Since its inception in 2016, CYstarters has helped over 141 students and graduates kickstart 111 businesses, with an impressive 70% of these ventures still thriving today.
The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is excited to introduce the members of CYstarters cohort 9! The newest cohort is made up of 16 talented student entrepreneurs from diverse academic backgrounds across all six undergraduate colleges. Selected from a pool of aspiring entrepreneurs, these individuals will spend the next 11 weeks receiving mentorship, funding, and extensive resources to bring their entrepreneurial ventures to life.
Save the date for CYstarters Demo Day on Tuesday, July 30, where each venture will showcase the progress they have made over the summer. Held at the ISU Research Park Core Facility, Demo Day is free and open to the public.
Congratulations to cohort 9, and welcome to the CYstarters community!
SockzUp | Chloe Mettenbrink
SockzUp is an innovative assistive tool designed to aid individuals with fine motor skill limitations in putting on and removing socks. Developed with a focus on durability and user experience, our device aims to alleviate frustration and irritation while promoting independence and accessibility. Ideal for occupational therapy use, it empowers users by enhancing their ability to perform daily tasks with ease and confidence. Our mission is to revolutionize accessibility and improve quality of life for those with health conditions. Experience the difference our sock-assisting tool can make in fostering independence and enhancing well-being. Chloe is pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Social Sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and will graduate in 2025.
Belle Brand Artistry | Shayla Timm
Belle Brand Artistry offers digital photography services for seniors, weddings, families, events, and other portrait needs. Belle Brand was created in June of 2022 out of my passion to positively impact others using my artistic talents. At Belle Brand, I capture the authentic liveliness of important milestones and events in others’ lives through vibrant photographs. Shayla is pursuing a degree in Integrated Studio Arts with a minor in entrepreneurship in the College of Design and will graduate in 2025.
TagLink | Jonathan Duron
TagLink is a cutting-edge phone application that leverages NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to seamlessly store and retrieve data, offering users a convenient and efficient way to manage and access information on the go. Jonathan is pursuing a degree in Software Engineering in the College of Engineering and will graduate in 2025.
Morbid Living is a PG13, dark humor card game in which players try to win at life by performing illegal activities. Think “The Game of Life” mixed with “Cards Against Humanity.” The objective of the game is to collect a job, house, vehicle, and one million dollars. Andrew is pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Finance in the Ivy College of Business and will graduate in 2026.
VickSum Pay | Kaden Bowie
Vicksum Pay is an independent payment processing company that conduronsists of independence sales agents who rely on needs-based selling to help their target market of local businesses. Vicksum Pay operates by partnering with other payment processing companies and selling their products for financial gain. Kaden is pursuing a degree in Management in the Ivy College of Business and will graduate in 2024.
Helix | Alana Corwin
Helix is a comprehensive tool inspired by the psychological structure of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This is a two-part product where mental health care is integrated into a daily workbook, planner, and journal that is separately supported with an app. Helix is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop products and services that educate and guide individuals on the path of personal growth, while positively impacting as many people as we can. Alana is pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurship in the Ivy College of Business and will graduate in 2026.
Frozen Gains | Zane Lenz and Grant Veenstra
Frozen Gains is a nutrient-rich ice cream designed to be a delicious alternative to protein shakes and make healthy weight gain easier for all. Whether you are a bodybuilder, college athlete, or a malnourished individual, Frozen Gains was designed to help you achieve your fitness goals and maintain a healthy life. Grant is pursuing a degree in Finance in the Ivy College of Business and will graduate in 2025 and Zane is pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering and will graduate in 2026.
Joyful Melodies | Ellie Lashier
Joyful Melodies is an innovative piano method designed to foster imaginative music-making for children ages 3-7. This system will be designed through collaboration with pedagogical experts and is centered around fostering children’s technical ability and expression. Students will experience joy and connection while also building a strong foundation for future music making in any environment. Ellie is pursuing a degree in Music and Religious Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a minor in Entrepreneurship, and she will graduate in 2025.
Bustle Row | Dani Rothman
Bustle Row aims to design more inclusive and sustainable bridalwear. This means modular looks that can accompany all brides’ shapes, that are made ethically from renewable fibers, and sold in a shop that pays living wages with benefits. It’s time to move past single-use, polyester wedding gowns and embrace beautiful designs that continue to be a treasured, meaningful part of a wardrobe for years after the wedding day. Dani is pursuing a degree in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design in the College of Human Sciences and will graduate in 2024.
Impulse AI LLC | Samuel Gentz and Jacob Schulmeister
At Impulse AI LLC, we are dedicated to crafting the future, one automation at a time. With innovation at our core, we harness the power of cutting-edge technology to shape a brighter tomorrow. Both Samuel (graduating in 2026) and Jacob (graduating in 2025) are pursuing a degree in Software Engineering in the College of Engineering.
SongBird Music Decor | Spenser Leise
SongBird Music Decor is an innovative home decor company, providing highly customizable products for music listeners. SongBird currently offers posters inspired by songs, albums, and occasions. With every poster, the customer can add their own flair at no additional cost. With a growing collection of designs and fully customizable options, SongBird has something for everyone who enjoys music. Spenser and pursuing a degree in Advertising in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and will graduate in 2026.
Z Creative Hub by Zalasky Design | Tate Zalasky
Zalasky Design is a business that provides creative services to record labels and artists. Z Creative Hub will be an upscaled model of the current business, eventually becoming a design firm and online marketplace. The website and app are unique in that the UI is visually engaging with customizable profiles, leaderboards, a shop, and more. Z Creative Hub will be a gamified marketplace, subsequently reaching a wider audience with far more engagement, making a home for all artists. Tate is pursuing a degree in Graphic Design in the College of Design and will graduate in 2025.
nutrl. | Kai Huntoon
At nutrl., we champion a revolutionary approach to fashion that transcends traditional gender norms. Our mission is to create a space where individuals of any gender identity can express themselves freely and comfortably through clothing without the constraints of societal expectations. We believe that fashion should reflect one’s unique identity, untethered by rigid gender roles. Kai is pursuing a degree in Apparel Merchandising and Design in the College of Human Sciences and will graduate in 2025.
YOU | Ella Schulte
When it comes to personalized content, why not have it all? Rooted in representation, empowerment, and education, YOU changes with you as opposed to persuading you to fit into society’s mold. The personalized, digital publication allows subscribers to read about and watch a variety of custom content. This selection includes everything from fashion and cooking to one’s favorite causes, charities, and products. Here at YOU, we pair one’s unique individuality and interests with our hope to spread positivity, light, and love. Ella is pursuing a graduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications in the Greenlee School of Journalism and will graduate in 2024.
