must describe all aspects of their business within the time of an elevator ride – no more than 90 seconds. Mortanian will pitch his idea, iRÉSUMÉ, to a panel of judges for a chance to win cash prizes.

He describes iRÉSUMÉ as “a creative approach to market job applicants” – a Web site where applicants can post 1-2 minute videos with an attached résumé.

Mortanian will be accompanied by Dr. Timothy Stearns, the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship executive director and a Craig School of Business faculty member, and eight Fresno State CEO club members.

 iRÉSUMÉ is the fifth business Mortanian has developed through the Lyles Center hatchery where he has an office and is working on two business ideas: YOGO and Emerging Market Exchange (EMEXC).

“YOGO is a corporate wellness program that introduces yoga in the workplace to reduce healthcare premiums and increase employee productivity,” he said. “EMEXC will ultimately be a Web site that will allow users to sell, buy and pitch business ideas globally.”

He sold Adnik Asset Management for $100,000. The company offers to changes locks, cut lawns and drain pools for bank-owned foreclosures.

Another project, Remove-It, is a professional grade “eco-friendly” water spot remover that can be used in households and businesses alike. Its patented “Green Chemistry” gives the product a competitive advantage to seamlessly enter the global marketplace.

CEO club members at Fresno State participate in the Lyles Center and its student hatchery program established in 2006. The hatchery is a business incubator that helps students refine their innovative ideas into full-fledged startups with advice from mentors and coaches and support services in technology, law, accounting, intellectual property and management.

Two years ago, Fresno State student Marc Uyemura took fourth place in the Elevator Pitch National Competition. 

Fifty community college students and their instructors from around the central San Joaquin Valley will join the Fresno State delegation at the conference, said Genelle Taylor, associate director of the Lyles Center.

For more information, www.lylescenter.com or call Taylor at 559.294.2045.