WSU students form 19 teams to compete in first Koch Innovation Challenge
The Koch Innovation Challenge is made possible thanks to a $1 million gift from the Koch Foundation. Nineteen cross-disciplinary teams -- each comprised of three-to-five students studying engineering, art and design, business and other disciplines -- will present their entrepreneurial ideas, vying to become one of five teams to win $1,200 each in investment capital to produce prototypes. Additionally, each member of the five winning teams will receive $1,000 scholarships for the spring 2017 semester. A grand champion team selected next year will compete nationally at a collegiate entrepreneurs' conference.
"This program is key to providing an environment for students that ignites curiosity, instills a desire for knowledge, awakens a passion for their chosen profession and inspires an enthusiasm to think big that will carry over into their career," said Royce Bowden, College of Engineering dean.
The competition emphasizes teamwork and entrepreneurship. In addition to a technically feasible and potentially profitable prototype, competing cross-disciplinary teams will submit a basic business plan or opportunity statement to determine market size, profitability, and potential for commercialization.
Sample team projects include:
- Preventing hot car deaths using the car's on-board diagnostics port.
- Decreasing drunk driving with an improved test that will lock keys if test is positive.
- Reducing CO2 emissions of lawn mowers using a chemical filter.
- Increasing classroom focus of individuals with hyperactivity disorders.
The College of Engineering organized the Koch Innovation Challenge from its Engineering 101 Introduction to Engineering course and Introduction to Technology & Innovation Freshman Seminar general education course.
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Contact: Samantha Corcoran, engineering educator, 316-978-6301 or samantha.corcoran@wichita.edu.