Wearable products, health solutions and app technology dominate Business Plan Competition

Pullman, Wash. - Wearable products, traumatic brain injury solutions and apps customizing landscaping, health and auto services were the top business ventures recognized at Washington State University's 22nd annual Business Plan Competition Thursday, April 24.

WSU College League team Wearable Aromas won the $15,000 grand prize.

Wearable Aromas, created by Carson College of Business students Madeline June (MJ) Kunkle and James Harrison, is a business concept for a solid, wax-based perfume concealed in a wearable locket designed for on-the-go, mess-free application.

The WSU Center for Entrepreneurship (CfE) hosted the competition, where 146 venture teams from WSU, other universities, and Washington state high schools competed in three different leagues, vying for cash and in-kind prizes totaling more than $61,000.

Business ideas included a turnkey automation service for mobile car detailers and a 3D fitment visualizer for precise wheel, tire and suspension fitting. Other ideas included personal and health care technologies, livestock monitoring technology, sustainable clothing, plastic waste recycling and apps for virtual landscaping and a digital wine community.

Teams were evaluated on presentation, solving a customer problem, value proposition, market opportunity, competitive advantages, go-to-market strategy, financials and investment analysis. The teams were also evaluated on the merit of their ideas and business plans.

"The students' focus on efficiency and sustainability across retail, medical, automotive and agricultural industries shows these young entrepreneurs are engaged in a variety of markets and informed about the current economy," said Paul Warner, CfE executive director. The entrepreneurial development they receive at WSU and through this competition prepares them to create value in the world."

The top five teams of the WSU College League, comprised entirely of WSU students, and the top four teams in the Foster Garvey Open and the High School leagues, advanced to the in-person finals on the WSU Pullman campus.

An awards banquet immediately following the final presentations, where teams participated in a trade show to share more about their innovations.

Emmy award-winning TV journalist and WSU alumna Nikki Torres ('16) was master of ceremonies for the banquet. Jeff Kearl, an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, delivered a keynote address on the mindset and lessons that shape successful entrepreneurs.

Sponsors included Foster Garvey, Believe in Me Foundation, Valicoff Fruit Company, Dave Divine ('00), Lee & Hayes, CougsFirst!, Submittable, Dave ('76) and Deborah ('76) Grant, Mark Wuotila ('69), Carson College of Business Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Spokane Angel Alliance and WSU Center for Entrepreneurship.

The winning teams are:

WSU College League:

1. Wearable Aromas, $15,000
   Wearable Aromas makes a solid wax-based perfume locket necklace designed for on-the-go, mess-free application.
2. Kerat AI, $10,000
   Kerat AI is a personalized marketplace for consumers to monitor their hair's health and find the best products for their unique hair type.
   
3. Rainmaker Solutions, $7,000
   Rainmaker Solutions is an AI-powered app allowing mobile car detailers to automate marketing, sales, operations, lead generation, client retention and reviews.
4. Driveway Pit Stop - Mobile Mechanic, $4,000
   Driveway Pit Stop - Mobile Mechanic is a mobile oil changing service that brings convenience to customers' doorsteps.
5. Miata Fitment, $2,000
   Miata Fitment simplifies the buying process for wheels, tires and suspension by allowing a perfect fit through a 3D fitment visualizer.

Open League:

1. Neuro Prima, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, $5,000
   Neuro Prima is a cranial implant facilitating surgical brain decompression and skull reconstruction in patients with severe traumatic brain injuries.

High School League:

1. Vital, Sammamish High School, $5,000, sponsored by the WSU Center for Entrepreneurship
   Vital is an AI-powered landscaping app that transforms outdoor spaces using a simple phone photo, blueprint or sketch.
2. Sweet Labs, $2,000, sponsored by the Believe in Me Foundation
   Sweet Labs is an interactive dessert shop and bakery where customers can create, customize and enjoy their own personalized treats.
3. Someone Loves You, $1,000, sponsored by the Believe in Me Foundation
   Someone Loves You is a clothing business that creates hoodies with affirming messages.
4. Arachnid Apparel, $750, sponsored by the Believe in Me Foundation
   Arachnid Apparel is a fashion business that sews custom designs on unused, blank clothing.

Merit Prize Winners:

• Best Technology Venture: Kerat AI, $2,500
• Best Social Impact Venture: Whiskers & Willow Cat Café, $2,500

Ag Innovation Merit Prize Winner:

• Valicoff Best Ag Innovation, AgTag, $3,000

Additional Merit Prize Winner:

• Best in Trade Show: Someone Loves You, $2,500

Media Contacts

• Paul Warner, WSU Carson College of Business, 509-335-4669, pmwarner@wsu.edu
• Sue McMurray, Carson College of Business, 509-335-7578, sue.mcmurray@wsu.edu