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Four Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students joined forces with five cutting-edge technology companies to participate in the Indiana Venture Center’s second University Entrepreneurial Challenge on Oct. 5-7. The students benefited from a real world experience, and the participating companies -- Brogan Pharmaceuticals, American Professional Nursing Resource, Simply Ice, Telecom Solution Center, and Vasc-Alert -- walked away with incredible investment pitches.
William Kline, associate dean for professional experiences for Rose-Hulman Ventures, stated, "The Entrepreneur Challenge provided students outstanding experience in working on multidisciplinary teams and professional practice experience which are both critical skills for graduates entering the competitive business world of today."
Chosen to represent Rose-Hulman in this elite collaborative competition were Mark Ellis, a junior mechanical engineering major from Carmel, Ind.; Jonathan Fone, a junior civil engineering major from San Mateo, Calif.; Robert Tauber, a senior biomedical engineering major from Park Ridge, Ill.; and Wes Winham, a senior software engineering major from Chickasha, Okla.
At the end of the two-day collaborative event, each of five cross-university teams presented 15-minute investment pitches to the participating companies and a panel of judges. Other colleges participating were Ball State University, Butler University, Indiana University, Purdue University, University of Evansville and University of Notre Dame.
The students, faculty and companies converged to share perspectives, challenges and insights into the entrepreneurial process.
"All parties involved witnessed collaboration at its finest," stated Stacie Porter Bilger, university relations director for the Indiana Venture Center, Inc. "This event connected ideas and talent, and it concluded with energized students and challenged entrepreneurs. This is the start for more innovation to come."
Looking at the event from a different perspective, Mark Smith of Brogan Pharmaceuticals stated, "The enthusiasm and raw talent of the student teams was impressive. The students came to win and took the competition very seriously. The experience gained in the two-day program can’t be replicated in a university classroom-based setting. I wish I had the opportunity to be a part of a program like this when I was going through my undergraduate IU experience."
The Indiana Venture Center, Inc. works independently, as well as in collaboration with universities and other organizations, to increase the number and the quality of successful entrepreneurial, high growth companies in Indiana. The center catalyzes the establishment of a more creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial educational and business climate in Indiana. |
