Students from across Western Michigan University participated in the PITCH Competition on March 27 and 28. Tyler Schramm, a sales and business marketing student, pitched the Illumipong, an innovative beer pong table, earning the company $1,700 for first place and $300 as the People’s Choice award recipient.
“Presenting our idea to a large group of like-minded people was really fun,” says Schramm, who adds that he and partner Jonathon Lysik, an integrated supply management major, are currently raising capital and creating a manufacturing process. “The most challenging aspect was definitely communicating efficiently and effectively with the judges, as every word had to have substance behind it.”
From an application open to all WMU students, 32 companies were selected for the first round, which narrowed the field to the top eight for the final round. Each company was allowed one person to present the pitch. The eight finalists pitched live on March 28 to a group of judges composed of business community members, including local business owners.
Now in its third year, the PITCH Competition is sponsored by WMU’s Haworth College of Business, Educational Community Credit Union and Great Lakes Architectural Products Group. The final round of competition was held at WMU’s Starting Gate student business accelerator in downtown Kalamazoo.
Winners
First place ($1,700) award and People’s Choice Award ($300): Illumipong pitched by Tyler Schramm, sales and business marketing. Illumipong is an innovative beer pong table designed to enhance player experience by using a series of sensors that determine cup count and illuminate three LEDs in the shape of a beer pong rack. Although there are similar products on the market, Illumipong is unique in terms of pricing and target market. Team member: Jonathon Lysik, integrated supply management.
“Winning the People's Choice Award actually had a profound effect on our mindset. Both awards gave us even more confidence that people truly love our product and would be very interested in possibly purchasing units in the future,” says Lysik.
Second Place ($1,200) award—Carbar.com pitched by Rajae Adams, engineering design technology.
CarBar is a web-based delivery service of alcoholic beverages and also a mobile bar experience. The services of the company are divided into two entities; one being the delivery of alcoholic beverages to local customers through online ordering and the other a mobile bar available for outdoor events by reservation.
“I think that my passion, knowledge and ability to fluently present my proposed business is what made me stand out,” says Adams. “My conviction in the content of my presentation bred my confidence during the pitch.”
Third place and $800 award: Mackenzie Sievers, industrial and entrepreneurial engineering.
Chill Out: This blanket is designed for people who get hot very easily. It cools a person down, yet still allows sleeping with a blanket. Chill Out has cooling packets inside with an air vacuum that comes with the purchase.
“I wanted a platform to show off my product and see if I could convince people that a blanket that cools you down is a worthwhile item,” says Sievers. “I think what made me stand out was my dynamic start and memorable ending. I really focused on getting the attention of the crowd.”
Other finalists
Ball Strategy—An app that mimics basketball court actions to teach game strategy.
• Pitcher—Julia Henson, textile and apparel studies - merchandising
• Team member—Austin Richie, organizational communication
Agvantics Biosciences—A company developing technology that accelerates tree maturity from approximately 15 years to less than one year.
• Pitcher—Alvar Carlson, MBA
Dualcast Design—A web development company
• Pitcher—Jarrell Fields, advertising and promotion
Dress Me Mirror—An innovative mirror eliminates the need to try on clothes while shopping, providing a three-dimensional image of clothing items in a mirror.
• Pitcher—Michelle Valente, industrial and entrepreneurial engineering.
• Team members—Yorkiris Benitez, industrial and entrepreneurial engineering, and Shelby Rhein, engineering management
Ecodock—The company will offer a solar-powered phone dock and charger for cars.
• Pitcher—Brad Short, industrial and entrepreneurial engineering
• Team members—Matt Haan and Daniel Shorr, industrial and entrepreneurial engineering