Four Teams of Student Entrepreneurs Advance to Finals Round in Washburn Pitch Competition
More than 100 student entrepreneurs participated from Washburn University and Washburn Institute of Technology, representing 69 teams. Each team had three minutes to present, or pitch, a new business idea to a panel of judges. The top four teams will advance to the Finals Round.
The top four teams and their business ideas are:
Nathan Burkholder, Washburn senior, presented a prototype for retractable, alternate tread attic stairs.
Juniors Connor England and Mark Feuerborn, both Washburn students, pitched ALLSPICE, an electronic spice rack that dispenses exact measurements of spices.
Washburn Tech student Lindsey Jones pitched a food truck for dogs, with canine treats and other specialty items available for purchase.
Rachel Darey and Christina Foreman, Washburn seniors, presented a foot scanner designed to measure the dimensions of a dancer’s foot when fitting pointe shoes.
Top Washburn Tech entry: Teagan Thompson
In addition to the announcement of the finalists, Jeremy Luck and Jacob Newlin were awarded the top freshman entry for an app that blocks distractions on cell phones and computers. The top Washburn Tech entry not in the Finals Round was awarded to Teagan Thompson for Canine Café, a cozy café where customers can indulge in fine coffees, teas, and desserts in the company of their canine friends.
The Finals Round will be held Thursday, October 20, in Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center. The event begins with a banquet at 6 p.m. Reservations are required. For more information and to make reservations, contact Dr. David Price at 785-670-3258; david.price@washburn.edu.
At the October 20 banquet, $25,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the four finalists, the top freshman entry, and the top Washburn Tech entry. Prizes are made possible through a collaborative partnership with GO Topeka.
