企业大学 and College of Science and Engineering Host Inaugural 狮子’s Innovation Showcase and Automation Challenge

The 企业大学, the hub for 创业, startups and innovation in the 皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务 College of 业务, partnered with the College of Science and Engineering to host the inaugural 狮子's Innovation Showcase and Automation Challenge at the Rayburn Student Center on April 19, 2024.

The 狮子's Innovation Showcase features student businesses and nonprofits 从一个&M-商务 alongside dedicated high school students from the DFW and Northeast Texas regions. 今年, the addition of the Automation Challenge, aimed to inspire problem-solving, innovation and 创业 in the fields of science, 工程, agriculture and technology through automation. The Automation Challenge was supported by a sponsorship 从一个ll Metals Fabricating in Allen, Texas.

Twenty students 从一个&M-商务 and several high schools competed in the pitch competition, vying for up to $8,000 in cash prizes across business, nonprofit and automation challenge categories. The pitches were evaluated by nine industry professionals from academia, 创业, 工程, finance and management and were presented to over 125 attendees. Representatives from Lewisville Independent School District attended the event, highlighting the community’s support for student innovation, 创业 and engagement.

雅各Pouttu, 企业大学's program coordinator, expressed his enthusiasm, 说, “每年, 企业大学 makes a point of showcasing the amazing work our fellows have been doing, 今年, it was better than ever. We had so many pitches that wowed our judges and the audience, including a high school student who coded her own app, a nonprofit that provides sober living in Hunt County, an automated plant watering system, an esports company and so much more. I cannot get over how good these students are.”

Jacob also praised the partnership with the College of Science and Engineering as it underscores the university's commitment to providing platforms for student growth and fostering innovation across disciplines.

Guest judge Dawn Spalding, VP of development at the North 达拉斯 Chamber of 商务, expressed her admiration, 声明, “As a judge for the 企业大学 狮子's Innovation Showcase, I was thoroughly impressed by the innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by the student businesses and nonprofits. It's inspiring to see young minds pushing the boundaries of innovation and creating impactful solutions for our community.”