Auburn students named finalists in SEC Student-Athlete Pitch Competition for second consecutive year

For the second year in a row, Auburn University students have been named finalists in the SEC Start Up: A Student-Athlete Pitch Competition, showcasing innovation and entrepreneurship among Southeastern Conference institutions.

Juniors Liam Heary and Harrison Ranier, members of Auburn’s 2024-25 Swim and Dive Team, were selected as one of five finalist teams for their startup, Planet of Snacks. Heary, a computer science and software engineering major, and Ranier, an apparel merchandising major, were inspired by a teammate who once shared a basket of French snacks — sparking the idea for a business rooted in building cultural connections through food.

“Being swimmers at Auburn has exposed us to such a vibrant community, thanks to teammates from all over the world who’ve shaped how we see things,” Ranier said. “That’s really where the idea for Planet of Snacks started. We saw how something as small as a snack could bring real comfort and connection to people far from home.”

What began as a shared appreciation for global comfort foods has grown into a venture that celebrates community, culture and identity. Planet of Snacks offers curated snack boxes featuring 10 authentic items from a rotating selection of 32 countries, along with a monthly featured snack. Priced at $29.99, each box delivers a nostalgic taste of home, with selections informed by international student surveys and supplier research to ensure their authenticity.

“This competition reflects the innovation and determination our student-athletes bring to every aspect of their Auburn experience,” Provost Vini Nathan said. “Advancing to the finals for the second year in a row is a powerful testament to the curiosity, knowledge and creativity of our students — and to the vibrant, supportive environment we foster on our campus. I’m proud to see our students representing the university on a national stage in both academics and athletics.”

Launched in 2024 by the SEC in partnership with Regions Financial, the competition highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of student-athletes from all 16 member institutions. Auburn won the inaugural competition with a health performance app developed by former track and field athletes Allison Tanner and David Edmondson, along with doctoral student David Hollinger.

More than just a subscription box, Planet of Snacks has become a platform for cultural discovery and connection — turning everyday treats into meaningful experiences. Building on early momentum, the concept advanced to the final round of Auburn’s prestigious Tiger Cage Student Business Idea Competition this spring, earning a $20,000 prize. Now, Heary and Rainer are set to present their pitch at the SEC Start Up finals on June 18 in Birmingham, where they’ll continue their vision of transforming international experiences into a globally inspired business. The event will be broadcast on the SEC Network in July.

The competition provides student-athletes with a platform to pitch their business ideas to expert judges, with opportunities for funding, mentorship and national exposure. Finalists deliver five-minute presentations followed by Q&A sessions that factor into scoring. Student teams are evaluated on the strength of their business plans and presentations, with additional awards highlighting exceptional innovation and impact.

The 2025 competition highlights the SEC’s strong commitment to student excellence, empowering student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically — while also reflecting Auburn’s dedication to supporting their success across all arenas. “We are so grateful to Auburn University and Auburn Athletics for all the opportunities they have given us," Heary said.

“Getting to represent Auburn on a stage like this is a huge honor,” Ranier added. “It’s a chance to show what Auburn athletics is all about, both in and out of competition.”