The finalists for Georgia Tech’s sixth annual InVenture Prize competition, which will be aired on Georgia Public Broadcasting on March 26 at 7:30 p.m., have been announced.
The InVenture Prize competition is designed to encourage and support undergraduate students’ interest in invention, innovation and entrepreneurship. About 560 students signed up for this year’s contest.
This year’s finalists offer up solutions to various health and consumer issues.
The 2014 InVenture finalists are:
The Better Walk Crutch: The Better Walk Crutch provides more comfort and support for those using crutches while rehabilitating from lower leg injury.
Team members: Partha Unnava, biomedial engineering major from Dublin, Ohio; Frankie Swindell, biomedical engineering major from Grayslake, Ill.; and Andrew Varghese, biomedical engineering major from Suwanee, Ga.
Enlighten Music Trainer: The Enlighten Music Trainer uses interactive LED technology to change the way people learn to play the guitar.
Team members: Richie Choy, computer engineering major from Alpharetta, Ga.; Jacob Howard, electrical engineering major from Alpharetta, Ga.; Ian MacKensie, electrical engineering major from Dahlonega, Ga.; and Garrett Wade, electrical engineering major from Warner Robins, Ga.
Sleepwell Sleepwear: Sleepwell Sleepwear by Lights Out is a nightshirt that reduces snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea. The garment uses automated positional therapy.
Team members: Geries AbuAkel, electrical engineering major from Duluth, Ga.; Michael Duke, biomedical engineering major from Atlanta; Saranya Karthikeyan, biomedical engineering major from Cary, N.C.; and Dershika Patel, biomedical engineering major from Covington, Ga.
Safi Choo Toilet: The Safi Choo Toilet is an inexpensive, mobile toilet designed to address health and contamination issues in refugee camps.
Team members: Jasmine Burton, industrial design major from Dunwoody, Ga.; Erin Cobb, industrial design major from Atlanta; and Brandie Banner, civil engineering major from Alpharetta, Ga.
Sucette Smart Soother: The Sucette Smart Soother is a modernized pacifier designed to fit the growing dentition of infants. It changes color when infants have a fever.
Team members: Rachel Ford, a biomedical engineering major from Powder Springs, Ga.; Esteban Ongini, a biomedical engineering major from Miami; and Will McAllister, a biomedical engineering major from Charlotte, N.C.
Upsadazy: Upsadazy is a baby stroller that safely and quickly climbs stairs without the risk of tipping over and harming the child.
Team members: Zachary Churney, mechanical engineering major from Marietta, Ga.; Charlsie Lemons, mechanical engineering major from Alpharetta, Ga.; James Hess, mechanical engineering major from Acworth, Ga.; and AJ Yllander, electrical engineering major from Warner Robins, Ga.
The winning team receives $20,000 and a spot in Georgia Tech’s startup accelerator program, Flashpoint. Second place wins $10,000.
Both the first and second place finishers will receive free US patent filings by Georgia Tech’s Office of Technology Licensing.
A $5,000 People’s Choice Award will go to the fans’ favorite invention. Voting will be by text messaging during the March 26 event.
Free tickets to the broadcast are available at http://inventureprize.gatech.edu/tickets.
