Press Herald reports on UMaine Business Challenge finalists
The Portland Press Herald reported on the finalists for the UMaine Business Challenge, the state’s largest student entrepreneurship competition. One of the finalists will receive a $5,000 award to help develop their idea into a business, according to the article. The UMaine Business Challenge was founded in 2011 by a group of 2010 UMaine graduates who wanted to give back to their alma mater while creating more opportunities for student entrepreneurs. The competition, which encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, was opened to all Maine college students in 2014. In addition to the top prize, a $10,000 award also will be given for the best technology-based idea, the article states. Finalists from UMaine are Zechariah Palmeter, who plans to use software to provide a virtual reality experience to those with disabilities; Shaun Veilleux and Kevin Conroy, who have developed an adjustable speedometer that calibrates to the tire size on a vehicle to increase safety and reliability; and Hoang Anh “Christine” Le and Andrea Cunney, who are developing a smartphone application that provides a centralized management platform for organizations to promote events on campus and for students to stay current on social activities; and Nicholas Aiken and Chris Giroux, winners of the Black Bear Hackathon who created an aquaponics system called Aquabuddies. The pitch contest will be held April 23 at UMaine. Mainebiz also reported on the finalists.