On Thursday, Oct. 6, The WVU Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab hosted a new event called the Get My Drift Pitch Competition. Eight of West Virginia University’s newest creative entrepreneurs had five minutes to pitch their ideas.
This competition served as an experiential workshop for pitchers to present their visions to industry professionals for the very first time. The judging panel consisted of Ryan Angus, Hyeonsuh Lee, Sven Verlinden and Quintina Mengyan, and throughout the competition the panel provided invaluable feedback as these pitchers began their innovation journeys.
The 8 Pitch Competition Participants:
Shaun Wilson, an Interactive Design for Media major, is the founder of Thirteen Degrees Design. His graphic design company unites small businesses with one-of-a-kind creativity .
Dylan Printy, an Aerospace Engineering major, is the founder of Black Hole 3D Services. His newfounded 3D printing process is already massing eager clients.
Calijah Burton, an Entrepreneurship & Innovation major, is the founder of Burton’s Bakery. His local bakery service is redefining cheesecake through unique flavors and size.
Michael Duong, an Entrepreneurship & Innovation major, is the founder of PerFit. This service helps cut down on clothing waste while helping customers style the perfect wardrobe.
Harrison Gold, an Entrepreneurship & Innovation major, is the founder of Versattach. Gold’s invention delivers an original solution to outdoor entertainment at the beach and beyond.
Keiron Leonard, an Integrated Studies major, is the founder of Bed Tech. This invention is a new solution for protecting supplies as consumers travel between locations.
Naimat Khani, a Management major, is the founder of Cuisine Port. Khani’s service delivers international cuisine to the doorsteps of college students and families alike.
Owen Grabowski, an Aerospace Engineering major, is the founder of Fostered Growth. This product makes Dungeons and Dragons storage and travel easier than ever.
The Get My Drift Pitch Competition is supported in part by Silicon Valley CEO Ray Zinn, and his company ZinnStarter. Wilson’s Thirteen Degrees Design took home the popular vote while Cuisine Port, Black Hole 3D Services and Fostered Growth all took home cash prizes to help fund their innovations.