2023 Winners

Developed Track

1st Place

$15,000

image 19
University of Kentucky

Midwest Mulberry

Wholesome, novel, and sustainable fruit flavors are in high demand. With no other supplier based in the U.S., Midwest Mulberry’s berries are poised to become America’s next great superfood. We’ll provide the first mulberry supply and processing solution in Kentucky, allowing food-based businesses to incorporate sustainable, under-utilized, healthful, and delicious mulberries into their products.

2nd Place

$7,000

image 20
Sullivan University

Aunties Soulfood and Sweets

Partnering with doctors to improve health conditions, Aunties provides affordable, healthful soul food and sweets in restaurants, to-go meals, deliveries, and catered events. Leftover food is given to houseless people. Aunties offers baking classes to teach youth and parents this important life skill, and mentors youth to grow with the company.

3rd Place

$5,000

image 21
Northern Kentucky University

Muscara Software Solutions

Muscara Software Solutions is a software development company that creates innovative solutions for the education industry. Our flagship product, Hall Monitor, is a cloud-based hallway management software designed to help school administrators track student activity, improve safety, and enhance overall school management.

Exploratory Track

1st Place

$5,000

image 22
Midway University

Helix Headgear

Helix Headgear provides innovative wrestling headgear that delivers comfort and a quick custom fit with the simple twist of a knob instead of time-consuming and frustrating individual strap adjustments. Our “Fit with a Twist” signature tightening mechanism is a much-needed update to traditional wrestling headgear, allowing wrestlers to safely focus on performance.

2nd Place

$3,500

image 23
Northern Kentucky University

Girly Pumps

Girly Pumps is a safe space for women and other feminine individuals to work on their fitness goals and meet like-minded people. Offering gyms dedicated to women will encourage more women and feminine people to work outside their comfort zone and start their fitness journey. Girly Pumps empowers women to devote time to themselves and their health in a community designed for them.

3rd Place

$1,500

Image 24
Sullivan University

Honestly Me, All-Natural Skin Care

Honestly Me develops and offers wellness and skin care products that are healthy, natural, effective, and aimed at enhancing holistic health. We help our customers live healthier lives overall by setting a good example and providing positive information. Many people struggle with skin issues or have very sensitive skin. Our products address these issues and boost confidence along the way.