On April 21, Michigan Tech students, Bayle Golden and Rourke Sylvan, traveled to Central Michigan University to compete in the 2023 New Venture Challenge (NVC). The NVC challenge is a competition event for student to help develop their entrepreneurial mindset, learn business start-up techniques, and develop their business ideas. The finalists from both Michigan Tech and Central Michigan University met up for a final showcase of their business ideas in the 17 minute pitch categories of High Growth, Social Mission, and Main Street Ventures and for the two minute pitch categories of Elevator Pitch, Isabella Bank Gallery, Audience Choice, and NVC Investor Contribution awards.
Bayle Golden, a MTU graduate student in engineering management, pitched her business idea called STEMPower. This business would strive to create an integrative STEM experience for young girls through a physical toy line and online STEM community. They hope to change the STEM landscape and empower an entire generation of youth. Her business idea was selected as the 1st place winner in the Social Mission category and as the sole winner of the Michael and Dianne Morey Best Overall Venture Award. Each of these awards includes a $10,000 prize to continue development of the business.
Rourke Sylvain, a MTU graduate student in biomedical engineering, pitched his company called imi. Imi revolutionizes healthcare by eliminating the need for centralized clinical testing by developing bio wearable devices that provide patients the ability to monitor their hormone levels continuously. Rourke Sylvain and partner Ali Dabas were awarded 3rd place in the High Growth category with a $2,000 prize.
It takes a lot of courage to pitch your venture on the big stage. Congrats again to all the finalists!
Main Street Category
The Main Street Business First Place Award Sponsored by John G. Kulhavi – Don Abelardo’s Bakery, Diana Magdeleno-Leal
2nd Place Main Street – Midwest Best Construction, Eric Olejniczak
3rd Place Main Street Sponsored by Team Financial Group Inc. – Roamin One, Alina Krasinski
Social Mission Category
1st Place Social Mission – STEMPower, Bayle Golden
2nd Place Social Mission – Safe Sleeps, Amber Troyer
3rd Place Social Mission Sponsored by Mrs. Kristie Nystedt – Thrive Nonprofit Strategies, Libby Jackson & Abbie Pinter
High Growth, High Potential Category
The Korson Family Highest Growth Potential Award – Coyote Cookware, Zach Bagbey
The Reed Family Award 2nd Place High Growth – Rasegan Outdoor Company, LLC, Robert Rasegan
3rd Place High Growth – IMI, Rourke Sylvain & Ali Dabas
The Michael and Dianne Morey Best Overall Venture Award – STEMPower, Bayle Golden