2023 Award Recipients

Final Pitch Competition: On Glass

Founded by: Zach Adams | Boise State University

On Glass offers quality pictures far away using a digiscoping solution that doesn’t interfere with the day to day use of your phone. On Glass Adapter offers a way for users to attach their cell phones to an optical device like a spotting scope, pair of binoculars, or telescope.

Trolley House Ventures Award: On Glass

Founded by: Zach Adams | Boise State University

The Trolley House Venture Award recognizes a company with commercial promise. This award is composed of $5,000 and a mentorship opportunity with Trolley House Ventures.

President’s Award: Willow’s Playground

Founded by: Jacob Brown | University of Idaho

The President’s Award is given to an inspiring student entrepreneur by Boise State University’s President Marlene Tromp.

Children on the autism spectrum have a harder and slower time developing social skills than their peers. Willow’s Playground helps children aged 7-11 on the autism spectrum strengthen their communication skills by providing a safe environment to practice via VR with a high skill retention rate, using conversational AI.

Final Pitch Competition: On Glass

Founded by: Zach Adams | Boise State University

On Glass offers quality pictures far away using a digiscoping solution that doesn’t interfere with the day to day use of your phone. On Glass Adapter offers a way for users to attach their cell phones to an optical device like a spotting scope, pair of binoculars, or telescope.

Track Winner:On Glass

Founded by: Zach Adams | Boise State University

Track Winner | Accessories Track

On Glass offers quality pictures far away using a digiscoping solution that doesn’t interfere with the day to day use of your phone. On Glass Adapter offers a way for users to attach their cell phones to an optical device like a spotting scope, pair of binoculars, or telescope.

Second Place: Sliver Shield

Founded by: Ray Michel & Kayleen Meixner | Idaho State University

Second Place | Accessories Track

Hair splinters are a major issue for those who work as hairstylists and animal groomers. Sliver Shield gloves are designed to protect the hands from hair splinters and shed hair quickly while being thin enough to be comfortably worn all day, with a fabric that quickly sheds water as well as hairs.

Third Place: JETPAKK

Founded by: Jaxon Evans | Brigham Young University – Idaho

Third Place | Accessories Track

JETPAKK is a customizable backpack that allows you to express your personality and style. You can customize your backpack so it is different every single day. The  backpack straps are easily customizable and interchangeable. For example, if you like Star Wars you can clip in Star Wars straps.

Track Winner: Aquafur

Founded by: Brayden Olson & Brock Olson | Boise State University

Track Winner | Manufactured Goods

Aquafur provides a variety of water sport equipment to the North American Regions which allows participants to safely recreate in any water sport.

Second Place: StrapWell

Founded by: Samuel Slusser | University of Idaho

Second Place | Manufactured Goods

A StrapWell bag is designed to strap and cinch on to any tie-down available. With this bag any construction company or building supply store that is shipping large items on a flatbed truck can now ship smaller items on the same truck.

Third Place: Smooth Suspension

Founded by: Cassidi Shindler | University of Idaho

Third Place | Manufactured Goods

The Smooth Suspension patent-pending suspension system is designed with a first-class lever redirecting the shock downward and away from the cargo in the trailer. This minimizes shock by, at a minimum, 50% during transport. This greatly reduces the stresses experienced by animals or cargo as well as increases the safety when hauling, as compared to traditional trailer suspension systems.

Track Winner: Sawtooth Sweet Shoppe

Founded by: Kalyssa Safley | University of Idaho

Track Winner | Services/Consumer Packaged Goods

Sawtooth Sweet Shoppe is a freeze dried candy business that sells direct to consumers. Their current product line includes freeze dried taffy, freeze dried marshmallows, and freeze dried fruit drops. They are actively expanding their product line every couple weeks.

Second Place: After Hours

Founded by: Joseph Raymant, Mimi Brimhall, Gracie Reynolds, Samuel Jones, & Doug Bates | Brigham Young University – Idaho

Second Place | Services/Consumer Packaged Goods Track

After Hours is bringing the atmosphere of going out for a drink, along with good bar food to Rexburg, while abstaining from the need of alcohol to have a good time. Stay for the good vibes, chicken wings, and non-alcoholics beverages.

Third Place: Breathe Easy Navigation

Founded by: Jacquelyn Ginter-Roush | Boise State University

Third Place | Services/Consumer Packaged Goods Track

Breathe Easy Navigation (BEN) allows chronic respiratory patients to breathe easier. BEN would serve as Respiratory Liaison to hospitals and pulmonary clinics, reaching all patients that require this service.

Track Winner: Willow’s Playground

Founded by: Jacob Brown, University of Idaho

Track Winner | Technology

Children on the autism spectrum have a harder and slower time developing social skills than their peers. Willow’s Playground helps children aged 7-11 on the autism spectrum strengthen their communication skills by providing a safe environment to practice via VR with a high skill retention rate, using conversational AI.

Second Place: U Caddy

Founded by: Sam Brown, Hogan Hatten, Hayden Hatten, & Alex Moore | University of Idaho

Second Place | Technology Track

U Caddy is a golf transportation vehicle, which enables users to move quicker around the golf course, for less than half the cost of competitors. The articulating two front wheel system allows for more stability. U Caddy has features unseen on other golf bikes, such as ball and club cleaners as well as many more add-ons.

Third Place: Vision

Founded by: Jose Manuel Iturrios Celis | Idaho State University

Third Place | Technology Track

Vision is a portable and easy-to-use case that will sanitize and eradicate the buildup of bacteria, pollution, and protein, which are the leading cause of contact lens wear out and eye infections.