NW Missouri Times

Students gathered at Northwest Missouri State University to present their innovative business ideas in the annual New Venture Pitch competition. The event included entries from nine teams, offering students a platform to hone entrepreneurial skills by pitching their start-up concepts to a panel of business professionals.

Missouri University of Science and Technology students Adam Camerer and Tohajie Rae emerged victorious with their venture, The PolliBot Company. The duo's concept of a robotic pollination system aimed at aiding farmers and enhancing crop production earned them the first-place prize of $2,500.

Dr. Ben Blackford, director of Northwest's Melvin D. & Valorie G. Booth School of Business, expressed the event's significance: “The presentations are always impressive, and it’s great to see all the creativity taking place with some great business ideas." He emphasized the value of presentation skills and industry interaction for students.

A separate team from Northwest, consisting of Kaylee Bauer, Trayvon McCalib, Hunter Rader, and Abby Stamp, clinched second place. Their idea, Sleep Smart, is a high-tech pillow designed to optimize sleep conditions through technological innovations akin to other sleep-tracking devices. This team was awarded $1,500.

Reflecting on the experience, Hunter Rader found it pivotal: “It was really eye-opening because I feel like it could give you an idea of what it could be if you were to start your own business and pitching it to people you don’t know."

The competition also showcased other innovative proposals, such as all-natural protein bars and smart pajamas. Rex Broad, a judge and member of the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors, praised the caliber of innovation, noting, “it amazes me how in-depth they study or research.”

The Melvin D. & Valorie G. Booth Endowment Fund provided funding for the competition, which also distributed Walmart gift cards to participants.