Entrepreneur's Cup Competition Info
Areas of Competition
High-Growth Division
Step boldly into the realm of innovation with our High-Growth Division, the epicenter for aspiring entrepreneurs to ignite their dreams. This division is open to students across all Oklahoma public and private college and university campuses. Craft a visionary business plan in any high-growth industry to compete for the top prize.
Assemble your team, articulate your groundbreaking plan, and captivate the minds of potential investors as you vie for a piece of the $104,000 in cash awards and scholarships. Your entrepreneurial journey begins now. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Seize the moment, defy the ordinary, and make your mark in the Entrepreneur’s Cup. What’s holding you back? The future of innovation awaits!
High Growth Division – Competition Overview
Eligibility
This competition intends to expose students to real-world experiences and to enhance their entrepreneurial skills while expanding career options after graduation to include entrepreneurship and starting their own company.
The competition is open to all faculty-or mentor-sponsored, full-time, and part-time undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at an Oklahoma university or college. Students who graduate in December prior to the competition are still eligible to compete.
The role of the faculty or mentor advisor is largely administrative. The advisor provides confirmation of the eligibility of the students, enforces competition rules, and is a point of contact for the competition managers. In addition, they are expected to guide in researching, writing, and presenting the business plan. Advisors can be faculty members or community mentors.
It is not the intent of the competition to be a turnkey commercialization program. In most cases entrepreneurs need years of professional experience before launching a new venture.
High Growth Division – Competition Overview
The Prep
Embarking on a major endeavor, whether it is painting a room, obtaining an auto loan, or applying to an MBA program, demands a certain amount of prep work. The same goes for joining a business plan competition.
Kickstart your journey with our Entrepreneur’s Workshop – a free, two-hour virtual workshop. Dive into the essentials of entrepreneurship, covering everything from concept research and business plan crafting to financial projections and pitching your idea. Learn tips to help your business plan standout.
Once you’re armed with the knowledge, the next steps involve identifying an innovative product, process, or service for your business plan. From a dynamic team of up to six members, spanning diverse academic disciplines, and securing a faculty advisor or mentor for expert guidance. Don’t miss the chance to have your concept reviewed by venture development professionals.
This website offers resources for your team as you begin to research and write your plan.
High Growth Division – Competition Overview
In this competition, the business plan should revolve around a high-growth seed, start-up, or early-stage venture, encompassing the entire business concept and its implementation. Plans must have a unique or competitive advantage.
Here are some key guidelines:
- Page Limit: Your business plan is limited to 22 pages. This includes 10 pages for the business plan, 1 page for cover, 1 page for table of content, and up to 10 for appendices. Judges will not consider content beyond this limit.
- Management Team: Ensure at least one team member plays a key role in the company’s management team.
- One Team Rule: Students can compete in only one team.
- Ineligibility: Proposals for buying out or expansion an existing company, tax-shelter opportunities, franchise, real estate syndicates, and other consulting projects are ineligible.
- Graduate Teams: If your team includes at least one graduate student, you must compete in the graduate competition, even if undergraduates are also on the team. Graduates who complete their studies in December before the competition year are still eligible.
- Business Plan Scope: Your business plan may commercialize a new technology product, service, or process. Alternatively, it can apply an existing technology in a novel way, such as in the production or distribution of industrial or consumer goods or in retail or service business.
High Growth Division – Competition Overview
Coaching Session
In the realm of reality, ideas thrive on insights from industry experts. In the High Growth business plan competition, each participating team undergoes a crucial coaching session with an industry expert, a mandatory step in the process.
High Growth Division – Competition Overview
Plan
You have done the research and reached the pinnacle of your preparation – your polished business plan. Now, let’s navigate the next steps of the competition.
Submission Process:
- After researching and crafting your business plan, it’s time to submit it online for evaluations by a panel of esteemed judges, including investment, business, and community leaders.
- The judging scores on the business plans determine the teams that advance to the pitch presentation round.
Competition Structure:
- Six graduate finalist teams and six undergraduate semifinalist teams will move on to the pitch competition.
- One-day pitch competition features six graduate and six undergraduate finalists. Finalist teams, both graduate and undergraduate earn $1,000 each with advisor/mentors awarded $500 each.
Judges’ Feedback:
- Judges provide scores for written business plans offer constructive feedback.
Logistics and Application Deadline:
- Ensure your application is submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the specified deadline date.
- Business plan is limited to 22 pages. This includes 10 pages for the business plan, 1 page for cover, 1 page for table of content, and up to 10 for appendices. Judges will not consider content beyond this limit.
- All business plans including appendices, must be submitted online.
- Following an independent review of the written plans, the six undergraduate finalists and six graduate finalist teams will be notified. An email notification containing the judges’ comments will be sent.
High Growth Division – Competition Overview
Presentation
You did it. Your business plan has been selected to present in the pitch presentation. Here’s what to expect.
Finalist Presentations:
- Finalist teams will make a 20-minute investor presentation about their business opportunity. Judges will evaluate the presentation’s delivery, content, and the team’s ability to handle challenging questions by the judges.
- Judges’ verbal comments will be provided to the teams after their pitch.
- The judges will determine first, second and third place winners.
The Elevator Pitch:
- As part of their pitch presentations, a representative from each of the finalist teams will deliver a 90-second pitch.
Paulsen Scholarship Award Interviews:
- Simultaneous to the pitch presentations, interviews for the Paulsen Scholarship Award will take place. To learn more about the scholarship, click here.
Ensure your application is submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the specified deadline date.
High Growth Division – Competition Overview
Prize Money
- Networking: Forge connections that could open doors to new opportunities and potential careers.
- Job Opportunities: Explore avenues for potential employment or collaboration within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Life-long Relationships: Build lasting connections with peers, mentors, and industry experts.
- Guidance and Experience: Gain invaluable insights and experiences that will serve as a compass on your entrepreneurial journey.
| Prize Amount | High Growth Undergraduate (6) / Graduate (6) Finalists |
|---|---|
| $1,000 | Finalist Team |
| $500 | Finalist Advisor |
| Prize Amount | High Growth Undergraduate / Graduate Winners |
| $21,000 | 1st Place Team |
| $2,000 | 1st Place Advisor |
| $11,000 | 2nd Place Team |
| $1,500 | 2nd Place Advisor |
| $5,500 | 3rd Place Team |
| $1,000 | 3rd Place Advisor |
| Prize Amount | 90 Sec Pitch (2) |
| $1,000 | 1st Place Individual |
High Growth Division – Competition Overview
The business plan is your first impression – the key to attracting investment and standing out among other exceptional opportunities. It’s also part of the contract of deliverables if someone chooses to invest in your company. It is not just the story; it is “the plan.” Here are the key aspects to consider:
Page Limit: All plans are limited to 22 pages, 10 for the business plan, 1 for cover, 1 for table of content and up to 10 for appendices. Judges will not consider content beyond this limit.
Business Plan Outline (10 pages max for business plan section):
- Executive Summary: Briefly cover all topics; limit to 2 or 3 pages. This section is likely to be the most memorable for readers. Should be a separate document or able to be clearly differentiated from the remainder of the Business Plan.
- Company’s background— Formed when? for what purpose? with what goals?
- Products and/or technology —Description, uniqueness, proprietary position, differentiation and/or barriers to competitive products, stage of development, benefits to users/customers.
- Management team —Brief relevant experience and functional role in company, highlight strengths and completeness of team.
- The Market — Size, competition, and growth trends (past and future).
- Financial projections and exit strategy — Be concise, use summary reports. 1 paragraph or chart.
- Funds Sought — How much, what for, for how long?
- Contact information (if detachable the cover will probably stay with the plan).
- Company Overview & Background:
- Begin with the “Elevator Pitch.” A clear and exciting hook.
- Keep the content consistent with external information such as website, D&B, etc.
- Founding history.
- Significant milestones achieved to date and critical success factors for the future.
- Touch lightly upon the product/technology.
- Mention strategic partnerships or relationships already established.
- Convey the team’s path to market and exit strategy to investors.
- Products & Technology:
- Focus on important aspects of the product (reserving technical specifications for appendices, if at all).
- Hit hard on unique or competitive advantages.
- Include helpful diagrams to help the investor visualize the product.
- Identify and emphasize the benefit to the end-user.
- Discuss manufacture-ability, customization issues, and supplier issues if relevant.
- Discuss industry standards or requirements — FDA, OSHA, EPA, etc.
- Customer Identification & Validation:
- Who is your customer? Identify the targeted customer and first customer(s).
- What is the customer’s problem or need and how does your product meet this need?
- How is your customer currently meeting this need?
- Explain why there will be high demand in the near future for your product.
- What is needed to get your customers to buy or switch? What is their “switch” motivation?
- Will you use a direct sales strategy or a channel sales strategy (where others, i.e., distributors sell your product)?
- Market Definition:
- Most recent data on the market size and trends.
- Forecast of market size and trends.
- Geographic concentrations in the market.
- What is the buying process in this market? Is there a certification needed? Who makes the buying decision? Is it a committee or single person decision?
- How does the market segment? What characteristics help predict buying behavior?
- What are the major influences on the market? (Environmental, regulatory, economy, etc.)
- Competitive Analysis:
- Identifying competitors:
- Who are primary competitors? Indirect competitors?
- What competitive product attributes will customers value (speed, cost, quality, etc.)?
- Status Quo: how are customers meeting their needs now? Again, how is your solution better?
- How will existing competition likely react to new entrants?
- What barriers do competitors have in place (patents, market share, operating costs, size and resources, etc.)?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses and market share of each competitor? (Based on what you learn from press releases, articles, technology partners)
- Identifying competitors:
- Market Positioning:
- What is your value proposition? (How do you answer the question, “why should I buy your product or service?”)
- Marketing Plan:
- What is your pricing strategy? (Do you intend to offer quantity discounts? Charge lower prices to break into the market (penetration strategy)? Charge a premium price to reflect the quality?)
- Is there an opportunity to finance sales? (Any credit extended?)
- What is your promotion plan? (Advertising, public relations, trade shows, direct mail, etc.)
- What is your strategy for entering the market? (Distribution, target markets, promotion, location, reputation)
- Distribution Channels:
- Direct sales: Will you have a dedicated sales force, or leverage digital sales from your web site, or market through distribution partners?
- What are the wholesale channels available, and will you use them?
- Sales Approach:
- What will be your sales organization and method? Will direct salespeople be employees or contractors? Who will be responsible for generating leads? Who will be responsible for working with prospects and closing the sale?
- How will salespeople be compensated? (Base salary vs. commission, etc.)
- Describe the sales cycle. Who is the buyer? What are their first indications of interest? What do you do to take them to the next level of interest? What are the major stages of selling this product/service?
- Demonstrated interest by potential customers — From those with authority, need, capability and interest.
- Management:
- One paragraph for each key founder/executive covering only relevant experiences and background. (Not entire resumes). Note functional responsibilities for each and what skills each team member brings to the venture.
- Summarize key hires to address immediate, intermediate, and long-term future personnel needs. Recognize the limits of the founding staff in relationship to the future company.
- Provide an assessment of weaknesses; cite when and where the company will most benefit by changes in management. Discuss recruiting strategy and don’t forget to include recruiting costs in the financial model when applicable.
- List outside board members and what they add in terms of industry knowledge and/or contacts.
- Implementation Plan: Exactly how and when will you execute your strategy. A table, a timeline, or a succinct discussion to show the steps forward after receipt of funding.
- Facility requirements — Leased, purchased or both.
- Labor requirements — Local labor pool, skilled/unskilled, academic relationships.
- Subcontracted production — Sources, quality control, supply issues.
- Capital requirements — Equipment, inventory, overhead, etc.
- Research and Development – additional products and/or enhancements to existing products.
- Critical processes — Capacity requirements planning, critical paths, cost components.
- Seasonality — Production planning, alternative use of resources.
- Financials: Should be summaries only. Reserve any detailed worksheets for the appendices. Most readers look at the “top line” more than the “bottom line” and at the assumptions for believability.
- Pro Forma Financial Statements – Provide projected data for for the term of the investment plus three months beyond.
- Income Statement
- Balance Sheet
- Cash Flow Statement
- Explanation of Revenue Model including impact on profitability as company scales.
- Assumptions used to develop Pro Forma Financials (may be part of Appendices).
- Investment capital needed & use of funds.
- Exit Strategy (How and when do investors get their money back?)
- Acquisition, IPO, management buyout, other.
- Comparable exits. Potential exit value and return to investors.
- Pro Forma Financial Statements – Provide projected data for for the term of the investment plus three months beyond.
Appendices (optional):
- Resumes for each founder/executive.
- Detailed worksheets supporting financial statement assumptions.
- Detailed product or technical description and patent grants.
- Relevant research material or articles.
- Sample of Marketing or Promotional materials.
High-Growth Division
Entry Form Downloads
All official forms must be filled out online by 3 p.m. on the deadline date.
This form is required and places the team in their industry category for the Interview session. A one-page deal summary will accompany this form. Each one-page deal summary must be saved as a single PDF file no larger than 10mb in size.
Immediately after submitting the online application, teams will receive an automatic emailed acknowledgement of the form. Teams will receive email notification of assigned time for the interview once schedule is completed. All team interviews will be conducted at the Oklahoma City offices of i2E, Inc. No alternate times will be allowed, and it is mandatory that teams be on time for the interviews.
The Business Plan Submittal Form must be filled out online and all business plans submitted electronically. Submittal of this form indicates that the business plan only contains original work accomplished by the official team members.
Note: No printed copies are required for the competition. All business plans will be submitted electronically following instructions provided on the Official Business Plan Submittal Form. Each business plan, including all appendices, will need to be saved to a single PDF file less than 10MB in size. Business plans are limited to 22 pages- 10 pages for the business plan, 1 page for cover, 1 page for table of content and up to 10 pages for appendices. Judges will not read any content exceeding the page limit.
Plans will undergo an independent review after which the eight undergraduate semifinalists and six graduate finalist teams will be posted online and an email notification will be sent to team leaders and advisors with judges’ comments.
Note: No printed copies are required for the competition. All business plans will be submitted electronically following instructions on the Official Oral Competition Submittal Form. Each business plan, including all appendices, will need to be saved to a single PDF file less than 10MB in size.
Areas of Competition
Small Business Division
The Small Business Division is open to non-research campuses, two-year colleges, and private regional universities offering participants a chance to vie for $38,000 in cash prizes and scholarships.
While teams are still eligible to compete in the High Growth Division, the Small Business Division presents the opportunity to develop business plans encompassing various business concepts. These concept range from high-growth prospects to more traditional small business opportunities like retail operation, service-based businesses, restaurants, custom welding shops, and others. However, the distinguishing factor lies in the requirement for an innovative or unique approach to the business concept. The business approach should demonstrate originality or strategic creativity, rather than being a mere replication of an existing proven business model.
Small Business Division – Competition Overview
Eligibility
This competition intends to expose students to real-world experiences and to enhance their entrepreneurial skills while expanding career options after graduation to include entrepreneurship and starting their own company.
The competition is open to all faculty-or mentor-sponsored, full-time, and part-time students enrolled at any non-research campus, two-year college or private regional university. Students who graduate in December prior to the competition are still eligible to compete.
The role of the faculty or mentor advisor is largely administrative. The advisor provides confirmation of the eligibility of the students, enforces competition rules and is a point of contact for the competition managers. In addition, they are expected to guide in researching, writing, and presenting the business plan. Advisors can be faculty members or community mentors.
It is not the intent of the competition to be a turnkey commercialization program. In most cases young entrepreneurs may need a few years of business experience prior to launching a new small business.
Small Business Division – Competition Overview
The Prep
Embarking on a major endeavor, whether it is painting a room, obtaining an auto loan, or applying to an MBA program, demands a certain amount of prep work. The same goes for joining a business plan competition.
Kickstart your journey with our Entrepreneur’s Workshop – a free, two-hour virtual workshop. Dive into the essentials of entrepreneurship, covering everything from concept research and business plan crafting to financial projections and pitching your idea. Learn tips to help your business plan standout.
Once you’re armed with the knowledge, the next steps involve identifying an innovative product, process, or service for your business plan. From a dynamic team of up to six members, spanning diverse academic disciplines, and securing a faculty advisor or mentor for expert guidance. Don’t miss the chance to have your concept reviewed by venture development professionals.
This website offers resources for your team as you begin to research and write your plan.
Small Business Division – Competition Overview
The business plan should revolve around a seed, start-up or early-stage venture, encompassing the entire business concept, and its implementation. Plans must have a unique or competitive advantage.
Here are some key guidelines:
- Page Limit: Your business plan is limited to 22 pages. This includes 10 pages for the business plan, 1 page for cover, 1 page for table of content, and up to 10 for appendices. Judges will not consider content beyond this limit.
- Management Team: Ensure at least one team member plays a key role in the company’s management team.
- One Team Rule: Students can compete in only one team.
- Ineligibility: Proposals for buying out or expansion an existing company, tax-shelter opportunities, franchise, real estate syndicates, and other consulting projects are ineligible.
- Graduate Teams: If your team includes at least one graduate student, you must compete in the graduate competition, even if undergraduates are also on the team. Graduates who complete their studies in December before the competition year are still eligible.
- Business Plan Scope: Your business plan may commercialize a new technology product, service, or process. Alternatively, it can apply an existing technology in a novel way, such as in the production or distribution of industrial or consumer goods or in retail or service business.
Small Business Division – Competition Overview
Coaching Session
In the realm of reality, ideas thrive on insights from industry experts. In the High Growth business plan competition, each participating team undergoes a crucial coaching session with an industry expert, a mandatory step in the process.
Small Business Division – Competition Overview
Plan
You have done the research and reached the pinnacle of your preparation – your polished business plan. Now, let’s navigate the next steps of the competition.
Submission Process:
- After meticulously researching and crafting your business plan, it’s time to submit it online for evaluations by a panel of esteemed judges, including investment, business, and community leaders.
- The judging scores on the business plans determine the teams that advance to the presentation round.
Competition Structure:
- Six finalist teams compete in the pitch competition.
- Finalist will compete in a one-day pitch competition. Teams earn $1,000 with advisor/mentors awarded $500.
Judges’ Feedback:
- Judges provide scores for written business plans and offer constructive feedback. This valuable insight can be utilized by teams to enhance their presentations in subsequent rounds.
Logistics and Application Deadline:
- Ensure your application is submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the specified deadline date.
- Business plan is limited to 22 pages. This includes 10 pages for the business plan, 1 page for cover, 1 page for table of content, and up to 10 for appendices. Judges will not consider content beyond this limit.
- All business plans including appendices, must be submitted through online.
- Following an independent review of the written plans, the six finalist teams will be notified. An email notification containing the judges’ comments will be sent
Small Business Division – Competition Overview
Presentation
You did it. Your business plan has been selected to present in the pitch presentation. Here’s what to expect.
Finalist Presentations:
- Finalist teams will make a 20-minute investor presentation about their business opportunity. Judges will evaluate the presentations delivery, content, and team’s ability to handle challenging questions by the judges. Six teams will advance to the final round based on these criteria.
- Judges’ verbal comments will be provided to the teams after their pitch.
- The judges will determine first, second and third place winners.
The Elevator Pitch:
- As part of their pitch presentations, a representative from each of the finalist team will deliver a 90-second pitch.
Paulsen Scholarship Award Interviews:
- Simultaneous to the pitch presentations, interviews for the Paulsen Scholarship Award will take place. To learn more about the scholarship, click here.
Ensure your application is submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the specified deadline date.
Small Business Division – Competition Overview
Prize Money
Participants in the Entrepreneur’s Cup not only gain recognition before an audience and statewide publicity but also stand a chance to win substantial cash prizes totaling $38,000 in the Small Business Division.
Moreover, beyond monetary rewards, this competition offers:
- Networking: Forge connections that could open doors to new opportunities and potential careers.
- Job Opportunities: Explore avenues for potential employment or collaboration within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Life-long Relationships: Build lasting connections with peers, mentors, and industry experts.
- Guidance and Experience: Gain invaluable insights and experiences that will serve as a compass on your entrepreneurial journey.
| Prize Amount | Small Business Finalists (6) |
|---|---|
| $1,000 | Finalist Team |
| $500 | Finalist Advisor |
| Prize Amount | Small Business Winners |
| $12,000 | 1st Place Team |
| $1,500 | 1st Place Advisor |
| $8,000 | 2nd Place Team |
| $1,000 | 2nd Place Advisor |
| $5,000 | 3rd Place Team |
| $500 | 3rd Place Advisor |
| Prize Amount | 90 Sec Pitch |
| $1,000 | 1st Place Individual |
Small Business Division – Competition Overview
Business Plan Guidelines
The business plan is first impression – the key to attracting investment and standing out among the other exceptional opportunities. It’s also part of the contract of deliverables if someone chooses to invest in your company. It is not just the story; it is “the plan.” Here are the key aspects to consider:
Business Plan Outline (10 pages max for business plan section):
- Executive Summary: Briefly cover all topics; limit to 2 or 3 pages. This section is likely to be the most memorable for readers. Should be a separate document or able to be clearly differentiated from the remainder of the Business Plan.
- Company’s background— Formed when? for what purpose? with what goals?
- Products and/or technology —Description, uniqueness, proprietary position, differentiation and/or barriers to competitive products, stage of development, benefits to users/customers.
- Management team —Brief relevant experience and functional role in company, highlight strengths and completeness of team.
- The Market — Size, competition, and growth trends (past and future).
- Financial projections and exit strategy — Be concise, use summary reports. 1 paragraph or chart.
- Funds Sought — How much, what for, for how long?
- Contact information (if detachable the cover will probably stay with the plan).
- Company Overview & Background:
- Begin with the “Elevator Pitch.”– A clear and exciting hook.
- Keep the content consistent with external information such as website, D&B, etc.
- Founding history.
- Significant milestones achieved to date and critical success factors for the future.
- Touch lightly upon the product/technology.
- Mention strategic partnerships or relationships already established.
- Convey the team’s path to market and exit strategy to investors.
- Products & Technology:
- Focus on important aspects of the product (reserving technical specifications for appendices, if at all).
- Hit hard on unique or competitive advantages.
- Include helpful diagrams to help the investor visualize the product.
- Identify and emphasize the benefit to the end-user.
- Discuss manufacture-ability, customization issues, and supplier issues if relevant.
- Discuss industry standards or requirements — FDA, OSHA, EPA, etc.
- Customer Identification & Validation:
- Who is your customer? Identify the targeted customer and first customer(s).
- What is the customer’s problem or need and how does your product meet this need?
- How is your customer currently meeting this need?
- Explain why there will be high demand in the near future for your product.
- What is needed to get your customers to buy or switch? What is their “switch” motivation?
- Will you use a direct sales strategy or a channel sales strategy (where others, i.e., distributors sell your product)?
- Market Definition:
- Most recent data on the market size and trends.
- Forecast of market size and trends.
- Geographic concentrations in the market.
- What is the buying process in this market? Is there a certification needed? Who makes the buying decision? Is it a committee or single person decision?
- How does the market segment? What characteristics help predict buying behavior?
- What are the major influences on the market? (Environmental, regulatory, economy, etc.)
- Competitive Analysis:
- Identifying competitors:
- Who are primary competitors? Indirect competitors?
- What competitive product attributes will customers value (speed, cost, quality, etc.)?
- Status Quo: how are customers meeting their needs now? Again, how is your solution better?
- How will existing competition likely react to new entrants?
- What barriers do competitors have in place (patents, market share, operating costs, size and resources, etc.)?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses and market share of each competitor? (Based on what you learn from press releases, articles, technology partners)
- Identifying competitors:
- Market Positioning:
- What is your value proposition? (How do you answer the question, “why should I buy your product or service?”)
- Marketing Plan:
- What is your pricing strategy? (Do you intend to offer quantity discounts? Charge lower prices to break into the market (penetration strategy)? Charge a premium price to reflect the quality?)
- Is there an opportunity to finance sales? (Any credit extended?)
- What is your promotion plan? (Advertising, public relations, trade shows, direct mail, etc.)
- What is your strategy for entering the market? (Distribution, target markets, promotion, location, reputation)
- Distribution Channels:
- Direct sales: Will you have a dedicated sales force, or leverage digital sales from your web site, or market through distribution partners?
- What are the wholesale channels available, and will you use them?
- Sales Approach:
- What will be your sales organization and method? Will direct salespeople be employees or contractors? Who will be responsible for generating leads? Who will be responsible for working with prospects and closing the sale?
- How will salespeople be compensated? (Base salary vs. commission, etc.)
- Describe the sales cycle. Who is the buyer? What are their first indications of interest? What do you do to take them to the next level of interest? What are the major stages of selling this product/service?
- Demonstrated interest by potential customers — From those with authority, need, capability and interest.
- Management:
- One paragraph for each key founder/executive covering only relevant experiences and background. (Not entire resumes). Note functional responsibilities for each and what skills each team member brings to the venture.
- Summarize key hires to address immediate, intermediate, and long-term future personnel needs. Recognize the limits of the founding staff in relationship to the future company.
- Provide an assessment of weaknesses; cite when and where the company will most benefit by changes in management. Discuss recruiting strategy and don’t forget to include recruiting costs in the financial model when applicable.
- List outside board members and what they add in terms of industry knowledge and/or contacts.
- Implementation Plan: Exactly how and when will you execute your strategy. A table, a timeline, or a succinct discussion to show the steps forward after receipt of funding.
- Facility requirements — Leased, purchased or both.
- Labor requirements — Local labor pool, skilled/unskilled, academic relationships.
- Subcontracted production — Sources, quality control, supply issues.
- Capital requirements — Equipment, inventory, overhead, etc.
- Research and Development – additional products and/or enhancements to existing products.
- Critical processes — Capacity requirements planning, critical paths, cost components.
- Seasonality — Production planning, alternative use of resources.
- Financials: Should be summaries only. Reserve any detailed worksheets for the appendices. Most readers look at the “top line” more than the “bottom line” and at the assumptions for believability.
- Pro Forma Financial Statements – Provide projected data for the term of the investment plus three months beyond.
- Income Statement
- Balance Sheet
- Cash Flow Statement
- Explanation of Revenue Model including impact on profitability as company scales.
- Assumptions used to develop Pro Forma Financials (may be part of Appendices).
- Investment capital needed & use of funds.
- Exit Strategy (How and when do investors get their money back?)
- Acquisition, IPO, management buyout, other.
- Comparable exits. Potential exit value and return to investors.
- Pro Forma Financial Statements – Provide projected data for the term of the investment plus three months beyond.
Appendices (optional):
- Resumes for each founder/executive.
- Detailed worksheets supporting financial statement assumptions.
- Detailed product or technical description and patent grants.
- Relevant research material or articles.
- Sample of Marketing or Promotional materials.
Small Business Division
Entry Form Downloads
All official forms must be filled out online by 3 p.m. on the deadline date.
Immediately after submitting the online application, teams will receive an automatic emailed acknowledgement of the form. A one-page deal summary will accompany this form. Each one-page deal summary must be saved as a single PDF file no larger than 10mb in size. Business plans are limited to 22 pages- 10 pages for the business plan, 1 page for cover, 1 page for table of content and up to 10 pages for appendices. Judges will not read any content exceeding the page limit.
Immediately after submitting the online application, teams will receive an automatic emailed acknowledgement of the form. Teams will receive email notification of assigned time for the interview once schedule is completed. All team interviews will be conducted at tin Oklahoma City. No alternate times will be allowed, and it is mandatory that teams be on time for the interviews.
Submittal of this form indicates that the business plan only contains original work accomplished by the official team members.
Note: No printed copies are required for the written portion of the competition. All business plans will be submitted electronically following instructions provided on the official business plan submittal form. Each business plan, including all appendices, will need to be saved to a single PDF file less than 10MB in size.
Plans will undergo an independent review after which the eight Small Business semifinalist teams will be posted online and an email notification will be sent to team leaders and advisors with judges’ comments.
Note: No printed copies are required for the oral portion of the competition. All business plans will be submitted electronically following instructions provided when you register your team on the official oral competition form. Each business plan, including all appendices, will need to be saved to a single PDF file less than 10MB in size.
Small Business Division — Written Business Plan Scorecard
Small Business Division — Oral Presentation Scorecard
Past Love's Entrepreneur's Cup Winners
2024 Winners
Small Business
1st Place
Forwritten
East Central University
2nd Place
Safety Zone
East Central University
3rd Place
Camp:U
Oral Robert University
High Growth Undergraduate
1st Place
MagnaZation
University of Central Oklahoma
2nd Place
ValuSnap
The University of Tulsa
3rd Place
ThinkPot
University of Oklahoma
High Growth Graduate
1st Place
Nourishing Sparks
University of Oklahoma
2nd Place
EcoNest
University of Oklahoma
3rd Place
Burgess Aerospace Innovations
Oklahoma State University
Pitch Winners
Small Business
Vivian Tapia
Two Cat’s Bakery
East Central University
High Growth Undergraduate
Emily Geffre
Cardian
The University of Oklahoma
High Growth Graduate
Shannon Robinson
EcoNest
The University of Oklahoma
OBR Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Small Business
Ahmad Abdullah
samtracs
Oklahoma State University
High Growth Undergraduate
Godsgift Ezedinma
Godsgift Clothing
East Central University
High Growth Graduate
Jolee Grinstead
Clean Living LLC
East Central University
Black Oak Award for Social Entrepreneurship
1st Place
High Growth Graduate
Nourishing Sparks
The University of Oklahoma
2nd Place
High Growth Undergraduate
Cardian
The University of Oklahoma
2023 Winners
Graduate Winners
1st Place
Pherolize
Oklahoma State University
2nd Place
Fortis Fleet Technologies
The University of Tulsa
3rd Place
Truck-Well
University of Central Oklahoma
Undergraduate Winners
1st Place
ENDERO
The University of Oklahoma
2nd Place
Know Your No
The University of Oklahoma
3rd Place
Stop-and-Go Composites
The University of Tulsa
Small Business Winners
1st Place
Tidy Toasties
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
2nd Place
WorldChef
Oral Roberts University
3rd Place
Take It Easel
East Central University
Interview Winners
Oklahoma Business Roundtable
Go.Inception
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
IT/App category
BancFirst
Backyard Bowhunter
University of Central Oklahoma
Product & Retail category
BancFirst
Outdoor Health Solutions
East Central University
Service category
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber
Pherolize
Oklahoma State University Energy & Environment category
Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology
Know Your No
The University of Oklahoma
Healthcare category
Oklahoma Business Roundtable
PhilanMatch
The University of Oklahoma
IT, Communications category
The Chickasaw Nation
Stop-and-Go Composites
The University of Tulsa
Manufacturing, Material Sciences, Transportation category
i2E, Inc
RENTertainment
The University of Oklahoma
Student Generated Technology category
Pitch Winners
Small Business
Madalyn Hess
Take It Easel
East Central University
High Growth Undergraduate
Mia-Lynne Smith
Know Your No
The University of Oklahoma
High Growth Graduate
Eric Winscher
Yappi!
The University of Oklahoma
OBR Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Small Business
Kaitlyn Stephens
Tidy Toasties
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
High Growth Undergraduate
Aaron Salazar Latham
PhilanMatch
The University of Oklahoma
High Growth Graduate
Juardon Neal
Pyrol Waste Management
The University of Oklahoma
2022 Winners
Graduate Winners
1st Place
Titan Charts
Oklahoma State University
Advisor: David Thomison
Team Leader: Rachel Brown
Team Member: Patrick Bruce
Titan Charts is a HIPAA-secure, cloud-native workflow solution that increases specialty physician referral turnaround time by automating the entire process. The technology leverages the latest advances in artificial intelligence and data extraction for a faster referral process.
2nd Place
Vusea
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Ron Bolen
Team Leader: Ryan Tinklepaugh
Team Members: Dan Bishline, Mandy Dollar, and Greg Lewis
Vusea offers a curated, digital art NFT streaming platform that connects art lovers and businesses with high quality digital art from top artists. The venture curates the best in the digital art NFT space while providing a reputable place for artists to share their work.
3rd Place
Library C
The University of Tulsa
Advisor: Mike Troilo
Team Leader: Eric Aplis
Members: Elijah Lucas, Christopher Shrock and Levi Zander
Library C uses a patent-pending sulfonamide synthesis technology to manufacture novel and affordable screening compounds, creating new horizons and facilitating existing opportunities for researchers to discover safer, targeted cancer treatments.
Undergraduate Winners
1st Place
Solar Mineralis
The University of Tulsa
Advisor: Mike Troilo
Team Leader: Suraj Vodnala
Team Member: Bryce Goswick, Madison Perigo and Andrew Varvara
Solar Mineralis developed technology to create high quality solar cells that will accelerate the adoption of solar energy solutions. Customers are offered clean, abundant, low-cost, distributed and renewable energy via the solar solution.
2nd Place
Opal
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Craig Shimasaki
Team Leader: Averie GIbbins
Team Members: Corey Borer, Samuel Moore and Riley Whitaker
Opal created a unique platform designed for wedding planners, providing greater efficiency and organization. The technology provides tools that allow planners to focus on their clients rather than tasks.
3rd Place
Hail Shield
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Kristin Garcia
Team Leader: Mia-Lynne Smith
Team Member: Matthew Smith
Hail Shield protects automobiles with a special shield that protects from dents, shattered windows and broken side mirrors. The Hail Shield eventually will be used to protect school buses, solar panels, garbage trucks, airplanes and more.
Small Business Winners
1st Place
Central Paw Dog Resort
East Central University
Advisor: Stacey Bolin
Team Leader: Faith Andrews
Central Paw Dog Resort provides customizable daycare and boarding services that includes mentally stimulating activities for pets. The boutique features quality dog food, merchandise and a playground available to pet owners to spend quality time with their dog.
2nd Place
Soap N’ Stuff
East Central University
Advisor: Stacey Bolin
Team Leader: Nathan Fountain
Soap N’ Stuff is an innovative fundraising company that offers customizable soap products for clients such as schools and other non-profits. It manufactures soap products and distributes them to clients according to their specifications.
3rd Place
Perfect Form
Oral Roberts University
Advisor: Kevin Schneider
Team Leader: Isaac Rowaiye
Team Members: Nathan Musgrove and Zechariah Tay
Perfect Form created a fitness software application that provides individualized workouts and meal plans for users. The app uses an Adaptive Technology Exercise Management System to track every rep during exercise and ensure perfect user form.
Interview Winners
BancFirst IT/App
Perfect Form
Oral Roberts University
Team Leader: Isaac Rowaiye
Team Members: Nathan Musgrove and Zechariah Tay
BancFirst Product
Soap N’ Stuff
East Central University
Nathan Fountain
BancFirst Retail
Salvation Lumber
East Central University
Logan Cosby
BancFirst Service
MNR Medical
University of Central Oklahoma
Max McCoy
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Healthcare
Library C
The University of Tulsa
Team Leader: Eric Aplis
Team Members: Elijah Lucas, Christopher Shrock and Levi Zander
Chickasaw Nation Student Generated
Titan Charts
Oklahoma State University
Team Leader: Rachel Brown
Team Member: Patrick Bruce
Oklahoma Business Roundtable Manufacturing, Material Sciences and Transportation
Hail Shield
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Mia-Lynne Smith
Team Member: Matthew Smith
OCAST IT and Communications
Firebreak
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Jarrod Barnett
Team Members: Jeffrey Berneathy, Aaron Feazelle, Nate Hanley and Mark Popp
i2E Energy and Environmental
Solar Mineralis
The University of Tulsa
Team Leader: Suraj Vodnala
Team Member: Bryce Goswick, Madison Perigo and Andrew Varvara
Pitch Winners
Graduate
Rachel Brown
Titan Charts
Oklahoma State University
Undergraduate
Erica Miller
Gamified
University of Oklahoma
Small Business
Faith Andrews
Central Paw Dog Resort
East Central University
OBR Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Graduate
Jaden Polston, University of Oklahoma
Undergraduate
Madison Perigo, University of Tulsa
Small Business
Madalyn Hess, East Central University
2021 Winners
Graduate Winners
1st Place
BioSeal XE
Oklahoma State University
Advisor: David Thomison
Team Leader: Saeed Manouchehri
Team Member: Kevin Heupel
BioSeal is taking a bio adhesive to the equine market with technology that immediately stops bleeding and accelerates wound healing in horses for traumatic cuts, tears, or skin punctures.
2nd Place
Pick Pro
University of Central Oklahoma
Advisor: Maurice Haff
Team Leader: Ruth Davis
Team Members: Drake Cartwright, Mattie England & Mark Steele
Pick Pro markets a patented Light Duty Electric Cargo vehicle that reduces time and expense for shipping fulfillment centers by enhancing productivity in picking, packing and shipping functions.
3rd Place
Apeiron Solutions
Oklahoma State University
Advisor: David Thomison
Team Leader: Soumya Patra
Team Members: Bhavana Erukulla, Diako Mahmodi & Nathan Neilitz
Apeiron Solutions is introducing a superior fabric membrane technology that promises to revolutionize the water nanofiltration market for food and beverage companies, municipalities, farmers and homeowners.
Undergraduate Winners
1st Place
Daedalus Droneworks
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Omar Wyman
Team Leader: Avery Mayfield
Team Members: James Geis, Joseph Karch & James Roe
Daedalus DroneWorks is introducing a new groundbreaking technology that vastly improves flight times of unmanned aerial vehicles using hybrid engines that convert gasoline to electricity.
2nd Place
Simply Sorority
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Denise Parris
Team Leader: Clay Morris
Team Members: Sam Davis and Hamilton Spicer
Simply Sorority provides sorority package design, formatting and printing services that remove the stress of creating a stylistic sorority package for college students as they move through their sorority “rush” process.
3rd Place
Overlook
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Denise Parris
Team Leader: Logan Rust
Team Members: Seth Campbell, Will Riney and Connor Sharp
Overlook has developed a learning management system that places the most relevant information about schoolwork onto a single dashboard, allowing parents to support their students’ education with a system easy to navigate and view.
Small Business Winners
1st Place
Amidad
University of Central Oklahoma
Advisor: Amy Johnson
Team Leader: Esther Velasco
Team Members: Sofia Arenas, Nichole Burroughs & Ashley Guerrero
Amidad created app-based technology that provides undocumented immigrants and refugees with guides on understanding legal rights during an arrest, along with a device that summons help if confronted by U.S. Immigration and Custom officers.
2nd Place
Hamkke
University of Central Oklahoma
Advisor: Amy Johnson
Team Leader: Nhi Pham
Team Members: Emily Falls and Marissa Perez
Hamkke developed an application that helps parents or guardians give the “birds and the bees” talk to children ages 2-12, providing sex education that is intuitive, interactive and age appropriate.
3rd Place
Swift and Sweet Events
East Central University
Advisor: Stacey Bolin
Team Leader: Lynsey Bonner
Team Member: Megan Boyles
Swift and Sweet Events provides all-inclusive venue and planning services for weddings, parties and other gatherings that anticipates every need from tables and chairs to food and drink to decorations to invitations and photographers.
Interview Winners
BancFirst IT/App
AGnosis, Oklahoma Christian University
BancFirst Product
Empowering Natives, University of Central Oklahoma
BancFirst Retail
Burgherr and Buds, East Central University
BancFirst Service
Burgherr and Buds, East Central University
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Healthcare
Salvo Cell, The University of Tulsa
Chickasaw Nation Student Generated
Glucosense, Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma Business Roundtable Manufacturing, Material Sciences and Transportation
Pick Pro, University of Central Oklahoma
OCAST IT and Communications
i2E Energy and Environmental
Pitch Winners
Graduate
Jacob Crosby
Spintronics
Oklahoma State University
Undergraduate
Regan McCarthick
Pristine Clean
University of Central Oklahoma
Small Business
Lynsey Bonner
Swift and Sweet
East Central University
OBR Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Graduate
Rebecca Jones
Salvo Cell
University of Tulsa
Undergraduate
Nelson McEwen
Perfect Herbs
University of Oklahoma
Small Business
Lynsey Bonner
Swift and Sweet
East Central University
2020 Winners
Graduate Winners
1st Place
Juno
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Ron Bolen
Team Leader: Dilina Abudurexiti
Team Members: Salyid Isba Maududi, Maria Doutey and Mark Allen
Juno offers a line of biodegradable pregnancy and ovulation tests that aims to reduce the vast volume plastic waste from 20 million at-home tests that are discarded annually.
2nd Place
WhiCount
3rd Place
DevCycle
University of Tulsa
Advisor: Claire Cornell
Team Leader: Israyil Alakbarov
Team members: Jamala Talibova
DevCycle is introducing its patent-pending product called Virtuoso, a platform that simplifies the process of developing software embedded in non-PC computing, such as GPS devices, factory robotics, calculators and some smartwatches. Virtuoso uses a low-code interface that allows developers to drag-and-drop elements into embedded software.
Undergraduate Winners
1st Place
Novel Neuro
University of Tulsa
Advisor: Chris Wright
Team Leader: Brittanie Whitney
Team Members: Faith Nichols, Sophia Zehetner, and Lena Schmenn
Novel Neuro developed a patent-pending cognitive assessment platform that provides health care professionals, personal injury attorneys and insurers the ability to more accurately identify falsified claims of brain injuries. Novel Neuro’s technology provides confidence in cognitive assessment tests, which allow professionals to know when patients are purposely skewing the test results to obtain a desired outcome.
2nd Place
Cadenzo
3rd Place
Whisk
Small Business Winners
1st Place
Argus
Oklahoma Christian University
Advisor: Seth Reiter
Team Leader: Sydni Leh
Team Members: Vinicius Alves, Derrick Karake and Caleb Davis
Amidad created app-based technology that provides undocumented immigrants and refugees with guides on understanding legal rights during an arrest, along with a device that summons help if confronted by U.S. Immigration and Custom officers.
2nd Place
Tough Cookie: Building Mentally Tough Kids
University of Central Oklahoma
Advisor: Amy Johnson
Team Leader: Kate Pitzer
Team Members: Morgan Vogt and Marissa Perez
Tough Cookie created a series of kits containing a variety of challenges for 3rd and 4th grade students that help build innovation, determination, diligence and flexibility. Designed for use in public or private schools, the challenges target development of specific skills and characteristics each day through challenges like building a bridge with toothpicks or mastering cup stacking.
3rd Place
Crop Cut
East Central University
Advisor: Stacey Bolin
Team Leader: Christopher McMahan
Crop Cut provides a turnkey seed-to-sale hemp cultivation program for small rural farmers in Oklahoma and beyond. Using sustainable agricultural practices, Crop Cut provides passive income for landowners with its three-step application process and small-scale cultivation of hemp on otherwise unused land.
Pitch Winners
Graduate
Casey Black
East Central University
Undergraduate
Christian Coleman
University of Central Oklahoma
Small Business
Tanner Jack
East Central University
OBR Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Graduate
Dilina Abudurexiti
University of Oklahoma
Undergraduate
Rachel Brown
Oklahoma State University
Small Business
Cullen Edens
East Central University
Greg Main Distinguished Scholar Award
Award Recipient
Jacob Wallace, NEO A&M College
2019 Winners
Graduate Winners
1st Place
Paldara Pharmaceuticals
Oklahoma State University
Advisor: David Thomison
Team Leader: Beau Blanchard
Team Members: William Colton and Becca Perez
Paldara Pharmaceuticals is developing an innovative microbial gel coating to be used with existing catheters to reduce Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) by 99%. The near eradication of UTI will lower health-care costs, improve patient quality of life, and increase healthcare rankings.
2nd Place
One-Voice
Oklahoma State University
Advisor: Richard Gajan
Team Leader: Hossein Khaleghian
Team Member: Tyler Bryant
One-Voice is a sewer data quality management tool that helps utilities, consultants and underground contractors save time and money for quality assurance process, resulting in proactive asset management for manholes and sewer pipes.
3rd Place
Babel Analytics
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Garry Booker
Team Leader: Catherine Ha
Team Members: William Booker and Parker Randels
Babel Analytics developed an artificial intelligence-powered user interface to read and analyze patient health records and extract medical information that saves physicians time, minimizes documentation errors and improves patient care.
Undergraduate Winners
1st Place
Bubble Calm
Oklahoma State University
Advisor: Kyle Eastham
Team Leader: William Petty
Team Member: Walter Bowser
Bubble Calm produces a chewing gum that includes natural ingredients to provide a quick and easy way for consumers to ease everyday symptoms of anxiety and stress and promote relaxation.
2nd Place
Banners
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Craig Shimasaki
Team Leader: Mary Motley
Team Members: Morgan Mays and Kelvin Tran
Banners is implementing a sports prediction mobile app designed to engage fans at sporting events while using network analytics to track patron foot traffic to provide venues with additional revenue opportunities.
3rd Place
Bridal Wave LLC
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Craig Shimasaki
Team Leader: Calla Hamlin
Team Members: Lauren Faircloth, Tyler Hunt and Chance Koon
Bridal Wave simplifies the wedding planning process with an online platform that matches couples with local wedding vendors, saving time, money and energy of both couples and wedding professionals.
Small Business Winners
1st Place
Ex-bac
East Central University
Advisor: Stacey Bolin
Team Leader: Larisa Bolin
Team Members: Norbu Gurung and Kacee Schier
Ex-bac provides a medical grade gel proven to kill harmful bacteria such as Staph and E. coli as an innovative method of disinfecting medical equipment without damaging expensive electronics used by health care professionals.
2nd Place
Project Eden
Oklahoma Christian University
Advisor: Seth Reiter
Team Leader: Peter Miller
Team Members: David Dickison, Jason Farber and Sydni Lehr
Project Eden produces fresh, organic, nutrient-dense produce and specialty herbs for local restaurants in a sustainable greenhouse utilizing aquaponics technology, providing food that is good for the body, good for the planet and good for the bottom line.
3rd Place
The Hairy Hotel
East Central University
Advisor: Stacey Bolin
Team Leader: Mackinsey Archer
Team Member: Yashna Khadgi
The Hairy Hotel is a luxury pet boarding business that solves the dilemma of where to leave a pet when going on vacation or business trip by offering a setting in which pets stay in a comfortable room with individual attention and group play time.
Interview Winners
BancFirst IT/App
LikeaPro, East Central University
BancFirst Product
KelCares, Northern Oklahoma College
BancFirst Service
Burgherr and Buds, East Central University
Oklahoma Business Roundtable Manufacturing, Material Sciences and Transportation
Axiom Graphene, University of Tulsa
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Healthcare
WhiteGlove, The University of Oklahoma
Chickasaw Nation Student Generated Technology Design
Kozorazzi Technologies, The University of Oklahoma
OG&E Positive Energy and Environmental
SeePay, Northwestern Oklahoma State University
OCAST IT and Communications
Zonx, The University of Oklahoma
Pitch Winners
Graduate
Tyler Bryant
One-Voice
Oklahoma State University
Undergraduate
Jace Zacharias
Venture,LLC
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Small Business
Gabe West
FILLUP
Oral Roberts University
OBR Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Graduate
Parker Randels
University of Oklahoma
Undergraduate
Callie Campbell
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Small Business
Kelli Dollarhide
Northern Oklahoma College
2018 Winners
Graduate Winners
1st Place
Contraire
Oklahoma State University
Advisor: David Thomison
Team Leader: Aubrey McCutchan
Team Members: Greg Hendrickson, Stephen Ogle and Rabecca Wiseman
Contraire developed sensor-based control technology that reduces aeration costs at wastewater treatment plants by up to 45 percent. Municipal wastewater treatment plants can save up to $250,000 annually in utility costs using the process.
2nd Place
Multivate
Oklahoma State University
Advisor: Richard Gajan
Team Leader: Momen Amer
Team Member: Austin Beaver and Yasmine Gabal
Multivate developed a novel multi-chamber, single-use bioreactor bag that reduces the cost of cell line production scale up by biopharmaceutical manufacturers. Multivate’s technology can save bio manufacturers up to $200,000 annually in fixed costs.
3rd Place
Soundraiser
University of Tulsa
Advisor: Jessica Kinsey
Team Leader: Jason Carini
Team Member: Tami Barrett
Soundraiser merges professional audio recording, copyright licensing and the art of fundraising into a streamlined process that enhances critical fundraising activities of high school band programs by facilitating the sale of their own music performances.
Undergraduate Winners
1st Place
The American Corn Husk Co.
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Lowell Busenitz
Team Leader: Chris Wengierski
Team Members: Danny Buckley, Will Kennedy, Christian Leech and Bruce Wilhelm
The American Corn Husk Co. created a process to reengineer American-grown corn husks into a product that is ideal in size and texture for the tamale industry. The result is a husk perfectly suited for the 1.6 billion tamales Americans consume annually.
2nd Place
Fully Cooked
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Douglas Woodward
Team Leader: Bree Reppert
Team Members: Johnathon Ireland, Lindsey Webster and Jack Wheeler
Fully Cooked offers delivery of wholesome, pre-made gourmet meals that college students can microwave and eat at their own convenience. The concept offers its customers an affordable, health alternative to dining hall or fast-food fare.
3rd Place
StopHack
University of Tulsa
Advisor: Claire Cornell
Team Leader: Eric Ramos
Team Members: Hayden Allen and Andrew Trac
StopHack developed a cybersecurity device called the Data Defender 1 Series to safeguard against transportation industry hackers. StopHack’s device attaches to a truck’s diagnostic port and prevents any writing of code that can disrupt its systems.
Small Business Winners
1st Place
Impulse Drive, LLC
Oklahoma Christian University
Advisor: Russell McGuire
Team Leader: Mark Ferringer
Team Members: John Caldwell, David Dickison and Parker LaMascus
Impulse Drive has pioneered a unique miniature wind turbine technology that drastically increases efficiency and power output of small wind generation. The technology makes wind power generation more affordable for individual homes and developing countries.
2nd Place
Bright Eyed & Brave
University of Central Oklahoma
Advisor: Amy Johnson
Team Leader: Kenzie McFeely
Team Members: Hayden Magar and Amanda Dely
Bright Eyed & Brave facilitates mindfulness and self-regulation in children ages 3-7. The company’s educational materials provide educators and parents tools to help young learners more effectively manage adversity and their own emotions.
3rd Place
Furry Float
East Central University
Advisor: Stacey BolinTeam Leader: Johnathan Harrington
Team Member: Mackinsey Archer
FurryFloat invites you to take your four-legged friend to the lake with you worry free. The company markets a floating ring developed specifically for dogs to assure their safety when swimming in deep water.
Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Mackinsey Archer
East Central University
Patrick Arney
OSU-OKC
Rabecca Wiseman
Oklahoma State University
Pitch Winners
Graduate
Ryan Bailey
SkillCred
Undergraduate
Crystal Alkire
iTheater
Small Business
Louden Johnson
Show Tricks
Interview Winners
IT/App
Starla Cooper, East Central University
Product
FurryFloat, East Central University
Retail
Bright Eyed & Brave, University of Central Oklahoma
Service
S3 Composting, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Healthcare
Wal-Narrow, LLC, University of Central Oklahoma
Chickasaw Nation Student Generated
Multivate, Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma Business Roundtable Manufacturing, Material Sciences and Transportation
Indra-Lighting Strike Mitigation, Oklahoma State University
OCAST IT and Communications
Soundraiser, University of Tulsa
OG&E Energy and Environmental
Contraire, Oklahoma State University
2017 Winners
Graduate Winners
1st Place
Composite Damage Solutions
University of Tulsa
Advisor: Michael Keller
Team Leader: Matthew Faeth
Team Members: Troy Berman and Travis McClanahan
Composite Damage Solutions is developing a two part-solution that is injected into composite material to detect damage or cracking.
2nd Place
ObturaTech
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Ron Bolen
Team Leader: Mark Oblander
Team Member: Parker Randell
ObturaTech is developing a device that will help ensure a quality exam and if needed, quality treatment, for every patient undergoing a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy procedure.
3rd Place
Turning Systems, LLC
University of Central Oklahoma
Advisor: Maurice Haff
Team Leader: Jordan Powers
Team Members: Fang Li, Caroline Njaramba, Robert Simon and Blake Toves
Turning Systems, LLC provides technology designed to reduce pressure injuries in a clinical care setting, which cost the healthcare industry over $11 billion annually.
Undergraduate Winners
1st Place
VisionaRX
Oklahoma State University
Advisor: David Thomison
Team Leader: Jacquelyn Lane
Team Members: Rachel Davis and Chance Imhoff
VisionaRX is developing a noninvasive ocular drug delivery platform technology composed of a membrane embedded with drug-loaded nanoparticles to be mounted on a blank contact lens and worn by a patient for a number of days.
2nd Place
Toucan
University of Central Oklahoma
Advisor: Maurice Haff
Team Leader: Yusuf Shurbaji
Team Members: Dillon Koense and Nasir Malik
Toucan is a payment card issuer developing a solution to enable multiple parties to authorize and split payments in real time using multiple payment sources.
3rd Place
BLOOM
University of Oklahoma
Advisor: Douglas Woodward
Team Leader: Ryan Capps
Team Member: Carey Flack
BLOOM is a language-learning application that empowers communities and descendants to learn or relearn their indigenous language.
Small Business Winners
1st Place
VisuALS
Oklahoma Christian University
Advisor: Russ McGuire
Team Leader: Joshua Bilello
Team Members: Aubrey Gonzalez, Preston Kemp, Kevin McGuire, Jevon Seaman and Tyler Sriver
VisuALS provides affordable communications solutions to people with motor control and communication difficulties, restoring their independence, dignity, and hope.
2nd Place
StoPanic
East Central University
Advisor: Stacey Bolin
Team Leader: Srijita Ghosh
StoPanic is a device resembling a hearing aid that is designed to help people to overcome panic attacks by playing calming music when it detects certain physiological changes.
3rd Place
The Social Niche
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
Advisor: Calvin Becker
Team Leader: Travis Hins
Team Members: James Bowman, Mike Ferry and Hannah Stephens
The Social Niche is a unique dining experience in Miami, OK, that combines social sharing and live interactive feeds that create individual entertainment for diners.
Interview Winners
OCAST IT and Communications
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Healthcare
Redcedar Products, Olahoma State University
i2E Student Generated
60Days Studios, University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Business Roundtable Manufacturing, Material Sciences and Transportation
Pick Pro, University of Central Oklahoma
OG&E Positive Energy and Environmental
Omnibus V2G Technologies, Oklahoma City University
Pitch Winners
Graduate
Troy McClanahan
University of Tulsa
Undergraduate
Jacquelyn Lane
Oklahoma State University
Small Business
Srijita Ghosh
East Central University
Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Graduate
Gerred Edwards
Oklahoma City University
Undergraduate
Yusuf Shurbaji
University of Central Oklahoma
Small Business
Miranda McNabb
East Central University
2016 Winners
Graduate Winners
1st Place
MITO Material Solutions
Oklahoma State University
Team Leader: Haley Kurtz
Team Members: Kevin Keith
Faculty Advisor: Richard Gajan
MITO has developed a cost-effective nano-filler additive that can toughen fiber-reinforced composite structures using an organic polymer formula.
2nd Place
Nutripeutics
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Amanda Curtis
Team Members: Chuck Burkardt, Corey Walker and Daniel Ward
Faculty Advisor: Ronald Bolen
Nutripeutics develops immune boosting feed additives as an antibiotic-alternative to disease control and prevention for livestock animals.
3rd Place
WoodPro
Oklahoma State University
Team Leader: Gabriel Bahr
Team Members: Sourabh Biswas and Samyukta Koteeswaran
Faculty Advisor: Richard Gajan
WoodPro develops a sustainable, durable and long-lasting new wood composite, using red cedar sawdust and epoxy resin, which outlasts current market concepts.
Undergraduate Winners
1st Place
Project Pediatrics
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Krishna Manohar;
Team Member: John Dastague, Nikita Hussain, Harrison Morrow and Eli Weathers
Faculty Advisor: Alyssa Boutelle
Project Pediatrics’ Mobi is a mobile vital signs monitor designed for pediatric patients that integrates seamlessly with hospital technology via wifi.
2nd Place
Heart Optic
University of Central Oklahoma
Team Leader: Yusuf Shurbaji; Team members: Claye Hammock
Faculty Advisor: Maurice Haff
Heart Optic LLC produces the Heart Bar™, a medical device that enables continuous CPR during image-guided procedures and ends caregiver exposure to x-ray radiation.
3rd Place
KegSafe
Oral Roberts University
Team Leader: Jonathan Cregor; Team Members: Derrick McCoy
Faculty Advisor: Bruno Teles
KegSafe is a beer inventory system for restaurants and bars to prevent inventory theft.
Small Business Winners
1st Place
Air-EZ
East Central University
Team Leader: Larisa Bolin; Team Members: Breanna Ragan and Caleb Large
Faculty Advisor: Stacey Bolin
Air-Ez is an easily attachable electronic system that turns a typical airline seat into a safe and comfortable seat for handicapped and mobility impaired individuals.
2nd Place
Back Seat Hero
East Central University
Team Leader: James Brown
Faculty Advisor: Stacey Bolin
Back Seat Hero is a pressure-sensitive mat with indicator lights that signal the driver to a passenger’s presence in the back seat.
3rd Place
PÜRE GOLF
St. Gregory’s University
Team Leader: Brett Kennedy; Team Members: Bobby Stone, Smaida Mara Rizzotto and Taylor Greteman
Faculty Advisor: Mayda Shorney
Püre Golf is a “mobile” golf facility that will arrive at your venue and provide professional club fitting, video swing analysis, high performance training and event planning for corporations and companies looking to entertain clients and employees.
Interview Winners
AT&T IT and Communications
KegSafe, Oral Roberts University
i2E Student Generated
ARdecor, University of Oklahoma
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Healthcare
Heart Optic, LLC, University of Central Oklahoma
OG&E Energy and Environmental
Cubby Connect, University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Business Roundtable Manufacturing, Material Sciences and Transportation
MITO Material Solutions, Oklahoma State University
Pitch Winners
Graduate
Anthony Purinton
University of Central Oklahoma
Undergraduate
Morgan Timmons
Univerity of Central Oklahoma
Small Business
Austin McRay
Oklahoma Christian University
Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Graduate
Amanda Curtis
University of Oklahoma
Undergraduate
Roberto Gallegos Castillo
Oral Roberts University
Small Business
Larisa Bolin
East Central University
2015 Winners
UnderGraduate Winners
1st Place
Suite Seat
East Central University
Team Leader: Miles Mitchell
Faculty Advisor: Stacey Bolin
SuiteSeat is a mobile application that lets sports teams offer retail shopping for food, apparel and souvenir directly from their seat without missing any game action.
2nd Place
Gourmet Grub
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Maggie Barton; Team Members: Jeff Bissinger, Cooper Cadle, Shannon Sherman, and Shelby Vanhooser
Faculty Advisor: Doug Woodward
SPUR is a crowdsourcing platform with a mission of aligning the needs of potential college student for capital, education and opportunity with people who seek to support aspiring, innovative students and follow their progress via an incremental crowdfunding campaign. Each campaign is designed to follow the “lean” startup method through a multi-staged campaign approach to ensure investor confidence and student success.
3rd Place
Pulse, LLC
University of Central Oklahoma
Team Leader: Carissa Jetto; Team Members: Dakota Derryberry and Stevie Simpson
Faculty Advisor: Maurice Haff
Pulse replaces traditional dairy yogurts with alternative yogurts that provide dietary fiber, protein, folate and iron while eliminating preservatives; it is attractive to health enthusiasts and those who suffer milk and other food allergies. Pulse, LLC, uses a patent-pending process to make non-dairy yogurt from a variety of food products and sold in specialty food stores.
graduate Winners
1st Place
AerOcean
University of Tulsa
Team Leader: Philip McCoy; Team Members: Josh Donaldson, Jared Starkweather, and Gann Swan
Faculty Advisor: Todd Otanicar
AerOcean substantially reduces watering and irrigation costs to the agriculture industry by using condensation of moisture already present in the atmosphere. Developed at the University of Tulsa, AerOcean has the exclusive license to manufacture, market and sells the AerOcean Rainmaker technology.
2nd Place
ParaNano, LLC
University of Central Oklahoma
Team Leader: Chelsea Larsen; Team Members: Hitesh Munishamappa Prakash, Jordan Powers, Shreyas Shivaprakash, and Paul Snow
Faculty Advisor: Maurice Haff
ParaNano provides users in the bio-medical, textile, filtration and energy industries technology that correctly aligns single-strand, electro-spun nano fibers in a patent-pending process. The cutting edge, patent pending device solve a major problem in nanofiber production and use, which is the alignment of continuous, single-strand, electro-spun nanfiibers on a substrate.
3rd Place
CMR Innovations, LLC
St. Gregory’s University
Team Leader: Melanie Rinehart
Faculty Advisor: Angela James
CMR Innovations is delivering audio to any Web enabled device from any source, such as multiple television in a bar setting. The ChooseHear system allows customers to pick and choose audio feed from any of the TVs available in the establishment.
Small Business Winners
1st Place
Air-EZ
East Central University
Team Leader: Larisa Bolin; Team Members: Breanna Ragan and Caleb Large
Faculty Advisor: Stacey Bolin
Air-Ez is an easily attachable electronic system that turns a typical airline seat into a safe and comfortable seat for handicapped and mobility impaired individuals.
2nd Place
Back Seat Hero
East Central University
Team Leader: James Brown
Faculty Advisor: Stacey Bolin
Back Seat Hero is a pressure-sensitive mat with indicator lights that signal the driver to a passenger’s presence in the back seat.
3rd Place
PÜRE GOLF
St. Gregory’s University
Team Leader: Brett Kennedy; Team Members: Bobby Stone, Smaida Mara Rizzotto and Taylor Greteman
Faculty Advisor: Mayda Shorney
Püre Golf is a “mobile” golf facility that will arrive at your venue and provide professional club fitting, video swing analysis, high performance training and event planning for corporations and companies looking to entertain clients and employees.
Interview Winners
AT&T IT and Communications
CMR Innovations, LLC, St. Gregory’s University
i2E Student Generated
Pulse, LLC, University of Central Oklahoma
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Healthcare
Raw, University of Oklahoma
OG&E Energy and Environmental
AerOcean, The University of Tulsa
Oklahoma Business Roundtable Manufacturing, Material Sciences and Transportation
XtremeMarine, University of Oklahoma
Pitch Winners
Graduate
Chelsea Larsen
University of Central Oklahoma
Undergraduate
Austin Evans
University of Tulsa
Small Business
Miranda McNabb
East Central University
Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Graduate
Chelsea Larsen
University of Central Oklahoma
Undergraduate
Ali Davis
University of Oklahoma
Small Business
Miranda McNabb
East Central University
2014 Winners
Graduate Winners
1st Place
AeroHead
University of Tulsa
Team Leader: Philip McCoy; Team Members: Se Yeon Kim, Bryan Kinzer, Kristina Merkle, Gann Swan and Yang Zhao
Faculty Advisor: Steven Tipton
AeroHead has exclusive rights to manufacture and market special cartridges for an innovative golf putter that produces overspin on the ball, which increases the putting accuracy for recreational golfers.
2nd Place
Driven Analytics
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Stephen Soroosh; Team Members: Jake Elliott, Mitchell Walser and Rachel Webb
Faculty Advisor: Ron Bolen
Driven Analytics has developed a vehicle monitoring system that provides car owners with real-time data such as diagnostic information and maintenance reminders, along with relevant advertisements from area dealership service centers, automotive repair shops and parts retailers.
3rd Place
Aerofusion
Oklahoma State University
Team Leader: Lee Easton; Team Members: Trevor Hermosillo and Jacob Stockton
Faculty Advisor: Richard Gajan
Aerofusion uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and sensor technology to make the collection of data more cost effective for the agriculture, oil and gas and power distribution industries.
Undergraduate Winners
1st Place
Owlpal Healthcare
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Krishna Manohar;
Team Member: John Dastague, Nikita Hussain, Harrison Morrow and Eli Weathers
Faculty Advisor: Alyssa Boutelle
Project Pediatrics’ Mobi is a mobile vital signs monitor designed for pediatric patients that integrates seamlessly with hospital technology via wifi.
2nd Place
Valoshade
University of Tulsa
Team Leader: John Lestina; Team members: Eric Kuxhausen, Alexander Lach and Kimberly Poff
Faculty Advisor: John Hale
Valoshade has developed a self-adhesive electronic film that is applied to windows to control the amount of transmitted light. The innovative technology uses a smartphone app to allow users to control the amount of natural lighting allowed through a window.
3rd Place
RoadWatch
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Ryan Phillips; Team Members: Andrew Tierney, Nick Ortiz, Drew Knox and Robert Byrd
Faculty Advisor: Susan Moring
RoadWatch analyses and presents weather information for the trucking industry to reduce the risks of weather-related accidents. The RoadWatch technology uses a proprietary algorithm to determine the precise severity and risk of weather conditions displayed in real time on computer monitors of dispatchers.
Small Business Winners
1st Place
X-Pert Shot
OSU-OKC
Team Leader: Shane Barlow; Team Members: Jennifer Bradley, Amanda Sandoval, Mayra Tello and Mario Young
Advisor: Amber Hefner
X-Pert Shot is an outdoor shooting sports and training facility that will offer membership services to shooting sports enthusiasts and skilled professionals.
2nd Place
LockWall
East Central University
Team Leader: Brandon Holt; Team Members: Sara Folsom, Cameron King and Chase Sheffield
Advisor: Stacey Bolin
Lockwall is a unique composite panel system designed with strength and versatility, providing superior lateral support that is ideal for multilevel facilities.
3rd Place
NEO 2014
University of Tulsa
Team Leader: Jordy Albert; Team Member: MacKenzie Ward
Faculty Advisor: Claire Cornell
Owlpal is a proactive mobile health solution for diagnosing and monitoring asthma in children at night. The Owlpal product is a mobile application that uses the internal acoustic capabilities and internal computing power of an Android or iOS device to monitor wheezing and coughing rates within children as they sleep.
Interview Winners
AT&T IT and Communications
Driven Analytics, University of Oklahoma
i2E Student Generated
Aerofusion, Oklahoma State University
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Healthcare
Get People Moving, University of Central Oklahoma
OG&E Energy and Environmental
WellBot, Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma Business Roundtable Manufacturing, Material Sciences and Transportation
AeroHead, University of Tulsa
Pitch Winners
Graduate
Philip McCoy
AeroHead
University of Tulsa
Undergraduate
Zach VanMeter
Inspire Ink
University of Oklahoma
Small Business
Chase Sheffield
LockWall
East Central University
Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Samantha Slater
Rogers State University
MacKenzie Ward
University of Tulsa
Mitchell Walser
University of Oklahoma
2013 Winners
Graduate Winners
1st Place
EchoCharge
The University of Tulsa
Team Leader: Katherine Sind; Team Members: Bingjie Ji, Martin Green, Reid Johnston
Advisor: Claire Cornell
EchoCharge has developed nano-wire technology that will extend cell phone battery life by harnessing energy from the voice of the phone user and surrounding noise vibrations.
2nd Place
R2R Technologies
Oklahoma State University
Team Leader: Aravind Seshadri
Team Members: Pedro Velasco, Carlo Branca
Advisor: Prabhakar Pagilla
R2R Technologies is using a patented fiber optic sensor that will reduce waste and cost by keeping material properly aligned during the manufacturing process to prevent wrinkling, creasing and breakage.
3rd Place
Turtle One
The University of Tulsa
Team Leader: Phoebe Hardwicke
Team Members: Nick Wood
Advisor: Claire Cornell
Turtle One developed a database search technique that retrieves information and produces results five times than current methods used to search databases.
Undergraduate Winners
1st Place
Code Sooq
University of Tulsa
Team Leader: Ahmed El-Kishky; Team Members: Stephen Macke, Marla Blum, Mark Denhoed
Advisor: David Greer
Code Sooq has created a Web-based service that connects software programmers with potential customers.
2nd Place
Field Focus
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Susan Moring; Team Members: Parker Dooly, Jeffrey Rhea, Caroline Trump, Mubeen Shakir
Advisor: Robert Free
FieldFocus provides innovative software for the oil and gas drilling industry that includes asset and personnel tracking tools, plus job management and big tracking.
3rd Place
Animal Analytics
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Erin K. Dowdy; Team Members: Robert Cowlishaw, Joseph Fallin, Charles Carter
Advisor: Lowell Busenitz
Animal Analytics provides comprehensive medical records for the equine industry through a “HorseFacts” report using a database and implantable RFID chip updated by certified veterinarians.
Small Business Winners
1st Place
RxOmni
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
Team leader: Kris Monier; Team Members: Angela Davis, Angela Estavez, Herbert Foncham, Lori Hasty and Mayra Tello
Advisor: Amber Hefner
RxOmni has developed software that alerts pharmacists to possible adverse drug reactions from different medications prescribed to patients. Pharmacists are prompted by the app to ask patients questions about current medications to ensure new prescriptions don’t present a health risk because of conflicting medications.
2nd Place
J-Paxers
Rogers State University
Team Leader: Kasey Ng; Team Members: Whitney Duncan, Loren LeForce, Bryce Hall, Dil Patel and Samantha Slater
Advisor: Charles D. Atkins
J-Paxers has developed the patent-pending J-Pax backpack that eliminates the need for shoulder straps. The J-Pax provides users the ability to carry more items or weight without strain or injury.
3rd Place
Revolutionary Transportation
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
Team Leader: Stephanie Asher; Team Members: Belinda Hunt, Karlee Gibson and Robert Woods
Advisor: Scott Donaldson
Revolutionary Transportation offers scheduled bus service in the northeast Oklahoma region with initial plans to operate between Miami and Joplin, Mo., with expansion into both Kansas and Arkansas. The company operates an environmentally friendly fleet of vehicles powered solely by compressed natural gas (CNG).
Interview Winners
AT&T IT and Communications
Animal Analytics, University of Oklahoma
i2E Student Generated
Code Sooq, University of Tulsa
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Healthcare
Medishine, Oklahoma State University
OG&E Energy and Environmental
Kick Grass, Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma Business Roundtable Manufacturing, Material Sciences and Transportation
Infinite Composites, Oklahoma State University-Tulsa
Pitch Winners
Graduate
Fash Fadaei
Oklahoma State University
Undergraduate
Susan Moring
University of Oklahoma
Small Business
Bryce Hall
Rogers State University
Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Andrea McKinney
East Central University
Jerry Powers
Oklahoma State University
Timothy Whitley
Oklahoma State University
2012 Winners
Graduate Winners
1st Place
Spectrum FX
The University of Tulsa
Team Leader: Amethyst Cavallaro
Team Members: Jessica Casper, John Galbraith and Kathryn Junk
Advisor: Claire Cornell
Spectrum FX is licensed to sell Firebane, a fire suppression liquid that extinguishes all spectrums of fires, to the aviation industry. The nontoxic, biodegradable formula will be used in aircraft cargo compartments to protect against cargo fires that can cause loss of aircraft, crew and cargo.
2nd Place
PsychSavvy
The University of Tulsa
Team Leader: Robyn Undieme; Team Members: Kathryn Packell and Cary Taylor
Advisor: Claire Cornell
PsychSavvy provides a customizable, online mental health resource formatted with short video clips and educational articles that serve as a Web-based information source for mental health professionals, college educators, students and clients.
3rd Place
Precision HealthTech
Oklahoma City University
Team Leader: Brian Mullins; Team Members: Talia Berning, Anthony Moorehead and Christina Truong
Advisor: Craig Shimasaki
Precision HealthTech is a healthcare medical device start-up company developing an interactive physical therapy workstation that will incorporate a dynamic software system. The software will be integrated into the workstation to capture the strength and range of motion of patients, and transmit the data electronically.
Undergraduate Winners
1st Place
Molecura Labs
Oklahoma City University
Team Leader: Jacob Lamb; Team Members: Bethany Layman, Luke Reese and Emily Sanders
Advisor: Craig Shimasaki
Moleculera Labs is a clinical testing laboratory that performs tests for auto-immune diseases that cause psychiatric disorders.
2nd Place
Bright Sanitation
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Steve Brachtenbach; Team Members: Garett Pearce,Tom Spurgat and Megan Walsh
Advisor: Lowell Busenitz
Bright Sanitation is developing low-cost public toilets that can be used in extremely dense urban areas lacking proper sewage, disposing of waste through a bio-digester that converts it into compost for fertilizer, biogas and water than can safely be released into lakes and streams.
3rd Place
SoLoKnow
University of Tulsa
Team Leader: Ahmed El-Kishky; Team Members: Phoebe Hardwicke, Eric Kuxhausen and Jack Lestina
Advisor: John Hale
SoLoKnow plans to create online social communities for universities that provide clearly defined audiences and essential Web-based education and networking services. The company aims to develop a large user base while attracting partnerships with universities.
Small Business Winners
1st Place
RxOmni
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
Team leader: Kris Monier; Team Members: Angela Davis, Angela Estavez, Herbert Foncham, Lori Hasty and Mayra Tello
Advisor: Amber Hefner
RxOmni has developed software that alerts pharmacists to possible adverse drug reactions from different medications prescribed to patients. Pharmacists are prompted by the app to ask patients questions about current medications to ensure new prescriptions don’t present a health risk because of conflicting medications.
2nd Place
J-Paxers
Rogers State University
Team Leader: Kasey Ng; Team Members: Whitney Duncan, Loren LeForce, Bryce Hall, Dil Patel and Samantha Slater
Advisor: Charles D. Atkins
J-Paxers has developed the patent-pending J-Pax backpack that eliminates the need for shoulder straps. The J-Pax provides users the ability to carry more items or weight without strain or injury.
3rd Place
Revolutionary Transportation
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
Team Leader: Stephanie Asher; Team Members: Belinda Hunt, Karlee Gibson and Robert Woods
Advisor: Scott Donaldson
Revolutionary Transportation offers scheduled bus service in the northeast Oklahoma region with initial plans to operate between Miami and Joplin, Mo., with expansion into both Kansas and Arkansas. The company operates an environmentally friendly fleet of vehicles powered solely by compressed natural gas (CNG).
Interview Winners
AT&T IT and Communications
PERK, Rogers State University
Oklahoma State University; i2E Student Generated
MaxQ, Oklahoma State University
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Healthcare
PristineCal, Oklahoma State University
OG&E Energy and Environmental
Organic Energy, University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Business Roundtable Manufacturing, Material Sciences and Transportation
SpectrumFX, University of Tulsa
Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Rocky Chavez
University of Oklahoma
Jay Omanson
Oklahoma State University
i2e Fellows
Rupesh Agrawal
MBA student at Oklahoma State University
Precision Health Technologies
Carol Curtis
Post-doctorial Fellow at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation,
i2E, Inc and OMRF
Corey Gingrich
MBA student at the University of Oklahoma, Altheus Therapeutics
Mary Hestilow, senior Economics major at the University of Oklahoma, i2E, Inc.
Alvin Ly
Senior Finance major at Oklahoma City University, i2E, Inc.
Marybeth Murphy
Senior Entrepreneurship and Venture Management major at the University of Oklahoma, Mintiva
Roger Satur
MBA Student at the University of Oklahoma, WeGoLook.com
Ekaterina Shernstneva MBA student at the University of Tulsa, DermaMedics
2011 Winners
Graduate Winners
1st Place
CerebroGen Pharmaceuticals
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Benjamin West; Team Members: Chase Roberts,Tobi Olusola, Majed Gharfeh
Faculty Advisor: Elaine Hamm
CerebroGen is developing an antibody-based drug therapy to treat epilepsy. Building on more than a decade of research, the company’s drug removes a recently discovered cause of epilepsy unaddressed by existing treatments. With a regulatory approval strategy focused on reaching the market quickly through orphan status, CerebroGen is committed to bringing a much-needed therapeutic to Juvenile Epileptics, followed by a product indicated for the broader market.
2nd Place
IASO
The University of Tulsa
Team Leader: Stephen Fain; Team Members: Ryan Eslicker, Nathan Garrett
Faculty Advisor: Michelle Witt
IASO has developed “SPI Gel,” an environmentally friendly, silica-based enhanced oil recovery system that seals off inefficient reservoir zones, allowing more trapped oil to be recovered. Well operators that use SPI Gel can expect up to a 50 percent increase in daily oil recovery and decreased expenses. IASO’s mission is to provide oil recovery systems that allow operators to conveniently “get more oil” while being safe for personnel and the environment.
3rd Place
TerraCode Software
Oklahoma City University
Team Leader: Adele Rehm; Team Members: Alexis Caron, Bridget Poputa-Clean
Faculty Advisor: Kewei Sha
TerraCoda provides real time enterprise land management, geo-spatial analysis tools, and report generation and mapping solutions for the land, energy, realty, right-of-way procurement, and municipal markets. TerraCoda’s Landman 360 software will provide full end-to-end visibility into the leasing process by providing effective tools that manage the leasing lifecycle. User-friendly technology combines communication, reporting, and cost management tools within TerraCoda’s Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, which will reduce errors and increase efficiency through real time reporting and management tools that allow users to deliver a project on time and on budget.
Undergraduate Winners
1st Place
LumiDX
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Amy Henderson; Team Members: Ashley Zumwalt, Mimi Nguyen, Kaelyn Lu
Faculty Advisor: Jim Wheeler
LumiDX is an influenza diagnostics company that offers ChemLight, a fast, highly accurate tool that harnesses chemiluminescent technology to offer a cutting edge innovation in the point-of-care diagnostic market. LumiDX aims to be first to market with diagnostic tests that are simple, accurate and fast enough to provide results at the point-of-care.
2nd Place
Vita Rhythm
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Jessica Wills; Team Members: Brett Gudgel, Brittany Myers, Erikka Roberts
Faculty Advisor: Blake Gudgel
Vita-Rhythm has developed a medical device to treat heart failure. The AdvaHeart is a left ventricular assist device that helps eject blood from the left ventricle of a weakened heart. It is smaller and more easily and safely implanted in patients.
3rd Place
Dreamcatcher Services, LLC
Oklahoma City University
Team Leader: Michael Roselle; Team Members: Feng Dong, David Scott, Patrick Kennedye
Faculty Advisor: Robert Greve
Dreamcatcher Services, LLC has created technology to apply video-EEG monitoring capabilities to the medical diagnostic area of epilepsy. The company has at its disposal a critical mass of talent and individuals necessary for the efficient, speedy and profitable application of video-EEG technologies in the target market.
Small Business Winners
1st Place
RxOmni
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
Team leader: Kris Monier; Team Members: Angela Davis, Angela Estavez, Herbert Foncham, Lori Hasty and Mayra Tello
Advisor: Amber Hefner
RxOmni has developed software that alerts pharmacists to possible adverse drug reactions from different medications prescribed to patients. Pharmacists are prompted by the app to ask patients questions about current medications to ensure new prescriptions don’t present a health risk because of conflicting medications.
2nd Place
J-Paxers
Rogers State University
Team Leader: Kasey Ng; Team Members: Whitney Duncan, Loren LeForce, Bryce Hall, Dil Patel and Samantha Slater
Advisor: Charles D. Atkins
J-Paxers has developed the patent-pending J-Pax backpack that eliminates the need for shoulder straps. The J-Pax provides users the ability to carry more items or weight without strain or injury.
3rd Place
Revolutionary Transportation
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
Team Leader: Stephanie Asher; Team Members: Belinda Hunt, Karlee Gibson and Robert Woods
Advisor: Scott Donaldson
Revolutionary Transportation offers scheduled bus service in the northeast Oklahoma region with initial plans to operate between Miami and Joplin, Mo., with expansion into both Kansas and Arkansas. The company operates an environmentally friendly fleet of vehicles powered solely by compressed natural gas (CNG).
Positive Energy and Incubator Awards
OG&E Positive Energy Award
Simtra Tools
University of Oklahoma
Team Leader: Brandon Mikael; Team Member: Matthew Huber
Faculty Advisor: Lowell Busenitz
Simtra Tools is commercializing a technology called TrueTight that gives linemen for electric utilities the ability to tighten power‐lines to the correct tension without additional cumbersome and costly equipment. The technology eliminates the need for linemen to carry additional bulky and heavy equipment to tighten and gauge the tension on power lines.
Al Tuttle Business Incubator Award Winner
Terra Coda Software, Oklahoma City University
Paulsen Award Scholarship Recipients
Ashley Zumwalt
University of Oklahoma
Faith Garlington
Oklahoma State University
i2e Fellows
Orgil Batsaikhan
MBA and Master of Finance candidate at University of Tulsa, Consolidated Networks
Alexis Caron
MBA candidate at Oklahoma City University, Consolidated Networks
Arun Kumar
MBA candidate at Oklahoma City University, WeGoLook.com
Laura Medcalf
Senior Computer Science major at East Central University, Mintiva
Audrey Metzler
MBA candidate at Oklahoma City University, Otologic Pharmaceutics
Anthony Moorehead
MBA candidate, Oklahoma City University, i2E Inc
Lucas Rice
Junior Industrial Engineering major, University of Oklahoma
Explore Entrepreneur's Cup
i2E is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is the home to Oklahoma entrepreneurs.