From a pool of 39 impressive student teams, representing 12 states, just 5 came out on top. These teams were invited to compete for funding for their start-up businesses at the National Student Pitch Event during the 2019 INCubatoredu National Summit in Chicago in July.
The five competing teams at the 2019 INCubatoredu National Pitch:
Sip Safe, Westlake High School, Austin, TX, Teacher: Jeff Nixon
Dignified Designs, Lake Forest High School, Lake Forest, IL, Teachers: Joe Pulios & Phil LaScala
Allergenius Baking Co., Wheaton North High School, Wheaton, IL, Teachers: Greg Chrismna, Julie Pavlini
Chore Champion, Loveland High School, Loveland, CO, Teachers: Richy Lynn
Evendtor, Hononegah High School, Rockton, IL, Teacher: Jason Brunke
At the Event, each team was given ten minutes to pitch, followed by five minutes to field questions from judges. After, the judges deliberated to determine the winner or winners.
Here's the panel of esteemed judges:
- Samara Hernandez of MATH Ventures
- Rick Desai of Listen Ventures
- Kat Mena of Redhawk Ventures
- Jimmy Odom of BitCapital
- Michael Miles of Operand
The finalists delivered top-notch presentations. Rick Desai of Listen Ventures, offered, 'What you did here today was exceptional'. And while all will not be offered funding at this time, 'all had investable ideas', according to INCubatoredu co-founder Michael Miles. 'Learn from your experiences here and just charge on.'
CONGRATULATIONS to the winners:
In the end, it was tough competition. $20,000 of seed funding was awarded across three teams - but Allergenius Baking Co. came out the true winner with a $15,000 win! But in keeping with the INCubatoredu focus on providing authentic experiences for students - this funding was offered with progress milestones attached - just like the the real world.
$15,000 to Allergenius Baking Co., Wheaton North High School, Wheaton, IL
The Allergenius Baking Co. produces delicious baked goods that are free of the 14 most common allergens, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly so anyone can eat it, and everyone will love it!
$2,500 to Chore Champion, Loveland High School, Loveland, CO
Chore Champion is the mobile app that motivates kids to complete their chores with rewards from local businesses; helping families get chores done, making chores fun for kids, and driving traffic to local businesses.
$2,500 to Evendtor, Hononegah High School, Rockton, IL
Evendtor is a service-based business that brokers events between vendors and organizations to benefit both parties. Vendors have an easier way to receive the exposure and revenue by having Evendtor providing valuable connections to large gatherings and organizations. Businesses no longer have to plan the logistics of events with Evendtor’s simple and clean 3-step roll out plan used to coordinate events in a simple, fast, and easy way.
And, a Major Announcement for Scholarship
Julie Shields, Director, Center for Entrepreneurship, Millikin University's Tabor School of Business, took the stage at the Event for a special announcement. In recognition of all the students' hard work and achievements, Millikin is awarding a $10,000 scholarship to each Pitch participant if they are admitted to Millikin University's Entrepreneurship Program. And, not only that, ANY student who successfully completes the INCubatoredu course at their school is eligible for up to 4 proficiency credits at Millikin Tabor School of Business. Uncharted Learning is grateful for this generous and motivating offer for students.
Special Thanks
These students benefit from committed teachers and INCubatoredu volunteers who offer time and talent to support this student journey. Thank you!
