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Washington State University Entrepreneurship

Oct. 29: Center for Entrepreneurship Hosts Former NFL Quarterback Steve Young


The WSU Center for Entrepreneurship will host “Abundance in Business,” a webinar by Steve Young, former NFL quarterback, at 12 – 1 p.m. on October 29.

Participants may register online to watch the webinar in person in the Commons building or watch on their own via YouTube.

Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.

Young’s football career spanned more than 15 years in the NFL, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers, where he received numerous accolades. In addition to his gridiron fame, he is also a licensed attorney, an acclaimed inspirational speaker, a sought-after spokesperson for major companies such as Visa, PowerBar, and Sun Microsystems. He founded and chairs the Forever Young Foundation, which is actively involved in children’s charities worldwide. Currently, he is a partner, chairman, and cofounder of HGGC, a middle-market private equity firm.

Health Gaming Company Wins JMA Pitch Demo

JMA Pitch Event
Jones Milestone Accelerator (JMA) Pitch Demo was held Sept. 5, 2024

Medimon, a gaming company comprised of a WSU student and UI professor won the 2024 JMA Pitch Demo, the culmination of a summer of hard work and business building for three teams. Other teams in the JMA included PicsGenie, a B2B printshop software solution and Helical Solutions, which is developing remote measuring devices. Held in the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center at WSU, It was the largest attended event for the Pitch Demo on record and students were treated to catered dinner, beverages and the opportunity to network with industry professionals.

Tyler Boies, founder of Helical Solutions said of the JMA, “The Jones Milestone Accelerator program has been an incredible experience, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with such dedicated and knowledgeable mentors. Your support has not only helped shape the future of my business but has also given me the confidence to continue pushing forward with our mission.”

Sign up for the JMA begins April 7, 2025. Most teams that apply for JMA, have often competed in the Business Plan Competition first.

For more on the Jones Milestone Accelerator Program and Team info, visit: JMA Website

 

 

JMA Pitch Demo to be held Sept. 5

JMA Pitch Event
Jones Milestone Accelerator Pitch Event

During the summer, three talented teams participated in the Jones Milestone Accelerator and are ready to pitch!

Come see them, starting at 4PM, Sept. 5 at the WSU Cultural Center. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome.

In “SharkTank” style, founding teams will present their pitch decks to investors and a startup founder. They will have 15 minutes to present and the judges will have 15 minutes to ask questions. Which team will win? Will it be:

Medimon

PicsGenie

or

Helical Solutions

Appetizers and beverages will be available.

For more on the Jones Milestone Accelerator Program and Team info, visit: JMA Website

Info: 4PM-6:30PM | Sept 5, 2024 | WSU Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center 405 SE Spokane St, Pullman, WA 99164

 

JMA Team PicsGenie.com needs your help

picsgenie logo
In a customer research phase, PicsGenie.com is looking for survey responses

PicsGenie.com, an e-commerce website that “Makes thousands of customer experiences better by allowing anyone to design a shirt online in only 15 seconds, making it possible for anyone to have a blast designing a custom T-Shirt,” is looking for feedback.

Begun as a WSU student startup, founder Jared Kelnhofer recently graduated and joined the Center for Entrepreneurship’s Jones Milestone Accelerator this summer. PicsGenie.com has won awards in a variety of recent pitch competitions including Avista’s May 30 event in Spokane and the WSU Business Plan Competition in Pullman, where the team walked away with $10K.

Take the 3-5 minute survey HERE

Three Teams Selected to Join Jones Milestone Accelerator (JMA)

WSU entrepreneurs are looking to take their business ideas to the next level in the 2024 JMA

The teams participating in the accelerator this summer are:

Autonomous eDNA Collection for Aquatic Ecosystems: Introducing a compact, autonomous device designed to filter and analyze DNA directly within aquatic environments, revolutionizing the way we monitor biodiversity.

Medimon: A revolutionary health science education platform that merges interactive gaming with a trading card dynamic, enriching learning through nostalgia, collection, and ownership.

PicsGenie.com: Makes thousands of customer experiences better by allowing anyone to design a shirt online in only 15 seconds, making it possible for anyone to have a blast designing a custom T-Shirt. No experience necessary.

The JMA is a program open to undergrads, graduates, post-docs and recently graduated alumni. It is designed to take entrepreneurs from learning to launch with hands-on mentorship and resources. You can read more about it here.

 

 

 

 

Business Plan Competition Final Round Presentation Results

 

BPC 2024
The Final Round Presentations took place in the CUB on Thursday, April 25, 2024

Student teams presented their business ideas and competed for cash and in-kind prizes totaling $86,000 at the Business Plan Competition 2024, hosted by the WSU Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE).

Two hundred thirty-six students from nine WSU colleges, six universities, and six high schools across Washington and Idaho formed 118 venture teams that competed in three different leagues. The unique venture teams represented a wide variety of academic majors and programs of study including arts and sciences, natural resource sciences, veterinary medicine, neuroscience, global challenges, communications, business, and more.

The winning College League teams were:

  • Cordoba, $15,000
    Cordoba is an AI plug-in that facilitates communication between architects and clients.
  • PicsGenie, $10,000
    PicsGenie uses AI to allow anyone to customize shirts in under 15 seconds.
  • Snap Chains, $7,000
    Snap Chains is an alternative snow chain designed for instant installation and removal.
  • Serenity Spaces, $4,000
    Serenity Spaces is a furnishing company that allows individuals to rent customized furnishing packages.
  • Main Street Trader Bar and Grill, $2,000
    Main Street Trader Bar and Grill is a restaurant in Vancouver, Washington, offering diverse food, drink, and live entertainment.

For more information and a complete list of winning teams, visit WSU INSIDER

 

Business Plan Competition Teams Advancing to Final Round Presentations

 

BPC 2024
The Final Round Presentations also Include the Trade Show and Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 25, 2024

 

The following teams in alphabetical order are advancing to the Final Round Presentations:

  • Cordoba – An AI plug-in for architects that generates editable 3D building models in their native software.
  • Main Street Trader Bar and Grill – Restaurant
  • PicsGenie – AI-generated images on products that can be shipped right to your doorstep.
  • Serenity Spaces – A furnishing company that lets individuals customize furnishing packages to their preferences, with a monthly payment structure allowing you to rent for the length of the lease.
  • Snap Chains – Quicker and safer alternative to snow chains, instant application and removal.

Alternate:

  • Anlibri – An app that gives users the ability to build and customize their virtual bookshelf, while recommending new books to readers. Works as a book log, recognizes unpublished works and integrates a social platform to allow readers to connect with others.

—

About BPC: The WSU Business Plan Competition (BPC) is organized by the WSU Center for Entrepreneurial Studies to create opportunities to practice entrepreneurship in a real-world setting. The BPC gives students skills, knowledge, and resources to start their own ventures or be intrepreneurial leaders in existing organizations.

About CfE: The Center for Entrepreneurship is an innovation resource hub; promoting entrepreneurial engagement, scholarship and dialog.

 

BPC 2024 Presentation Round Friday, April 19, 2024

 

BPC 2024
The Presentation Round is followed by the Final Round Presentations, Trade Show, and Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 25, 2024

 

Full BPC 2024 Schedule (PDF) available HERE

April 15, 2024 is the deadline to RSVP for the Awards Dinner! RSVP HERE

Look for updates here or HERE on the 19th to see who is advancing to the Final Round!

The entire list of Presentation Round Winners are:

TOP COLLEGIATE LEAGUE TEAMS ADVANCING TO THE FINAL PRESENTATION ROUND

  • Anlibri – An app that gives users the ability to build and customize their virtual bookshelf, while recommending new books to readers. Works as a book log, recognizes unpublished works and integrates a social platform to allow readers to connect with others.
  • Blink Box – Lash supply subscription box.
  • Build-A-Drink – Machine that create alcoholic beverages quickly and with perfect pours. In-home and commercial.
  • Coleman Leather Goods – Producing high-quality leather goods, such as wallets, belts, bags, notebooks, and patches.
  • Cordoba – An AI plug-in for architects that generates editable 3D building models in their native software.
  • FindMyFit – An app and browser extension that shows which sizes across brands fits you based on your body type.
  • Homestay Worldwide –
  • Honest Buds – SaaS company offers dispensaries a software for their budtenders to generate product descriptions that consumers find helpful in identifying a product’s quality.
  • Main Street Trader Bar and Grill – Restaurant
  • OC Exterior Solutions – California-based company offering year-round exterior solutions for properties with convenient seasonal packages and accurate pricing for pressure washing and property lighting services.
  • PicsGenie – AI-generated images on products that can be shipped right to your doorstep.
  • Plaitful – AI recipe and meal plan generator app.
  • REFRSH – A social platform incentivizing young adults to engage in real-life experiences while reducing screen time, fostering friendly competition through “REFRSH’ing” periods.
  • Serenity Spaces – A furnishing company that lets individuals customize furnishing packages to their preferences, with a monthly payment structure allowing you to rent for the length of the lease.
  • Snap Chains – Quicker and safer alternative to snow chains, instant application and removal.
  • Squeeze – App that provides available street and garage parking, high traffic areas and events in large cities.
  • The Kitchen Collab – App that streamlines group living by combining meal planning and grocery shopping, making it easier for housemates to save money, split expenses and avoid duplicate purchases.
  • TLK – Music distribution and streaming platform offering a subscription based service that includes access to potential marketing initiatives and apparel design.
  • Tripzy – A travel planning app designed for Generation Z who may procrastinate planning activities while on vacation.
  • VetCare Assist – Vet assistance financial aid.

ALTERNATIVE TEAMS:

  • Derivative Zero – To create short term forex forecasting algorithms that can then be subscribed to through API and used by either companies or individual traders looking for a competitive edge.
  • Speed Angel Customs LLC – Custom automotive shop that aims to modify as well as repair your car the way you want it – totally customizable

TOP FOSTER GARVEY OPEN LEAGUE TEAMS ADVANCING TO THE FINAL PRESENTATION ROUND

  • City Paws (University of Washington) – Sustainable pet products
  • Happy Pop (University of Washington – Seattle) – A product that transports the authentic flavors of India through popped sorghum, a snack that has been popular for centuries. This cultural snack is an alternative to popcorn.
  • Sustainable Classrooms: Project Laos (University of Idaho) – A pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to revolutionizing education and environment stewardship in rural communities across Laos. By transforming recycled plastics into durable bricks, we offer a groundbreaking eco-friendly solution to build educational infrastructure.
  • WRIST: Wearable Remote Individualized Symptom Tracking (University of Idaho) – Medically oriented remote symptom and biometrics monitoring bracelet.

ALTERNATIVE TEAMS:

  • Afford Aid (University of Washington – Seattle) – Reusable, refurbished, authorized medical equipment.
  • BioNova (Walla Walla University) – Building a better future through sustainable energy. Scalable Bioreactors for Bio-Methane gas production, fertilizer, and carbon credits in Africa and South America.

TOP HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE TEAMS ADVANCING TO THE FINAL PRESENTATION ROUND

  • 7b Surf Co. (Mead Senior High School) – 7b Surf is a local business that gives surf lessons to people who live or vacation in the Sandpoint area. We provide a boat and all the equipment.
  • EcoTrail (Mead Senior High School) – EcoTrail is an accessible hiking trail app that allows you to preview your trail before you hike it.
  • Protein Palace (Mercer Island High School) – A fast, casual restaurant specializing in high-protein, high-calorie bowls for those wishing to reach their fitness goals.
  • Team Kamea (East Valley High School) – A business idea for a bakery named Kamea Cakes.
  • Victoria Paints (Pullman High School) – A local painting business that provides the best solution for blank walls.

ALTERNATIVE TEAMS:

  • antisquo (Bellevue High School) – Online dashboard using a student’s (user provided) interests and goals, along with their school district catalog to formulate a high school pathway that provides unique recommendations for classes.
  • Simpl Protein (Mead Senior High School) – Simpl Protein cookies are an all natural, gluten-free, protein bar alternative made without any artificial sweeteners.

All the best to the teams presenting!

—

About BPC: The WSU Business Plan Competition (BPC) is organized by the WSU Center for Entrepreneurial Studies to create opportunities to practice entrepreneurship in a real-world setting. The BPC gives students skills, knowledge, and resources to start their own ventures or be intrepreneurial leaders in existing organizations.

About CfE: The Center for Entrepreneurship is an innovation resource hub; promoting entrepreneurial engagement, scholarship and dialog.

 

RSVP for BPC 2024 Dinner

 

BPC 2024
RSVP before April 15 to reserve your spot at the 2024 Business Plan Competition Dinner from 5-8pm, Thursday April 25, 2024

 

Last chance to RSVP for the Awards Dinner! RSVP HERE

We hope you will join us at the 2024 BPC Awards Dinner following the Final Presentation Round and trade show reception on the WSU Pullman campus in the Senior Ballroom of the Compton Student Union Building.

At the awards dinner you will enjoy a keynote address and find out who will emerge as winners.

Please note that everyone attending the Awards Dinner should RSVP, including students, monitors and coordinators, advisors etc.

RSVP HERE

About BPC: The WSU Business Plan Competition (BPC) is organized by the WSU Center for Entrepreneurial Studies to create opportunities to practice entrepreneurship in a real-world setting. The BPC gives students skills, knowledge, and resources to start their own ventures or be intrepreneurial leaders in existing organizations.

About CfE: The Center for Entrepreneurship is an innovation resource hub; promoting entrepreneurial engagement, scholarship and dialog.

 

Entrepreneurial Faculty Ambassadors (EFA) Nights at the Museum April 9, 2024

EFA nights at the museum graphic
EFA Nights at the Museum

 

You are invited to attend the EFA Nights at the Museum at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at WSU Pullman on Tuesday, April 9th, 5 – 6:30 PM. Welcome remarks to be given by Paul Warner, Executive Director of the WSU Center for Entrepreneurship.

Come enjoy complimentary beverages (beer, wine and non-alcoholic), hors d’oeuvres, learn about our activities, meet like-minded peers, see amazing art, and network with people who can support your initiative and advance your efforts. All are welcome to join us — EFA membership is not required!

Please RSVP HERE