Tri-Cities Tech Business Update
Students win big at business plan competitions
Coaching from PNNL's Economic Development Office contributed to a big payoff when a student team from WSU Tri-Cities-EyeDot-won third place overall ($7,000) at the WSU Business Plan Competition in Pullman in late April. EyeDot also won best investment in the semifinal round ($500) and best presenter for one of the team's members ($500) at the competition. The same team also made it into the semifinals at University of Oregon's New Venture Championship international competition in Portland, bringing home $500, for a grand total of $8,500 in winnings.
Two teams from the University of Oregon's Technology Entrepreneurship Program have also enjoyed some significant competition wins for business plans based on PNNL technologies. Sonas, based on PNNL's container screening device technology, won third place and $10,000 at the University of Manitoba competition, and "Best Exhibit Award" and $350 at the University of Cincinnati Spirit of Enterprise competition. VisiRay, based on PNNL's millimeter wave technology, has won numerous awards including first place at the Venture Quest competition, and third place at the New Venture Championship and University of Louisville competitions, for a total of $6,000.
