A service company that will incorporate new features into audio books, and a cold brew coffee maker scored the top prizes at the Fall 2021 Spark Tank competition.
The Stack Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship resumed its in-person Spark Tank competition on November 18, with 15 teams and 57 students competing.
Spark Tank is an idea contest sponsored each semester by the Stack Center. It is judged by entrepreneurs who offer valuable advice for Siena students who present their product and business ideas. Cash prizes are awarded for the top three finishing teams in each track.
Track 1: Technological Products and Services
1st Place ($500): SoundU - A service company that will incorporate new features into audio books.
Veronica Forth '23, Hassan Omar '22, Jimmy Smith '24
If your audio book takes you to a city street, or a jungle, or a sports arena, SoundU can add the honking horns, animal noises, cheers and music that will make it all seem more real.
“It’s a way to make readers more engaged and invested in the story,” said Forth.
Omar said audiobook fans will be able to enjoy a more immersive experience and “feel they are really in the setting of the book.”
Their suggestion for Siena students who are thinking about pitching a product at a future Spark Tank competition? Be open minded and creative.
“Think about what kind of product or service is needed,” said Omar. “It might be small, but it could benefit society as a whole.”
“You don’t need to develop the next Amazon,” added Smith.
2nd Place ($250): RIMA Solutions - A custom software development company with an app that helps teams document effort.
Amal Thomas Ibrahim Zia (UPenn)
3rd Place ($100): CompressionX - A compression sleeve that monitors injured limbs via a phone app.
Meg Giordano, Maddy Dunigan, Jake Derian, Ryan Lynch
Track 2: Entertainment and Wellbeing
1st Place ($500): BrewTap - A home cold brew coffee maker.
Nicholas McNeary ‘23, Alexis Rizzo ‘23, Isabella Rodriguez ‘23, Madison Wronowski ’24
If chilled, intense coffee flavor is your thing, BrewTap can help you prepare it at home – without a machine. Rizzo and Wronowski are big fans of the beverage and wanted a way to make it on the go.
(Check out this week’s Saints Go Marching video for a BrewTap interview.)
2nd Place ($250): Bee Sting - A honey-based energy beverage.
Tyson Hallberg ‘24, Aidan O'Connor ‘23, Michael Ramos ‘24, Ben Rivett ‘23, Colin Wesoloski ‘22
3rd Place ($100): Solar Controller - A solar-charged gaming controller.
Aaron Acevedo ‘23, Mike Campbell ‘23, Moe Weigold ‘23, Brady O'Connor ‘24