CAES Graduate Student Wins Award for New Beverage Idea

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (July 13, 2026) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University graduate student Chika Anotaenwere has earned recognition in an Agriculture Business Innovation Center (ABIC) pitch competition for her hibiscus-based drink idea.

Anotaenwere, a native of Nigeria, received third-place honors and $2,000 for her business concept, HibiFresh, in the Tournament of Ideas during her participation in the 16-week Agribusiness Entrepreneurial Academy at ABIC.

“It is an early-stage idea for a hibiscus-based drink that would offer a refreshing, natural and culturally inspired beverage option,” she said.

Anotaenwere, whose research focuses on ruminant nutrition, is a research assistant for Uchenna Anele, Ph.D., professor and interim chair of the Department of Animal Sciences in N.C. A&T’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

“The idea was inspired by my interest in agriculture, nutrition and value-added food products. Hibiscus is widely known and appreciated in many cultures, especially in African communities, and I saw an opportunity to explore it as a refreshing beverage idea,” said Anotaenwere. “I was also motivated by the growing health concerns linked to sugary drinks, so I wanted to think creatively about a natural drink option that could appeal to health-conscious consumers.”

While Anotaenwere said she is not ready to launch HibiFresh, the academy taught her the necessary path to bring it to fruition. ABIC is a virtual technical assistance hub headquartered at A&T. Its mission is to help small farms and agricultural businesses succeed by providing training, business planning, funding help, certifications and more.

“ABIC helped me understand that a business idea needs more than passion. It requires planning, research, a clear target market, financial thinking, branding and strong communication,” she said. “The program helped me begin to shape HibiFresh more clearly and think about the practical steps needed before starting a business.

“I would like to continue developing the idea by learning more about product formulation, consumer preferences, packaging, pricing and food safety requirements. My goal is not to rush the process, but to build a strong foundation so that if I decide to launch, I can do it properly.”

Anele said he is confident his mentee will be successful in this endeavor.

“She’s not willing to just do the minimum work, she pushes herself to do as much as possible,” said Anele, noting she is first author on five manuscripts and is working on another five. “She’s that kind of person, very diligent.”

For Anotaenwere, HibiFresh will be more than a commercial enterprise.

“Someday, I hope HibiFresh can encourage healthier beverage choices while also highlighting the value of agricultural products and cultural innovation,” she said. “I also hope the idea can inspire other students to explore entrepreneurship and take their ideas seriously.”