North Idaho students win in multiple team categories for entrepreneur challenge
Six out of ten University of Idaho teams, including students from Sagle and Bonners Ferry, have been awarded a total of $31,000 in cash prizes for business proposals they pitched at the online Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge.
“Startup competitions are always challenging, but this one is against all the other colleges in Idaho, making it even more competitive,” said George Tanner, director of U of I's Idaho Entrepreneurs. “But our students work hard, research markets, test business models and develop winning pitches and successful business ideas.”
One team made up of Daniel Robinson of Bonners Ferry and teammates Amy Huck, Sydney Hartford and Riley Merithew created a simulator that combines digital environments and educational theory to help teachers develop classroom management skills.
The simulator won first place and $7,000 in the Technology category.
Another team, comprised of Sagle native James Bradley and teammates Anthony Black and Austin Trail created Grainbot — an automated machine to mix grains and improve efficiency in small grain mill operations.
The team won second place and $3,000 in the Technology category.
Team HONU, made up of Idaho Falls’ Landon Lively and Cole Alteneder of Newberg developed a water circulation unit that eliminates algae, bad odors and insect breeding. The team won $7,000 for the Social and Environmental category and $7,000 Trolley Investment Group Award.
Addie White of Boise designed the “Campus Can Crusher.” The can crusher is shaped like the university’s logo and is “a highly durable, practical way to show college pride and elevate your tailgate party,” according to a press release. The design won second place and $3,000 in the Social and Environmental category.
Other winning U of I designs included the HAUS (Home Access Utility System), described as “a system streamlining utility installation for builders and providing access to homeowners for repairs and upgrades,” won second place and $3,000 in the Manufactured Goods category.
Team members included Lyndsay Watkins and Kelsey Ramsey of Portland.
Another winner, “Waytamin,” is an app designed to minimize wait times at restaurants and similar venues. The app won third place in the Technology category and $1,000.
The app was designed by Joshi Kolikapudi and Andhra Pradesh.
In nine years, U of I student teams have won $1 million in seed capital at entrepreneur competitions and used their earnings to launch new companies, according to a press release.
The U of I will also have an Idaho Pitch competition on April 30, where more than 40 student teams will pitch to a panel of lunges virtually.
“Idaho entrepreneurs use these challenges as a springboard to spin out real ideas and new business opportunities,” Tanner said.
