Trine Awards Innovation Challenge Winners

(photo courtesy Trine University)

Trine University has announced the winners from its fifth annual innovation challenge. The competition focuses on new ideas and concepts from high school and university students, as well as members of the community, that could be used for business and technology.

The first place winner in the business division was The Corn Club, which features a silicone microwave corn popper and a variety of flavored popcorn options. The concept was developed by Trine seniors Jeffrey Bowman and Lucas Hochstetler in the university’s Ketner School of Business. Bowman and Hochstetler received $2,500 for taking the top spot.

Trine senior Lucas Radice won second place and $1,000 for Lax Strong, a concept for a training center for youth and adults interested in lacrosse. Third place and $500 went to Peyton Schrock from Westview High school, who developed a concept for a mobile butchering and processing business. Last month, Schrock won a $5,000 startup grant in the LaGrange County Entrepreneur Competition.

In the technology division, first place and $2,500 went to Trine senior Andrew Walters, who developed A6 Donut, a device that allows lacrosse players to get a better grip on their stick. 

Angel Morrow, a student at the Career Academy of South Bend, won second place and $1,000 for the development of a nickel-free belt buckle, which targets those who are allergic to nickel. Third place and $500 went to Trine junior Bernard Woon, who developed an ergonomic tuba mouthpiece.

The awards were presented by Fifth Third Bank Regional Manager John Milner. The bank funds the awards and scholarships presented through the competition.

?Pictured left to right: Innovation Challenge award winners Shannon Tew, top community project; Lucas Hochstetler and Jeffrey Bowman, first place, business; Peyton Schrock, third place, business; Jason Blume, executive director, Innovation One; Andrew Walters, first place, technology; Lucas Radice, second place, business; John Milner, assistant vice president and regional manager, Fifth Third Bank; and Bernard Woon, third place, technology. Not pictured are Angel Morrow, second place, technology, and Alex Sharpe, best high school project.