UWO student-entrepreneur's AI-powered map for people with mobility challenges tops Culver pitch contest

Volunteer work helping people with disabilities inspired a computer science major's cutting edge idea that claimed top honors at the recent Culver Business Model Competition at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Chaewon Yoon pitched Curb Map-an innovative, AI-powered platform designed to transform 2D images and drawings into high-precision 3D models while elevating the quality of raw, amateur sketches to professional standards.

The idea integrates advanced 2D-to-3D conversion, automated texture application, multi-view generation and a unique refinement model that enhances low-quality, hand-drawn inputs.

Yoon, born in South Korea and was raised in Vienna, Austria, during elementary and middle school, where she had the opportunity to volunteer during a school-supported community event assisting individuals with disabilities during programs and activities.

"During that period, I started to recognize how many everyday spaces are difficult to navigate-not because people lack ability, but because our environments aren't designed to be accessible," she said. "That early awareness is what planted the seed for what eventually became Curb Map 360."

Yoon expects to graduate in May 2028. For her winning pitch, she earned a $3,000 prize (which was doubled by judge and UWO alumnus Craig Culver), as well as in-kind donations.

As top finisher, Yoon also had a stop at Fox Valley of the Pitch as well as the 2025 WiSys Big Idea Tournament business pitch events.

Though she didn't earn additional honors at the events, she felt it was a valuable experience that helped refine her Curb Map 360 project.

Taking second

Jhanik Posnanski, a business management student planning to graduate in May 2028, earned 2^nd place in the Culver's Business Model Competition, with a pitch called Zin Tin.

Zin Tin is described as a simple, effective method to eliminate nicotine pouch littering-similar to the way outdoor ash tray towers help reduce the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products from polluting the environment.

Second place took home $1,500 in prize money (amount also was doubled by Craig Culver) and in-kind donations. Posnanski will compete with Yoon at Fox Valley of the Pitch.

Capturing third

Emma Hady, an education major who plans to graduate in May 2028, earned 3^rd place with her Haddy RB Southdowns.

Hady's business is a small niche show-sheep operation that selects superior genetics for high-quality breeding stock and direct-market freezer lamb.

Third place won $500 in prize money (amount also was doubled by Craig Culver) and in-kind donations.

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