BRINGING PRODUCTS TO MARKET

By Ross Wulf

Last fall, University of Idaho students won a total of $37,000 in Idaho’s largest entrepreneurial competition, Boise Entrepreneur Week. Competitors propose solutions to problems provided by industry leaders and pitch solutions for cash prizes. It’s an opportunity to build viable ventures and connect with mentors and industry leaders, including 50 Boise business owners and executives.

U of I students earned top placement in the annual competition hosted by Boise State University. Winnings support developing interdisciplinary, team-designed business plans to address unique challenges.

First place cybersecurity competition winner Intty Anantachote, a senior in virtual technology and design, earned $13,000 for a tool that uses virtual reality to help educate seniors and students about scams designed to obtain money or confidential information.

Finance and PGA golf senior Sam Slusser also won first place, taking home $10,000 in the Hacking for Homebuilding competition for a bag he designed to latch onto tie-down straps that is safe for any type of hauling or moving.