UW-Milwaukee student entrepreneurs win Wisconsin Big Idea
UW-Extension Lean Startup contest advances business ideas
MADISON, Wis. – UW-Milwaukee student entrepreneurs placed first in UW-Extension’s inaugural Wisconsin Big Idea Tournament and will represent the state at the International Business Model Competition.
The team is made up of two current Air National Guard members, Tom Burden and Janie Asberry, and U.S. Air Force veteran Shawn Petros. They are developing safe, non-corrosive and convenient mats that provide surfaces on which aerospace mechanics can stand or place tools. Their company, Grypshon, is planning to sell products to the military. Their goal is to maximize efficiency, productivity and safety of military members in a cost-effective manner.
http://www.grypshon.com/images/3.jpgGrypshon was among 10 teams of University of Wisconsin student entrepreneurs who competed April 5 in Madison. Presentations by Wisconsin teams from UW-Milwaukee, UW-La Crosse, UW-Eau Claire and UW Oshkosh can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/BigIdeaFinals. Wisconsin entrants were among 2,000 teams from 200 schools in 20 countries at related competitions.
“This inaugural program set the framework for growth and expansion of Lean Startup training and idea development for students within the UW System,” said Mark Lange, executive director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development for UW-Extension. “We encourage UW students, staff and faculty to contact us about participating in the fall of 2014.”
As the top Wisconsin finisher, Grypshon will be among 40 teams competing in the international finals May 1 to 3 at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, for $100,000 in awards. In addition, Grypshon qualifies for the first round of the Ideadvance seed fund administered by UW-Extension and funded by UW System and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Depending on the business milestones they reach, they stand to earn up to $25,000 to advance their idea.
The Wisconsin tournament runner-up Long-term Health Solutions is made up of Spencer Beard and Bradley Price of UW-Eau Clare. They pitched a more cost efficient and higher quality of life solution for aging populations through specialized home remodeling and installation of healthcare technology solutions.
Third place finisher Atlas Investments – made up of Parker Lenz, Joseph Neff and Eric Sajdak of UW Oshkosh – pitched innovative financial investment products for financial brokers.
All three top finishers earned an interview with gener8tor, one of the Midwest ’s premier startup accelerators.
The “People’s Choice Winner” – based on number of Twitter votes – was Billboard Brew founded by Cory DeRuiter of UW Oshkosh to provide better advertising for cup related businesses.
Initial support for this project is covered by a matching grant provided by UW System, with program management by UW-Extension, and in partnership with the International Business Model Competition. Additional sponsors include the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, American Family Insurance and WPS Health Insurance.
