Under the bright lights of the Student Innovation Center’s Launch Pad, anticipation was in the air as student entrepreneurs stepped forward, one by one, to deliver their pitches. Armed with nothing but a 90-second window and a vision for the future, they captivated judges with bold ideas and confident responses. By the end of the eighth annual Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship College-by-College Pitch Off, one thing was clear: Iowa State University’s innovation ecosystem is thriving.
The pitch-off series began with more than 150 students registered to pitch, spanning all seven ISU colleges, competing over eight days. With a total of 528 minutes of pitches, students showcased their entrepreneurial spirit, vying for cash prizes and, more importantly, the opportunity to bring their ideas to life. After intense competition in the preliminary rounds, 26 finalists advanced to the grand finale on March 4, where they competed for the top award of $5,000.
Boluwarin Ojo pitching her idea, the No-Sparc welding cap.
In the end, Boluwarin Ojo, a College of Design student, took home the top prize in the existing business category with her innovative idea, the No-Sparc welding cap. Designed specifically for welders with long and thick hair, the No-Sparc cap is made from durable, fire-resistant Nomex® fabric and features a satin-lined interior to prevent hair breakage. Boluwarin’s passion for her product stems from her personal experience in welding.
“I’m so passionate about my idea because I myself am a welding intern and know firsthand that this is a genuine issue that many welders with long hair are dealing with,” she shared. “With the industry growing, it is time that personal protective equipment (PPE) options reflect that.”
Ojo’s story resonated with the judges, showing how passion paired with experience can address real-world challenges. Her innovation, born out of necessity, has the potential to revolutionize safety gear in the welding industry.
In the new idea category, Tommy Lehr from the College of Engineering claimed the top prize with Big Dawg Cargo Kits, a creative solution designed to improve bike cargo transportation.
Tommy Lehr pitching his idea for Big Dawg Cargo Kits and showing his prototype to the judges.
The additional finale winners included:
New Idea:
Existing Business:
Honorable Mentions:
We are so proud of all the students who participated and the hard work they put in making this an incredible competition. Whether launching new ventures or refining existing businesses, each participant demonstrated that the future of innovation is in good hands. Congratulations to all who pitched, and here’s to the next wave of groundbreaking ideas!
