Junior Achievement Hosts Innovation Challenge

Last Friday, some of the smartest high school entrepreneurs in Evansville, gathered at Southern Indiana Career & Tech Center for JA's Innovation Challenge. I was invited to judge the projects in the final round. I was blown away by how prepared and creative the teams were! They were challenged to come up with an idea for an invention, that would solve some sort of problem. Then, the teams presented their business plans "Shark Tank" style.

The Best Original Idea went to a group from Harrison. Their invention would bridge the gap between the deaf community, and those that do not know sign language. They called it Sign Glasses. 

The award for the Most Market Ready product went to the Harrison team, Pass The Info. Their invention was a pacifier that not only takes a baby's temperature, but also the heart rate and respirations.This team of 4 girls really knew their stuff, and were able to easily describe the product and business plan. They also won the overall award of cash and gift cards from GattiTown.

Several students were awarded scholarships from Ivy Tech Community College, University of Evansville, and the University of Southern Indiana Foundation.