University of Richmond Students Launch New Canned Coffee Brand Developed in Classroom

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — University of Richmond students recently competed in the fifth annual Bench Top Innovations Great Bake Off, where four teams of students demoed and pitched canned coffee and tea beverages developed in the classroom.  

The winner was Korra, a protein coffee containing natural electrolytes from coconut water and sea salt. 

Bench Top Innovations is a Robins School of Business marketing program open to senior-level undergraduates of all majors. Each year, students spend the fall semester developing a different food product while also creating a compelling brand in partnership with the VCU Brandcenter.

After the Great Bake Off, where teams pitched their products to a panel of judges including experts in food distribution, marketing, coffee, and food services, all 16 students in the class will work to bring the winning product to market.

“The judges chose Korra because it’s a unique, delicious product, with a strong understanding of consumer trends with the greatest market potential,” said marketing lecturer and Bench Top Innovations Program Director Joel Mier, who co-teaches the course with Executive-in-Residence Shane Emmett, co-founder and former CEO of Health Warrior.

“Bench Top exemplifies what makes the University of Richmond distinctive,” said Mickey Quiñones, dean of the Robins School of Business. “It challenges students to think and act like entrepreneurs, by solving real problems in real time with the support of faculty mentors and industry experts. The experience fosters curiosity, collaboration, and creativity, preparing them to thrive in any career they pursue after graduation.”

Korra will be available for sale in retail stores around Richmond, VA as well as online in early 2026.

“Developing Korra over the past few weeks has been one of the most insightful and unique experiences I've had at UR,” said Emerson Linden, who is double majoring in political science and leadership studies.

“We are so excited to see what comes next in the process — it is such a surreal feeling to realize that the product we've spent so much time and energy building up will soon come to life in the market.” 

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Additional photos are available. Please contact Lauren Anesta, media relations manager, at lauren.anesta@richmond.edu for more information.