In 2018, Denise Bronner, Ph.D., won the Big Bang! People’s Choice award for Anu Snacks, (bite-sized snacks made from spent grains taken from small breweries). She credits the experience with launching her career and inspiring her to make a deep impact in healthcare and digital health. 

Giving Back
Almost six years later, Bronner is still grateful for the impact of the Big Bang! on her career. This year, she is paying it forward by returning to the competition to sponsor the Social Entrepreneurship Award. “The assumption that Social Entrepreneurship cannot be profitable is a barrier to innovation,” she said. “These businesses fill essential societal gaps, and if we continue to underestimate them, we starve our society of transformative solutions. So it social entrepreneurship isn't just good ethics, it’s good economics.” 

Her Journey
Bronner credits the Big Bang! with giving her the confidence to pivot in her career. After competing in 2018, she worked in consulting for top 20 pharmaceutical companies and then took a position leading the feasibility and DEI strategies for a portfolio at J&J. In 2024, Bronner launched Empactful Ventures, a boutique consulting agency that aims to increase health equity in the healthcare industry. 

In addition to increased confidence, Bronner said the Big Bang! also connected her to a vital support network. “My fondest memory from the competition was the camaraderie among the finalists,” she said. “Although we were competing, we still cheered for each other, and many of us have stayed in contact.”

 Until Big Bang! Bronner had never competed in a business competition or even written a business plan, but she didn’t let that stop her from entering. “If I had allowed my inexperience to discourage me, I wouldn't be where I am today,” Bronner said. Her advice: “If you’re thinking of entering, just go for it!”