Hosted by the BRITE Center in the University of Findlay College of Business (COB), the Innovation Competition provides an opportunity for students to learn more about innovation and entrepreneurship through the development of an idea, creation of a business plan, and delivery of a final presentation.
The competition will host three divisions – green initiative, innovative business, and high school – to ensure creative ideas and provide opportunities that reflect our students' interests. The competition is open to all University of Findlay full-time, part-time, and degree-completion undergraduate students, as well as high school students who would like to learn more about the business program at the University of Findlay. The competition is open to individuals or teams of four or less.
College Entries:
- 1st place - $1500
- 2nd place - $1000
- 3rd place - $500
High School Entries:
- 1st place - $500
- 2nd place - $400
- 3rd place - $300
- 4th place- $200
- 5th place- $100
If you are a University of Findlay undergraduate student with a creative idea, we encourage you to participate in the Innovation Competition. While working as an individual or team, you will have an opportunity to learn what innovation means and what it takes to advance an idea towards reality. Projects selected as one of the three finalists will compete for cash prizes. The finals of the Innovation Competition will be held on the evening of March 14, 2023, in the Winebrenner, TLB Auditorium. If you have any questions about the competition, please contact Carla Treadway at [email protected] or [email protected].
Competition Structure of The Innovation Competition consists of three stages:
1. The Idea -- Contestants (any individual or team) must officially register and submit a proposal that details their creative idea. In addition, all contestants must be certified as “eligible to participate" at that time. The deadline for registration and proposal submission is January 31, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. Workshops will be provided where participants will receive professional guidance and assistance to help with the information needed to complete the business plan. The workshop schedule will be provided at registration.
2. The Business Plan -- The submission of a Business Plan is due on February 23rd, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. The top three finalists in each division will be selected by judges. Finalists will be notified by March 8, 2024, to prepare for the last stage of the competition.
3. The Presentation -- Live presentations will be conducted on March 27, 2024, in Winebrenner, TLB Auditorium. individuals and teams making it to the final round will compete for cash prizes totaling $3,000 per collegiate division, high school division prizes will total $1,000. All winners will be announced that evening.
How It Works
The challenge was divided into three categories: Innovative Green/Sustainability Business, Innovative Business, and Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, which bring this competition to the high school level.
- Green/Sustainable Business Initiatives
- Students with new, original ideas about a business that would help decrease the human footprint in our world and bring ideas to help with sustainability.
- Innovative Business
- Students with new, original business ideas – submit business proposals
- Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
- High school grades 9-12, 1-4 participants create a business. Submit a business proposal, then finalists will be invited to the competition to present the business idea and compete to win.
Contestants from each category go through a selection process before moving on to the final round. Each category in the final round will be judged by local business leaders that showcase exceptional entrepreneurial and leadership qualities.
2019 Winners
Innovative Leadership 1st – Active Campus Emergency Seminar (A.C.E.S.)
Nicole Bosserman proposed an on-campus seminar to increase awareness of active shooter emergency plans, provide knowledge and tools on active shooter situations, and allow individuals to get first aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certifications.
2nd – 4 Paws for Ability
This is a non-profit organization based in Xenia, Ohio, that places quality service dogs with children with disabilities and veterans who have lost use of limbs or hearing and educate the public regarding use of service dogs in public places. Rachael Quandt proposed an on-campus club that would foster 4 Paws puppies to enhance their socialization and obedience training.
3rd – Fearless Financial Club
Bonnie Vue presented her idea for a club that would educate students how to capitalize on financial freedom.
Innovative Business 1st – SudHub
Aaron Overhiser and Marissa Pellis presented their cellphone application that would provide a simpler and more secure laundry process for university students. The app would utilize all-in-one washer-dryer units with Wi-Fi capabilities to send notifications when loads are complete or when machines are available.
2nd – BLURRY
Sergio Palacio Martinez proposed an organization that would employ recovering addicts in a pottery and flower business. The employed individuals would use their story of recovery to inspire the pottery design and the act of gardening as a sort of rehabilitation.
3rd – Pathfinder
Nicole Bosserman presented her idea for a equine consulting company, where she would travel to various barns and business to train and provide equine business advice.
Organizational Case Study
1st – Circle K
2nd – Truck Club
3rd – Accounting Club
To view more photos of the 2019 Innovative Leadership Challenege, click here.