Finding innovative solutions to improving life after COVID-19 was a collective theme at Washington State University’s 19th annual Business Plan Competition Thursday, April 28.
The WSU Center for Entrepreneurship hosted the hybrid multi-stage competition where 110 student venture teams competed in three different leagues, representing nearly 297 students from colleges and high schools throughout Washington and Idaho.
Venture teams in the Open League and the High School league participated in two fully virtual rounds, a screening round and final presentations on Friday, April 22.
The winning teams for all three leagues were invited to an awards banquet featuring keynote speaker Trey Lauderdale, serial entrepreneur and investor, immediately following the College League final round.
The University of Washington team Ultropia won first place in the Open League.
In the High School League, Perfect Pillow won first place.
Founding teams represented more than 20 different academic majors including construction management, multimedia journalism, electrical engineering, hospitality, software engineering and many more.
“I am continually impressed by the high caliber teams that enter the competition each year and the innovative ideas they present,” said Marie Mayes, director of the WSU CES.
Academic and industry professionals judged teams based on a variety of factors, including presentation, value proposition, go-to-market strategy, investment analysis, financials and more.
In the High School league, the Morning Star Foundation sponsored all the prizes except for the grand prize, which is sponsored by the Herbert B.