Thirteen students shared $5,300 in prize money at the fall IdeaStorm competition Sept. 19 in the Pappajohn Business Building. The event was presented by the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.

First-place $500 winners were Braeden Harrell (health initiatives), Jack Birmingham (creative concepts), Brooklyn Grams (common good), and Spencer Holman (consumer colutions).

A total of 29 individuals pitched 31 creative ideas. These students represented a variety of majors and areas of study making this competition a great example of multidisciplinary innovation across the University of Iowa campus. The top ideas selected by judges were awarded cash prizes, as well as a Judge’s Choice award of $500 to Marco Minervini.

IdeaStorm is an entry-level pitch competition open to all University of Iowa students. The competition is designed to introduce students to innovation by encouraging them to share their idea in one minute or less via an in-person pitch describing how they would solve a problem in a unique way. Students do not need a business plan, prior pitching experience, or a presentation to pitch — this allows them to enjoy a soft introduction to the world of entrepreneurship.

Health Initiatives
Students shared ideas that help create better well-being through health care innovation.

$500 | Braeden Harrell (biomedical engineering (biomechanics and biomaterials), computer science minor)
Automated medication management
$400 | Lola Lozano (MD medicine, PhD genetics) 
Cards to improve sex lives of seniors
$300 | Tyler Benz (BBA marketing, BBA entrepreneurship)
App building community in martial arts

Creative Concepts

$500 | Jack Birmingham (BBA)
EcoVote aims to incentivize recycling
$400 | Rachel Zambrano (economics, pre-business)
App that connects students to organizations that fit their goals
$300 | Taylor Myers (pre-business)
Student majors to business collaboration program

Common Good
Students share ideas that inspire change through social and sustainable solutions that benefit the common good.

$500 | Brooklyn Grams (pre-business)  
Women-centered gym/yoga
$400 | Allison Colantuono (open)
Subscription model platform for cars out of warranty
$300 | Brick Kabela (enterprise leadership, pre-dentistry)
Build My Plate is an app that identifies nutritional knowledge of dining hall food

Consumer Solutions
Students share ideas that explore solutions to everyday problems through new products or services.

$500 | Spencer Holman (computer science, biochemistry and molecular biology)
Unisex jewelry specializing in the Iowa Hawkeyes
$400 | Anna Makarenko (finance)
Capsule is a minimalistic clothing line to promote sustainability
$300 | Brett Payne (BBA)
Spike Alert is a device that constantly monitors drink if and unusual substance is added

Judge’s Choice

$500 | Marco Minervini (Enterprise leadership)
A sport agency company prioritizing wealth outside of sports