ABC’s popular reality TV show Shark Tank is kicking off its 18th season with a nationwide search for new entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to the panel of wealthy investors/sharks. If it’s like years past, there is a good chance a Brigham Young University student or BYU alum will appear on the show.

While no one tracks which university has had the most alums on Shark Tank, BYU certainly has to be near the top with at least 20 alums/students who have appeared during the show’s 17 seasons. BYU’s Technology Transfer Office compiled a list of every BYU-connected entrepreneur who has appeared in front of the sharks, and from liquid nitrogen ice cream to outdoor paddle games, BYU alums have run the gamut with their innovative business ideas.

Here’s the lineup of BYU alums who’ve appeared on Shark Tank and the innovative companies they’ve created. It’s a pretty incredible lineup; as former Shark Tank celebrity Mark Cuban once said, “What’s going on in Provo!?”

Sub Zero Ice Cream, a liquid-nitrogen ice cream made on the spot.

• BYU Entrepreneur: Jerry Hancock (’94)
• Appeared: Episode 414; Season 4 (2013)
• Outcome: No deal with the sharks, but the “Shark Tank effect” helped fuel nationwide growth for the brand, and there are currently 16 locations across the country.

Mission Belt, a hole-less ratchet belt with a strong give-back mission funding micro-loans.

• BYU Entrepreneur: Jeff Jensen (’03, MBA ’06)
• Appeared: Episode 422; Season 4 (2013)
• Outcome: Struck a deal with Daymond John, leading to massive growth and brand recognition. The company has given out more than $250,000 unique loans in 81 countries. Named one of Shark Tank’s most successful products in 2026.

Scan, a mobile app for reading QR codes and barcodes.

• BYU Entrepreneur: Garrett Gee (’15), appeared while still a BYU student
• Appeared: Episode 507; Season 5 (2013)
• Outcome: Rejected by the sharks, but Scan achieved massive popularity and secured more than 100 million downloads before being acquired by Snapchat for $54 million in 2014.

FiberFix, a heavy-duty repair wrap marketed as “duct tape on steroids.”

• BYU Entrepreneurs: Spencer Quinn (’14), Reed Quinn (MBA ’09)
• Appeared: Episode 506; Season 5 (2013)
• Outcome: Struck a deal with Lori Greiner for $120,000 in exchange for 12% equity. The company did $50 million in retail sales in the six years after the show, with the product being sold in major outlets such as Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Cerebral Success, a supplement designed to improve focus and memory.

• BYU Entrepreneur: Trevor Hiltbrand (’14)
• Appeared: Episode 522; Season 5 (2014)
• Outcome: Struck a deal with Barbara Corcoran for $75,000 in exchange for 40% equity. After the show, the brand underwent a major rebrand to SmartX.

Paper Box Pilots, sticker kits that transform old paper boxes into airplanes and race cars.

• BYU Entrepreneurs: Brian Cahoon (’97), Noah Cahoon (’24)
• Appeared: Episode 606; Season 6 (2014)
• Outcome: Struck a deal with Kevin O’Leary for $35,000 in exchange for 50% equity.
• The company thrived following the show but eventually closed so Noah could focus on school.

PhoneSoap, a sanitizer box designed to kill 99.9% of bacteria using UV-C light.

• BYU Entrepreneurs: Dan Barnes (’14), Wesley LaPorte (’14)
• Appeared: Episode 616; Season 6 (2015)
• Outcome: Struck a deal with Lori Greiner for $300,000 in exchange for 10% equity. Led to $4.9 million in sales the year following the show. They now have larger sanitizers and portable chargers — one of Shark Tank’s most successful consumer products.

IllumiBowl, a motion-activated toilet night light to provide a soft glow in the dark.

• BYU Entrepreneur: Matt Alexander (’15)
• Appeared: Episode 721; Season 7 (2016)
• Outcome: Struck a deal with Kevin O’Leary for $100,000 in exchange for 25% equity. The product became a top-seller in retail stores, with over 1 million units sold.

Beloved Shirts, a clothing brand known for its “all-over print” designs.

• BYU Entrepreneur: Jeremiah Robison (’15)
• Appeared: Episode 727; Season 7 (2016)
• Outcome: No deal, but the brand grew following the show and gained publicity with independent contractors when celebrities such as Katie Perry started wearing its products.

FireAvert, safety plugs that shuts off stove power when it hears the sound of a smoke alarm.

• BYU Entrepreneur: Michael Sanders (’11, MA ’15)
• Appeared: Episode 714; Season 7 (2016)
• Outcome: Struck a deal with Lori Greiner: a $300k loan for 10% royalty until $400k repaid and 10% equity. With $3.6 million in sales by 2019, FireAvert partnered with Marriott Vacations Worldwide.

DrainWig, a disposable hair-catching device designed to prevent shower and bathtub drain clogs.

• BYU Entrepreneur: Gifford Briggs (’98) coinvented with wife Jennifer Briggs
• Appeared: Episode 906; Season 9 (2017)
• Outcome: Landed a deal with Kevin O’Leary and the company is still going strong nine years later. Now the Briggs’ five daughters, who also appeared on the episode, are helping run the family-owned company.

MyoStorm, a spherical device, “Meteor,” that uses heat and vibration to treat muscle soreness.

• BYU Entrepreneurs: Jared Ward (’15), Jono DiPeri (’18), and Shaquille Walker (’18)
• Appeared: Episode 1105; Season 11 (2019)
• Outcome: Struck a deal with Lori Greiner for $150,000 in exchange for 5% equity. The product has expanded globally and is widely used by professional and Olympic athletes. As of August 2022, annual revenue is $1.8 million.

Chirp, a specialized wheel designed to relieve back pain by stretching the spine.

• BYU Entrepreneur: Tate Stock (’14)
• Appeared: Episode 1203; Season 12 (2020)
• Outcome: Initially accepted an offer from Lori Greiner, $900K for 2.5%, but ultimately didn’t close the deal because Chirp had already accomplished many of the things Lori was offering. The company is still doing well — founder-led — with no investors.

ZipString, a high-tech toy that uses a specialized motor to “float” a loop of string in mid-air.

• BYU Entrepreneur: Austin Hillam (’23)
• Appeared: Episode 1409; Season 14 (2024)
• Outcome: Struck a double deal with Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec for $100,000 in exchange for a split 20% equity. The business has since added a new product called the “ZipString Luma,” which glows in the dark.

PaddleSmash, an outdoor game that blends Pickleball with Spikeball, featuring a portable folding court and net system.

• Entrepreneur: Scott Brown (’05)
• Appeared: Episode 1504; Season 15 (2023)
• Outcome: Accepted a joint deal with Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec for $250,000 in exchange for 20% equity, but the deal was not closed. Still, the company surpassed $500k in annual revenue and is sold in major retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Scheels.

ChompSaw, a kid-safe power tool for cutting cardboard.

• Entrepreneur: Max Leichty (’20)
• Appeared: Episode 1605; Season 16 (2024)
• Outcome: Made a deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner for $250,000 in exchange for 15% stake in the company. Their company, ChompShop, has received a number of recognitions, including Creative Toy of the Year at the 2026 Toy of the Year Awards.