SIUE Alumnus Wins First Place at DePaul University’s 2026 Purpose Pitch Competition

EDWARDSVILLE, IL / CHICAGO, IL — May 2026 — Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus Bryon Pierson Jr. recently won 1st Place in the Alumni Track at DePaul University’s 2026 Purpose Pitch Competition for EDUrain, a student housing infrastructure startup focused on improving college student retention through better housing access and support.

The annual competition, hosted by DePaul University’s Coleman Entrepreneurship Center at TechNexus Venture Collaborative in Chicago, highlights mission-driven startups creating measurable social and economic impact.

Pierson, a former foster student who personally experienced housing instability throughout college, founded EDUrain after recognizing how often unstable housing contributes to students dropping out before graduation.

“Housing instability is one of the leading reasons students leave college,” said Pierson, Founder and CEO of EDUrain. “We built EDUrain because where a student lives should not determine whether they graduate.”

EDUrain helps colleges support both on-campus and off-campus housing through one coordinated system focused on improving student retention, housing visibility, and student success. The platform connects students with verified housing options while helping colleges better understand off-campus housing demand and support needs.

The company currently works with university partners across multiple campuses and continues expanding conversations with colleges nationwide around student housing infrastructure and retention initiatives.

Pierson credits his educational journey, leadership experiences, and exposure to public policy and systems thinking as key influences in shaping his work as a founder.

“SIUE played an important role in my development as both a student and leader,” said Pierson. “The experience helped shape the way I think about systems, equity, and building solutions that create long-term impact.”

The recognition at Purpose Pitch marks another milestone for EDUrain as the company continues expanding partnerships, growing its housing platform, and building infrastructure aimed at improving student outcomes nationwide.

About EDUrain

EDUrain is a student housing infrastructure platform helping colleges support both on-campus and off-campus housing through one coordinated system focused on improving student retention and housing stability.

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