DANBURY, CONN. — With an award-winning business plan and a patented product waiting to hit the market, Western Connecticut State University graduate student Michael Carpanzano’s latest idea could someday be found in every household across the country.

The invention, “nuplug,” recently earned Carpanzano first place in the personal business model category in a competition sponsored by
The Entrepreneurship Foundation in Fairfield. The statewide competition attracted business plans and product ideas from undergraduate and graduate students from every university and college in the state. The winning model was selected from 10 finalists.

Carpanzano explained that “nuplug” is an extension cord that clamps onto furniture for “smart” device charging convenience, allowing the user to comfortably use the device as it is charging. The 32-year-old Sherman native said his business model was developed under the mentorship of the Master of Business Administration program at Western, from which he anticipates to graduate in May. Carpanzano is the owner of Sherman Building Design, a residential construction contracting firm in Sherman.

Planning to enter nine more competitions during his final semester, Carpanzano, a single father, said that getting his MBA from Western allowed him to be close enough to home to run his business and raise his young son.

“I like to pursue higher learning and thought getting my MBA would help me be a more savvy business owner,” he said, adding that the faculty at the Ancell School of Business helped him refine his ideas and put him on a successful path.

“It’s very easy for professors to lose sight of the real reason they are here. The one thing I can say about this school is that there are professors here who care,” he said. “It shows in their curriculum, their attitudes and the way they run their classes. And it’s made it worth it.”

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.