Syracuse Student Wins Entrepreneurship Award for Snack Product
Syracuse University student Selim Dangoor has been awarded a $2,500 Hunter Watson Entrepreneurship Award for his soon-to-launch brand MUNCH Jerky, a new take on traditional beef jerky that uses ethically sourced flank steaks to create artisanal jerky products.
Dangoor, who is studying public relations in the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications and finance in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, developed the jerky throughout Summer 2019 after trying a piece of homemade jerky at a local golf course.
With plans to launch on Syracuse’s campus, Dangoor will sell directly to consumers through online retail and Instagram and has hopes of scaling the brand to eventually partner with distributors.
Three jerky flavors — Chili Lime Teriyaki, Spicy Barbeque, and Mediterranean Mango have already been developed and are expected to be released when the brand launches later this year.
“The target customer is the health-conscious individual who loves food and expects all-natural ingredients but doesn’t want to settle for poor flavor,” Dangoor says. “MUNCH provides a gluten-free, all-natural beef jerk for the health-conscious consumer without sacrificing taste by harnessing flank steak’s robust flavor profile and porousness.”
Each year, the Hunter Brooks Watson Entrepreneurship Awards recognizes four entrepreneurial-minded Syracuse University who are actively pursuing a start-up venture. Four awards of $2,500 are presented annually at the Syracuse University Libraries Launchpad Competition, held virtually in March 2021.
Hunter’s Fund
Hunter’s Fund honors the life of Hunter Watson, a young man of extremely diverse talents who was killed at 20-years-old when he was fatally injured as a passenger in a distracted driving collision.
Through distracted driving education and awarding grants to help young people’s involvement in performing arts, music, computer science, and entrepreneurship, Hunter’s Fund empowers young people in their careers and keeps Hunter’s spirit alive.
Are you a young entrepreneur interested in applying for a grant from the Hunter Watson Memorial Fund? Click here to learn more.