BY ALICIA FEYERHERM
The EPI2C Sustainable Venture Challenge, formerly known as Kansas Startup will be held from November 11th through the 13th.
Founder Henry Schwaller IV said Kansas Startup generated great business ideas, but rebranding to focus on sustainability helps students dig deeper.
“We’re going to go beyond the typical cookie cutter ideas, and try to think a little bit differently and raise them up a level,” Schwaller said.
Sustainable ventures could take several different forms with Schwaller talking about using 3D printing for construction projects or making clothes from recyclable materials. The goal is to develop a unique, sustainable idea that aligns with the UN sustainable development goals. The theme this year is “Do Good. Make a Difference. Change the World.”
Not only are the ideas for this competition taken to a new level compared to Kansas Startup, but the cash prizes have been multiplied by almost 10-fold this year. First place will receive $5000, second place will receive $2500, third place will receive $1000 and $1000 will be awarded to the entry that makes the greatest improvement over the weekend.
The event approaches entrepreneurship in a way that is experimental, purposeful, imaginative, innovative and creative and enabled by the application of design-thinking.
Schwaller emphasized this event is not just for business majors. All Kansas students, including both undergraduate and graduate students, non-FHSU students and high school students are welcome to participate.
“We just want people that are interested in meeting others and have an interest in starting new ventures,” Schwaller said.
Schwaller noted having a group with diverse backgrounds is very helpful when designing projects.
“If I’m putting together a team, I want someone who knows marketing, someone who understands finance, some who understands design,” Schwaller. “There’s a place for everyone.”
Individuals do not need to have a team organized in advance.
“All they need to do is show up,” Schwaller said. “We provide the food, tools and resources.”
One of those resources is an experienced team of peer mentors from The University of Connecticut. Peter Werth, for whom the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics is named, is a University of Connecticut alum and has strong connections with the university.
“They’re sending their very best students here, and some of their faculty,” Schwaller said. “They’re going to interact and help coach and mentor our teams.”
Teams will work on their ventures from Friday night ‘till Sunday, but that time will not solely be spent in the Robbins Center.
“They’re not stuck in a room all weekend long,” Schwaller said. “That would be no fun at all.”
Participants will be going out into the community, talking to people, seeing what resources are available and gathering data from potential customers.
The weekend will end with each group delivering a 10-minute presentation to a panel of judges. The judges will score the groups, provide feedback and ultimately select the winners.
If interested in participating, email Henry Schwaller at H_SchwallerIV@fhsu.edu no later than November 8.
“It’s a learning experience, a networking experience, and all around students leave with a better understanding of how to make change in their communities,” Schwaller said.