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Local Students Bring Innovation to the Forefront in First-Ever Student Pitch Competition at Startup Week
This year’s Launch Dayton Startup Week kicked off in an exciting way with the first-ever Student Pitch Competition co-sponsored by Wright State University and Sinclair Community College, hosted at The Hub in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Nine students from local colleges took to the stage, delivering innovative business ideas in front of a panel of judges and a crowd of fellow entrepreneurs, educators, and community members.
Out of 19 applicants, these students earned a chance to present their pitches:
- Kyle Richard, Sinclair College: Offers drone-based solutions tailored to each client, prioritizing quality over volume.
- Carlos Jillson, Sinclair College: Pitched a platform for multi-operator aerial cinematography with a low-cost, ergonomic design that meets industry workflow needs.
- Nikhil Acharya, University of Dayton: Developed “onemore,” a fitness tracking app that keeps users engaged during rest breaks with trivia and mini-games.
- Hank Veeneman, University of Dayton: Created a retractable sun shield for vehicles without roofs, like Jeeps and convertibles, and is already in talks with suppliers.
- Annie Nelson, University of Dayton: Designed an app to simplify vehicle maintenance communication for young drivers.
- Brian LeCocq, University of Dayton: SeaLit’s LED Air Warning System (LAWS) enhances respirator safety for divers and firefighters with a multi-LED display, optimized for low-visibility environments.
- Michael Mathews, Wright State University: Developed an app to improve social connectedness and mental health among young adults.
- Ugboaku Chukwudi, Wright State University: Pitched a digital communication app aimed at improving mental health and preventing suicides among college students.
The student pitch category saw Michael Mathews take home the 1st place prize of $750, while Hank Veeneman earned 2nd place and $250.
This was the first year Launch Dayton has organized the pitch competition in this format, and the results have already shown the vast potential among young innovators in the Dayton region. Students had the opportunity to showcase their ideas on the same platform as seasoned entrepreneurs, demonstrating the importance of encouraging and nurturing entrepreneurial thinking early on.
The competition is part of the larger Startup Week event, which brings hundreds of innovators to The Hub at the Dayton Arcade for a week of talks, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. The event is organized by Launch Dayton, which fosters a network of support organizations, resources, and like-minded individuals to create a comprehensive ecosystem for startups and small businesses.
To learn more about future pitch competitions and how to get involved, stay connected with the Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) and Launch Dayton for updates and opportunities.
About Launch Dayton:
Launch Dayton is a vibrant community and collaborative initiative dedicated to fostering the growth and success of entrepreneurs in the Dayton region. By bringing together a network of support organizations, resources, and like-minded individuals, Launch Dayton provides a comprehensive ecosystem for startups and small businesses. Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs through connections, education, and celebration, driving innovation and economic growth in our community. From hosting flagship events like Startup Week to offering ongoing workshops and networking opportunities, Launch Dayton is the go-to hub for entrepreneurial support and inspiration. For more information, visit launchdayton.com.
About Entrepreneurs’ Center
The Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) drives economic growth and prosperity by championing entrepreneurship. With a mission to empower innovators, the EC annually collaborates with over 1,000 entrepreneurs, catalyzing the creation of businesses, job opportunities, revenue streams, and investments. Offering a suite of professional services, including business planning, mentoring, training, networking, commercialization, and capital investment, the EC serves as a beacon for both main street and technology enterprises. Anchored by a dedicated team of advisors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and staff, the EC orchestrates world-class business acceleration programs in collaboration with corporations, academic institutions, and government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense, from its headquarters at The Hub Powered by PNC Bank within the historic Dayton Arcade.
