Western New England University students from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering were recognized for their innovations in several competitions in the Pioneer Valley during the month of April.
"Innovation and entrepreneurship competitions require students to demonstrate creativity, determination, business savvy, team building, and communication skills. We are pleased that each of our student teams have demonstrated these skills as evidenced by their successes," said Dr. Mary Schoonmaker, Assistant Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship.
The Draper Competition for Collegiate Women Entrepreneurs - Sponsored by Tim Draper and Melissa Parker Draper, April 7.
- The Gear Electric team, comprised of and , (Mechanical Engineering) and (Accounting) placed in semi-finals.
- The Smart Flood Detector team, led by (Entrepreneurship and Marketing), (Sports Management), and , (Sports Management) placed in the finals and won $1500.
The Golden Bear Innovation Pitch Contest - Sponsored by PeoplesBank, April 20. The following students won top awards:
- Best Pitch Delivery was awarded to (Business) who pitched the Blind Spot detection system for automobiles.
- Funniest Pitch was awarded to (Marketing) for her idea for a Better Batter kitchen tool.
- Most Potential for Profit was awarded to (Health Sciences) for her innovation for methane reduction product for bovine waste management.
Golden Bear Innovation Grants - Sponsored by PeoplesBank, April 20. Students were selected to receive Golden Bear Innovation Grants:
- (Management) and (Criminal Justice) for their business - Primo Car Detailing.
- (Entrepreneurship) for her business - Leah Cunha’s Crafts.
Annual Grinspoon Competition - Sponsored by the Grinspoon Foundation, April 27. Students presented their innovations and received awards.
- (Mechanical Engineering) was this year’s University’s Pitch Representative and pitched his innovation – Ricky’s Well, a modern and sanitary version of today’s dipper well.
Spirit Award Winners:
- Eyedar: (Mechanical Engineering) and (Sports Management)
- Gear Electric: (Mechanical Engineering) and (Mechanical Engineering) and (Accounting)
- The Reel Deal: (Management), (Sports Management) (Pharmaceutical Business) and , Benjamin Brousseau, and , (Mechanical Engineering).
Dean Hossein Cheraghi, College of Engineering, and Dean Sharianne Walker, College of Business expressed the criticality of these innovative and entrepreneurial skills. "We are inspired by these students' application of functional and team building skills as important steps in preparing them for the future of work," said Dean Cheraghi and Dean Walker.
