Tagged: Student Startups

The 2021 John Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition was held virtually with 13 students advancing to the final presentation round, where plans were reviewed by John Pappajohn and his team.  Student entrepreneurs entering the competition came from Drake University, Iowa State University, North Iowa Area Community College, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa.  The following businesses emerged as winners of this year’s competition, with each venture receiving $5,000. 

• Thuy Nguyen, founder of Optic Origin, University of Iowa.  Optic Origin provides vision correction to underserved communities through an intelligently prescription match platform.
• Mason Weh, founder of Mentoring for Change, Iowa State University.  Mentoring for Change aims to mentor disadvantaged youth ages 15-19 through sports and art to help them reach their full potential.
• Anthony Piscopo, Hawkeye Surgical Lighting, University of Iowa.  Hawkeye Surgical Lighting has developed a light worn by surgeons that lights up tumors during a surgical procedure. 

Students take top prizes in statewide Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

Three college student teams each claimed $5,000 prizes at the finals of the Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition on April 26, in Des Moines.

The University of Iowa, through Iowa JPEC, has created a place for student businesses to exceed. The Founders Club offers a place for students to become successful in their businesses.

Thirteen student teams representing Iowa State University, University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, and North Iowa Area Community College got the chance to pitch to John Pappajohn and his team at Equity Dynamics for the chance to win $5,000 for their business idea.