Six Shiley School of Engineering students placed first in the for-profit business category of the University of Portland’s $100K Challenge Venture Competition, an expanded business plan competition hosted by the University’s Franz Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. The winning engineering group, Dynamic Assistive Technologies, consisted of Jordan Schiemer, Audre Ramey, Caroline Pisani, Ann Truong, Mikah Bacon, and Matt Brown. The team created an assistive drinking cup for those who suffer from hand tremors.
Second place in the for-profit category was senior entrepreneurship and innovation major Connor Whan and his business, named FlavOils. Third place went to engineering students Sean O’Rourke, Peter Chamberlin, and Nick Mackinnon with their business, AutoPilot Medical Technologies. Junior entrepreneurship and innovation major Ari Morris took first place in the Social Venture track with his business, Youth Skate Movement.
The $100K Challenge Venture Competition provides students with opportunities to receive feedback from experts in the entrepreneurial community, win monetary prizes, and acquire legal services that will help advance their idea to the next stage. Finalists in the for-profit track will be eligible for an investment of up to $100,000 (half cash and half support services). The winner of the Social Venture track will be eligible for a $2,500 grant and $2,500 in professional services. Investment decisions will be made by the Launch Pad committee. Next year’s competition will be held Saturday, April 25, 2015.
For more information, contact Peter Rachor, Franz Center, at 7769 or rachor@up.edu.