Business Innovation Challenge recognizes student success
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
First place winners - Josh Hilfiker, Michaela Crow and Isaac Hernandez.
Nearly 300 students competed for more than $13,000 in scholarship prizes at Kansas State University's College of Business Administration's 6th annual K-State Business Innovation Challenge. The top six teams advanced to the final round on April 24, where they pitched strategic innovations to a panel of accomplished alumni judges.
For the challenge, undergraduate students reimagine the business strategy of an existing product, service or technology. Rather than inventing something entirely new, teams are tasked with identifying a real-world product and developing an innovative strategic plan to expand its impact or reach new markets.
2025 winners include:
1st Place – TANGible Assets developed gluten-free breakfast at Radina’s. Team members Michaela Crow, Manhattan; Josh Hilfiker, Bonner Springs; and Isaac Hernandez, Kansas City; each received a $1,000 scholarship.
2nd Place – SolarPack by North Face developed a solar power pack for hiking. Team members Korie Kaufman, Hutchinson; Mya Gilbert, Lawrence; and Chase Robinson, Hoisington; each received a $750 scholarship.
3rd Place – Old Spice Expansion developed an Old Spice product for women. Team members Jack Johnson, Independence, Missouri; Jack Tesoriero, Hiawatha; Isaac West, Overland Park; and Maryn Woods, Blue Springs, Missouri; each received a $500 scholarship.
The following teams received Honorable Mention awards, including $250 per team member:
JetSet Innovators – RFID baggage tracking for JetBlue
Bailey Brown, Thayer; Josh Chang, Junction City; Ayesha Bhatti, Overland Park; Adam Ackerman, Endicott, New York.
LinkedIn for Labor – Revolutionizing Job Placement for Union Workers
Olivia Lunceford, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Brianna Fay, Arvada, Colorado; Tommy Chalfant, Olathe; Halle Latham, Great Bend.
Right Brothers – Fueling the Future, EV Chargers at Casey’s.
Atley Pankaskie, Caydence Pankaskie, Landyn Pankaskie, all from Lebo.
“This challenge gives our students a chance to apply strategic thinking to real-world business challenges – and to be evaluated by industry leaders who once sat in their shoes,” said Marcia Hornung, Menard Family Director of the Center for Principled Business. “Their creativity, confidence, and strategic insight were on full display. It’s always exciting to see the innovation happening right here at K-State.”
Scholarships were made possible through the generous support of Koch Industries, the challenge’s lead sponsor. The challenge is also a signature initiative of the Center for Principled Business and aligns with the College of Business Administration’s strategic goal to deliver high-impact, applied learning experiences.
This year’s judges, all K-State alumni, included: Nick Chong, executive advisor, Venture Fund and former chief customer officer at Zoom; Katie Small, senior industry contract officer at the University of Chicago; Victor Ojeleye, director of investments and community engagement at Hutton, chair, Wichita Regional Chamber Board; and Ken Selzer, member of the Insurance Policy Advisory Council at the Federal Reserve, former Kansas Insurance Commissioner.