ABERDEEN, S.D. – The winners of Northern State University’s 2024 Idea Pitch Competition have been announced, with three students taking home top prizes for their entrepreneurial ideas. The competition, held on Oct. 17 in the Jewett Regional Science Center lobby, was sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation.
- Sam Tremelling, majoring in business administration, took first place and a prize of $500 for his app idea, Global Athlete Network. Tremelling also received a $50 People’s Choice award for Greatest Need.
- Abiah George, majoring in psychology, earned second place and $250 for her app idea, Findr, along with a $50 People’s Choice award for Best Overall Pitch.
- Kayleen Hermans, majoring in digital media, won third place and $100 for her business idea, Xibuilt.
Additionally, John Schwab received a $50 People’s Choice award for Industry Disruptor with his pitch of Schwab Gazette Industries.
The Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition provides students with the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial thinking by pitching innovative solutions to real-world problems in a Shark Tank-style format. Audience members also had the chance to participate by selecting the winners of the People’s Choice awards.
For more information about the competition, contact Bea Smith, director of the Northern Innovation and Startup Center, at bea.smith@northern.edu.
