Four student groups from UNLV were named finalists this week in the Donald W. Reynolds Governor's Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition, a statewide contest designed to encourage students to use their ideas and talents to create tomorrow's businesses.
The UNLV teams are part of 12 selected to compete for the Governor's cup. Nearly 60 teams from 10 Nevada public and private colleges and universities competed in the contest.
The winners will be announced on April 18 in Reno. The first, second and third place winners in both the graduate and undergraduate categories will receive $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000, respectively. First and second place winners also will compete in the tri-state awards in May and have a chance to win $60,000. Students in the competition also gain access to networks of successful entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders from around the state.
UNLV Finalists
Hope LBC (graduate finalist) is a web-based cancer news network that presents clinical trial information to cancer patients in a way that people with no medical training will understand. The network will help patients connect to new clinical trials and other treatment options. It is the brainchild of community member Jeff Moskow. When Moskow was diagnosed with kidney cancer he was frustrated with the highly technical medical information provided to cancer patients and wanted to create a network that would inform, aid and empower those affected by cancer. Team members include UNLV students Ryan Rollo, Elliot Moskow, Walter Toy, Geoge Pierce, Deanna Walley and Cesar Lopez. The team is advised by Andrew Hardin, a business professor and director of UNLV's Center for Entrepreneurship.
Gymnerate (undergraduate finalist) is an energy brokerage company designed to extract energy from gym machines while in use and send it back to the grid. In doing so, gyms will save energy costs and earn renewable energy credits for their business and for Gymnerate. Every 1,000 kilowatts of energy produced can be sold for $500. Gymnerate also is nominated for the Lt. Governor's Award, a $10,000 cash prize for the business plan that best employs clean, renewable or efficient energy technologies or services. Team members include UNLV students Taylor Hall and Sarah Ton. The team is advised by Janet Runge, enrichment coordinator for the UNLV Lee Business School.
HUD PRO (undergraduate finalist) provides a unique and comfortable way to view important vehicle data and improve driver safety at an affordable price. The device uses smart phone technology to project vehicle information on the windshield while the vehicle is in motion. Data projected in the direct sight line of the driver would include weather conditions, navigation, tire pressure, oil levels and more. Team members include Alex Pereszlenyi and Stephen Beta. Faculty advisor is business professor Robyn Raschke.
Solution Bar (undergraduate finalist) is a science-themed specialty bar that offers unique and molecular mixology beverages. At the solution bar, specialty cocktails and drinks will be served in test tubes and beakers. The team will use modern science and techniques to take liquid alcohol and reshape it into solid edible structures, such as an entire cocktail infused into a cucumber or a margarita made into edible balls that customers would eat like caviar. The target audience is millennials who live in southwest Las Vegas. The team includes UNLV students Ari Weinryt and Diana Duangnet Fisher. The team is advised by Clark Kincaid, a professor in the College of Hotel Administration.
