Cordaba is an AI plugin that facilitates communication between architects and clients. Using text-to-3D AI modeling, customers can specify the design they want for their home.
Student teams presented their business ideas and competed for cash and in-kind prizes. $86,000 In a competition sponsored by the WSU Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE).
236 students from WSU's nine colleges, six universities, and six high schools Washington and idaho formed 118 Venture teams and competed in three different leagues. The unique venture team represented a wide range of academic majors and programs of study, including arts and sciences, natural resource sciences, veterinary medicine, neuroscience, global issues, communications, business, and more.
Venture teams participated in numerous rounds of competition over the past six weeks. WSU students participated in the first round of judging, where a panel of judges reviewed their business plans. 20 teams advanced to the virtual semifinal round. Foster Garvey Foster Garvey Open League and High School League teams competed in the preliminary round. The top four teams from the Foster Garvey Open and High School League, and the top five teams from the College League advanced to the in-person finals held at the WSU Pullman campus. Thursday, April 25th.
Winners receive large checks and trophies at the annual awards banquet
Winning teams from all three leagues were invited to an awards banquet immediately following the final presentation. During the banquet, all teams participated in the exhibition and banquet participants learned more about the business idea. Nikki Torres ('16), the Emmy Award-winning television journalist and WSU alumnus served as master of ceremonies for the banquet.After dinner, WSU alum blair starmer ('05), founder and CEO of Lions & Tigers, a professional workforce and staffing solutions company, delivered the keynote address.
The Herbert B. Jones Grand Prix in the College League and championship awards in the Open and High School Leagues were among the highlights of the night.
University of Washington Team Happy Pop won the Foster Garvey Open League. A healthy alternative to popcorn, Happy Pop is a snack made from pop sorghum, an ancient Indian grain.
In the high school league, Mercer Island High School's venture team “Protein Palace'' won. Protein Palaces, a fast-casual restaurant specializing in high-protein bowls and sandwiches, tracks macronutrients to help patrons reach their nutritional goals.
Venture team tackles AI and technology change trends in business
Student venture teams have developed innovative ways to use AI to improve business and improve personal lives. Their ideas included an AI plugin that enables his 3D modeling of architecture, custom clothing design, and nutritional planning. The team also created a new app designed to help users find available parking in crowded areas, create customized digital bookshelves, collaborate on grocery shopping, preview hiking trails, and more. We introduced various apps.
“Our student entrepreneurs are acutely aware of current trends in business,” he said. marie mays, CFE Faculty Director. “The increase in venture ideas in AI, apps, and technology shows that students are aware of the changing market. The entrepreneurial spirit they gained at WSU and this competition will help them leverage their business. We are preparing a workforce that is ready to succeed in that market. ”
Winning team announcement
More than 90 academics, entrepreneurs, investors, and other industry experts judged the competition. Teams were evaluated on presentation, development of solutions to customer problems, value proposition, market opportunity, competitive advantage, go-to-market strategy, and financial and investment analysis. The teams were also recognized for their ideas and business plans.
In addition to sponsoring the grand prize, the Herbert B. Jones Foundation also sponsored the Worthwhile Achievement Award. $2,500 The winners will be chosen for Best Proposal, Best Presentation, Best Technology Venture, and Business with Best Social Impact, respectively. BECU sponsored the FinTech Achievement Award, which is presented to the teams presenting the most innovative ideas in the financial technology space. foster garvey Sponsored the Foster Garvey Open League. In the high school league, all awards were sponsored by the Believe in Me Foundation, except for the Grand Prize, which was sponsored by the Herbert B. Jones Foundation.
The winning teams are:
WSU College League:
- cordoba, $15,000
Cordaba is an AI plugin that facilitates communication between architects and clients. - Photo Ginny, $10,000
PicsGenie uses AI to allow anyone to customize a shirt in under 15 seconds. - snap chain, $7,000
Snap Chains are an alternative snow chain designed to be installed and removed in an instant. - A quiet space, $4,000
Serenity Spaces is a furniture company that allows individuals to rent customized furniture packages. - Main Street Trader Bar and Grill; $2,000
Main Street Trader Bar and Grill Vancouver, Washington.offering a variety of food and drinks and live entertainment.
Foster Garvey Open League:
- happy pop, $5,000
Happy Pop is a snack made from popped sorghum, an ancient Indian grain.
High school league:
- protein palace, $5,000
Protein Palace is a fast-casual restaurant specializing in high-protein bowls and sandwiches. - eco trail, $2,000
eco trail is an app that allows hikers to view trails before hiking. - 7b surf company $1,000
7b Surf Co. offers professional wake surfing lessons to people living or vacationing in. sandpoint, idaho. - victoria paint, $750
Victoria Paints offers custom wall art at affordable prices.
Herbert B. Jones Achievement Award Recipients:
- Best Plan: Snap Chain; $2500
- Best Presentation: Snap Chain; $2,500
- Best Technology Venture Award: Cordoba $2,500
- Best Social Impact Business: Serenity Spaces; $2,500
BECU Excellence Award Winners:
- BECU Best Fintech: Serinity Spaces; $5,000
Additional Excellence Award Winners:
- Best Trade Show Award: Tripzy; $5,000
Media contact:
paul warnerExecutive Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, WSU Carson College of Business, 509-335-5496; [email protected]
Sue McMurrayAssistant Director of Communications, WSU Carson College of Business, 509-335-7578; [email protected]
SOURCE WSU Carson College of Business Entrepreneurial Research Center