Ignition Packaging wins 2025 Big Idea Competition

Founded and led by Abdurrahman Bejjaj, a geomatics student in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Ignition Packaging won first place in the 2025 Big Idea Competition. 

Ignition Packaging is a sustainable biomaterials company dedicated to researching and developing high-performance, biodegradable packaging solutions that replace harmful plastics. Their packaging products aim to be strong, durable and cost-effective, yet emphasize their commitment towards sustainability.  

“At its core, Ignition Packaging exists to transform the packaging industry from one that contributes to global pollution into one that actively regenerates our environment,” Abdu said. “Our mission is to bridge the gap between sustainability and industrial practicality, delivering solutions that are not only eco-friendly, but meet the rigorous demands of modern supply chains. We aim to prove that sustainability is not a tradeoff, but a competitive advantage.”

The journey began at an elementary school science fair. At the age of 10, Abdu developed a biodegradable plastic out of milk; this sparked his lifelong mission for environmental innovation. As Abdu continued to research and deepen his understanding on sustainable materials and systematic solutions, he realized the importance of using the world’s most abundant agricultural resources in global infrastructure to enact change. 

“Ignition Packaging was born from a desire to be that catalyst for transformative, industry-wide change,” Abdu said. 

“Winning the Big Idea Competition is deeply meaningful, not just as personal validation, but as recognition of the urgent need for sustainable innovation,” Abdu said. “It affirms that our vision is not only possible, but necessary. This achievement is a milestone that energizes me to keep pushing boundaries, building partnerships and advancing technologies that can reshape industries. It signals that sustainability can be at the forefront of entrepreneurial success, and we aim to be the ones to lead it.”

With the $25,000 prize, Abdu intends to use these funds to accelerate Ignition Packaging’s R&D efforts, specifically in biodegradability, mechanical strength and material scalability. These funds will also be used towards testing for industry-standard biodegradation protocols, obtaining certifications and refining commercial formulas. 

“To aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers: if a problem plants a seed in your mind, it’s there for a reason,” Abdu said. “It’s your responsibility to nurture that seed into action. At the end of the day, the very existence of it is testament to the fact that a solution is possible, and perhaps you’re the one meant to drive that change.”

“With that being said, there’s only one thing left to say: Ignition Packaging, let’s ignite the change!”

The Big Idea Gator Business Plan Competition is a four-month competition that strives to help students develop and grow their business ideas. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center awards over $50,000 to the winning companies demonstrating the potential for growth and financial success. 

The following businesses and students were also recognized and awarded at the 2025 Big Idea Competition:

2nd Place: Squax; Team Leaders: Ben Belin, Jake Meuse, Andrew Zelitt

3rd Place: S Star Technologies; Team Leader: Shiva Singh

4th Place: Bute Ski Gear; Team Leader: Nicholas Devoney

Social Impact: The Offline Experience; Team Leaders: Valeria Pinzon Trujillo, Ellee Guin, Ching-Yuan Yao, Cara Massa, Nicolas Pinzon Trujillo

Best Leverage of Blockchain: MyMentorship; Team Leaders: Aarav Bejjinki, Kovidh Gandreti, Luca Forman

Best Leverage of Artificial Intelligence: Siren Music; Team Leaders: Ethan Wolf, Karl-William Nietert, Jatin Verma

Dreamer & Doer Award: Sofia Grande, Blue Alpaca Media

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Curt Roese, Retirepreneur