Idaho’s next generation of entrepreneurs faced off on Wednesday in the Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge, hoping to win a competition among 24 of the state’s top future business leaders. Students representing five Idaho universities and colleges competed to earn funding, mentorship, and recognition.
Adam Stock, a student at BYU-Idaho won the competition, representing Cargo Made EZ, a company that designs and builds motorized tiedown strap systems by using high-torque motors and kevlar straps for professionals with flatbed and small trucks. Stock took first place in the Manufactured Goods Track before winning the overall title.
Boise State launched the competition in 2015, enabling students from each of Idaho’s universities to pitch their ideas and learn from experts in making businesses work. Winners receive funds to help them build on their ideas and take them to the next level.
Other awards:
Lifestyle and Service Track: Sierra Sandison; 3D Printcess; Boise State University
Manufactured Goods Track: Adam Stock; Cargo Made EZ; BYU-Idaho
Social and Environmental Impact Track: Cole Alteneder and Landon Lively; HONU Systems; University of Idaho
Software and Technology Track: Sydney Hartford, Amy Huck, Riley Merithew, Daniel Robinson; Schoolhouse Simulations, LLC; University of Idaho
Trolley House Ventures Award: Cole Alteneder and Landon Lively; HONU Systems; University of Idaho
President’s Award: Alex Safiran; Dream Driven Apparel; Boise State University
This year’s virtual event was the 7th Annual Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge, the largest educational collaborative competition among universities in Idaho with students from all five universities participating, including all four public universities.