Student entrepreneurs from across Kentucky received thousands of dollars in funding through the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs Collegiate Pitch competition on Feb. 28.
The Collegiate Pitch competition was held at SparkHaus in Covington, where 17 teams from eight colleges and universities competed in two categories: the Exploratory Track for early-stage concepts and the Developed Track for ventures nearing launch or already in operation. In total, $44,000 in funding was awarded to student entrepreneurs through the competition.
Due to a record number of submissions, GSE added a non-competitive Feedback Track this year, allowing additional teams to present and receive feedback from judges before the competitive rounds.
To qualify for prize funding, winning teams must base their businesses in Kentucky as they grow.
Developed Track
First Place ($15,000): Claustrum Design, University of Louisville
Founders: Justin Houts and Keiran Richards — the company is developing medical devices intended to improve clinical practices and patient outcomes.
Second Place ($7,000): EdgeTrack Solutions, University of Kentucky
Founders: Bryce Gentner, Shem Odhiambo and Eric Wambua — EdgeTrack Solutions is building an AI-powered shipment visibility and predictive logistics platform for small and mid-sized freight fleets.
Third Place (Tie, $5,000 each):
- Wav-Aid, Kentucky State University
Founders: Mugisha Donatien and Eric Murwanashyaka — an AI-based audio engineering platform designed to help independent musicians and content creators produce studio-quality recordings. - Sunny Sign Up, Northern Kentucky University
Founders: Dashiell Macke and Chad Gesenhues — the company designs solar-powered illuminated street signs using retrofit sleeves that fit over existing signs.
Exploratory Track
First Place ($5,000): CochleoFit, Midway University
Founder: Evie Clare — CochleoFit is developing custom helmet inserts designed to accommodate cochlear implant devices.
Second Place ($4,000): The Dapper Kernal, Campbellsville University
Founder: Bryce Osbourne — the business produces and sells gourmet kettle corn.
Third Place ($3,000): Commencement Closet, University of Kentucky
Founder: Wyatt Hench — commencement Closet offers rental cap and gown packages intended to reduce costs associated with graduation regalia.