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Written By: Press Release Posted by David Elliott
Published Date: 12-11-2023
A team of students from Fort Hays State University narrowly edged out a University of Connecticut team in the inaugural Werth Entrepreneurship Challenge on November 29.
The event, sponsored by Peter Werth in collaboration with FHSU’s Department of Applied Technology, challenged participants from FHSU and UCONN with developing start-up business plans focused on sustainable energy, particularly in inventing, designing and manufacturing a portable charging station.
The first-place team received $15,000 in prize money, with the second-place team receiving $10,000.
Students were judged on presentation style, business plan summary, and founders and venture viability. FHSU’s business plan, True Sustainable Energy, focused on a permanent charging station called the WattSpot, a charging station that combines green energy technology, comfort of nature and ease of work into one concept. UCONN’s team created Solar Sync, an ADA-compliant charging station that included LED lighting and an e-scooter charging station.
Eric Deneault, Associate Professor of Engineering Design Technology at FHSU, served as chief organizer and host for the challenge.
“The accomplishments of FHSU and UCONN students are a testament to their exceptional talents, reflecting positively on their respective universities,” Deneault said. “The experience has been one-of-a-kind, offering valuable educational insight for all participants.
FHSU team members include KAMS student Tuley Gilliand of Holton, senior John Brody Groves of Tonganoxie, KAMS student Bryce Steffan of Ellinwood, sophomore Austin Radke of Halstead, senior Sullivan Kelly of Davenport, Iowa and senior Joey Olsen of Olathe.
“I am excited about the future evolution of this challenge and the potential for a lasting partnership, fostering entrepreneurship and collaboration among bright young minds from different institutions,” Deneault said. “I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Peter Werth for sponsoring the event, UCONN for their participation, the judges and my administration for their continued support of undergraduate research and entrepreneurship. Truly a team effort.”
(Information and photo courtesy FHSU University Communications.)
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