Three Auburn Engineering students among publication’s top young innovators

Three Auburn Engineering students — Thomas Lester, Liam Heary and Harrison Ranier — have been recognized among the Birmingham Business Journal’s Inno Under 25 honorees, a statewide list highlighting the most promising young innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers.

Lester, a senior in industrial and systems engineering, Heary, a senior in computer science and software engineering, and Ranier, a senior in apparel merchandising who is also pursuing a minor in the Thomas Walter Center’s Business-Engineering-Technology program, were named to the publication’s list.

Lester is founder and CEO of HeatStream Solutions, LLC, which is focused on revolutionizing on-the-go food and beverage experiences with self-heating technology. Founded in early 2024, the company has developed three patent-pending products that provide convenience and sustained temperatures without external power sources: a coffee tote that stays hot for three to five hours at the push of a button, a 12-ounce single-serve hot coffee container activated with a simple click and a twist-to-heat packaging for 16-ounce soup servings.

Lester introduced Heatstream Solutions during the 2024 Tiger Cage Student Business Idea Competition as The Earlybird Co., where he finished third place and earned $15,000 in startup capital. Since Tiger Cage, Lester won third place and $7,000 at the 2024 SEC Student Pitch Competition, $15,000 and first place at BizPitch Columbus and $4,000 for Best Technology Award at the Servin’ the South Competition.

Heary and Ranier co-founded Planet of Snacks, an e-commerce platform that ships international snacks directly to consumers.

The startup curates snack boxes filled with authentic treats from more than 30 countries, ranging from Japanese Matcha Kit Kats to Greek halvah to Thai Lay’s chips. Each box is carefully assembled to deliver not just a sampling of food, but an experience of culture, nostalgia and discovery.

Their startup earned second place and $8,000 at the 2025 SEC Start-Up competition — a pitch event in July for student-athletes — and second place and $20,000 this past March in Tiger Cage.

Backed by Auburn University’s New Venture Accelerator, students transform raw ideas into polished business models. Mentorship, resources and access to supportive networks, including guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs in residence, help student teams refine everything from sourcing to packaging to marketing.

“We are incredibly proud of these students and the innovative work they’ve accomplished,” said Lou Bifano, director of the New Venture Accelerator. “Their creativity — the sign of a good engineer — and ability to turn ideas into real-world products exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit we cultivate at Auburn. They are pushing boundaries in their respective fields, and we have no doubt that this is just the beginning. We’re excited to watch their ventures grow and make an impact.”

The Inno Under 25 program spotlights young founders and innovators across Alabama who are already shaping industries from technology and food to retail and health care. Honorees were selected from nominations within the state’s startup community and recognized for their creativity, execution and potential for long-term impact.

Others recognized include Sophia Aulisio, a senior in the Harbert College of Business, founder of Protector Innovations and last spring’s Tiger Cage overall winner; Myles Taylor of Birmingham, founder of health care startup Dosie; and Jevon Tatum of Birmingham, founder of Essence Body Products.