Entrepreneurs walk away with money
Student innovators from across Oklahoma pitched concepts in the 2021 Love’s Entrepreneur’s Cup that ranged from high tech futuristic solutions to answers for real world problems that are here and now.
Teams from Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Central Oklahoma emerged as first-place winners when the Love’s Cup concluded in a special Facebook Live celebration on April 22.
The winning teams were among more than 50 collegiate teams that originally submitted written business plans for the competition, which began with the Interview portion in February.
Student entrepreneurs competed in three divisions for $158,000 in cash awards and scholarships.
In a special address to the Facebook Live audience, Jenny Love Meyer, chief culture officer for Love’s Travel Stops, thanked the student entrepreneurs for rising to the occasion amid the social distancing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Love’s is proud to recognize these outstanding young people, whose ability to create, innovate and think outside the box is an inspiration to us all,” Meyer said. “Every one of these students has shown a tremendous commitment to excellence and perseverance that I have no doubt will help them make a positive impact in their communities.”
Claiming first place and a cash award of $20,000 in this year’s High Growth Graduate Division was team BioSeal XE from Oklahoma State University. Saeed Manouchehr was BioSeal XE team leader, with Kevin Heupel as team member. David Thomison was adviser.
BioSeal XE is taking a bio adhesive to the equine market with technology that immediately stops bleeding and accelerates wound healing in horses for traumatic cuts, tears, or skin punctures.
Second place in the Graduate Division was claimed by team Pick Pro from the University of Central Oklahoma, while another team from Oklahoma State University, Apeiron Solutions, was the third-place winner.
In the High Growth Undergraduate Division, team Daedalus Droneworks from the University of Oklahoma claimed the first-place prize of $20,000. Avery Mayfield was Daedalus Droneworks team leader, with team
members James Geis, Johnathan Karch and James Roe. Omar Wyman was faculty adviser.
Daedalus DroneWorks is introducing a new groundbreaking technology that vastly improves flight times of unmanned aerial vehicles by using hybrid engines that convert gasoline to electricity.
University of Oklahoma teams swept the Undergraduate Division, with Team Simply Sorority named second-place winner, while team Overlook claimed third place.
In the Small Business Division, team Amidad from the University of Central Oklahoma claimed a $10,000 first-place prize for its app-based concept that provides undocumented immigrants and refugees with guides on understanding their legal rights during arrests, as well as a device to summon help if confronted by U.S. Immigration and Custom officers.
Esther Velasco was Amidad team leader, with team members Sofia Arenas, Nichole Burroughs and Ashley Guerrero. Adviser was Amy Johnson.
Hamkke, another team from the University of Central Oklahoma, claimed second place in the Small Business Division, while team Swift and Sweet Events from East Central University was the third-place winner.
Also addressing the audience celebrating the Love’s Cup winners was Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell. Pinnell and his wife are entrepreneurs themselves who operate a small business.
“We know the highs and low of running a small business and being an entrepreneur,” Pinnell said. “We know how important it is to health and well-being and the future growth of the state of Oklahoma. I want you to know how big a deal you all are. We want all of you to be successful and would love for you to start businesses right here in the state of Oklahoma.”
i2E CEO Scott Meacham closed the ceremony with remarks that not only lauded the achievements of the student entrepreneurs, but also recognized the Oklahoma investment and business leaders who served as judges, as well as the competition sponsors.
“Although these students are taking their first steps down the entrepreneur’s path, I’m impressed by both the innovation and level of sophistication of their concepts,” Meacham said. “I’m certain that we will see many of these students use this valuable learning opportunity as a springboard to successful careers as Oklahoma entrepreneurs and business leaders.”
Judges and event sponsors are critical to the success of the Love’s Entrepreneur’s Cup, Meacham said.
“There wouldn’t be a Love’s Cup without these Oklahoma business leaders who give their time and attention to assessing the student concepts,” Meacham said. “Nor would there be a competition without our tremendous sponsors who make it all possible with their financial support.”
Love’s Travel Stops serves as Signature Sponsor for the annual competition, which is managed by i2E, Inc. More than 2,500 students have competed for over $2.1 million across the 17-year history of the competition.