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K-State Today

April 14, 2011

Next Big Thing finalists named

Submitted by Chad Jackson

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Finalists for the Next Big Thing competition have been announced.

This year's event had 250 students registered to compete for $20,000 in prize money to advance their unique business idea.

The Next Big Thing is an entrepreneurial idea competition open to undergraduate and graduate students or teams from all majors. Aspiring entrepreneurs or students with a unique entrepreneurial idea were encouraged to enter the competition with a chance to win money to further their venture concept.

The prize money will be awarded to the top teams in the product, service, social entrepreneurship and graduate student divisions.

After attending a series of seminars on how to research and write a feasibility plan, students worked to perform market research, financial analysis and operational feasibility of their venture concept. The written feasibility plans were reviewed by a panel of external judges to determine the top five ideas in each of the four divisions.

Finalists will compete Thursday, April 21, at the K-State Student Union. The finals will consist of an elevator pitch and formal business presentations to a panel of successful K-State alumni and local entrepreneurs. The winners will be announced that evening at the K-State Celebration of Entrepreneurship banquet.

The finalists are:

Undergraduate Product:

• Midwest Sampling Solutions

• Monthly Bread Bakers Club

• Unruh Pasture Fresh Meats

• KC Master Bioenergy

• HD Seating

Undergraduate Service:

• Konza Valley Farms

• The Oasis

• Greek Eatz

• Pure Events

• Domination Pest Elimination

Undergraduate Social:

• Student Farm Design

• Crusader Mud Challenge

• Uadlifu

• Plot Against Hunger

• K-State Writing Fellows Program

Graduate Open:

• Hybrid Hostel

• Loudspeaker

• Strong Roots Soy Company

• Picnique

• Ice Cubes Quick Chill