The 707 Hub and Brady Corporation will host the Brewed Ideas Challenge on Friday, April 26, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the 707 Hub. RSVP online.
The Brewed Ideas Challenge is a Shark Tank-style pitch competition that follows a series of bootcamp workshops where student founders, mentored by leaders from Brady Corporation, take their concept from an idea to a pitchable business proposal.
This year, 12 finalists will compete in two tracks: social impact and traditional business. First place winners in each track will receive $7,500 in seed money and second place winners in each track will receive $2,500 in seed money. There are also four $1,000 awards in the categories of audience’s choice, alumni’s choice, Brady Innovation Award and the Inclusive Impact Award.
A reception will follow the awards ceremony.
This year’s finalists include:
Social Impact Track
Quick Help Tutoring
Founders: Jack Drechsler and Vincent Ricciardi
An online, on-demand tutoring service that pairs qualified college students with high school students who need academic support.
Nukrum Technologies
Founder: Ramon Maria Vilches Cansino
A platform that uses virtual reality to increase access and engagement for medical treatments.
MUWheels
Founder: Bridget Clark
A carpool app designed to connect drivers and riders at Marquette.
Inkwell
Founder: Jessica Coleman
A literacy program that will help students become better thinkers, writers and communicators by embracing their identities, amplifying their voices and instilling a lifelong love of writing.
Black Mindz
Founders: Jasmine Scott, India Lock, Gabby Shoulders and Maiya Sabree
An organization that helps students of color learn about mental health and ways to reduce stress and feelings of isolation by increasing knowledge, community and confidence.
Wisdom Bar
Founder: Gal Dahan
A product designed to enhance personal growth and well-being through a unique blend of simple wisdom and nutritional excellence.
Traditional Business Track
Tailored Remedy
Founder: Abigail Crocker
A platform that provides clear and concise information about medication through AI-generated software.
Incandescent Candle Co.
Founders: Ryan Nordmeyer and Lyndsay Nordmeyer
A company that allows customers to pour their own candle for the cost of what to takes to buy one off the shelf.
AIM: Advertising in Motion
Founder: Evan Polak
A platform that creates an additional revenue stream for drivers while showcasing local businesses.
NutriGenius
Founder: Austin Plummer
A mobile app that helps the working millennial eat healthier and achieve their goals by avoiding repetitive meal prep and enabling personalization.
GlowGo Vending
Founder: Kennedi Hamilton
Vending machines filled with inclusive beauty and self-care products that help all college students access products specifically for them, while providing safety, convenience and availability unlike traveling off campus and or waiting for shipping.
Bouquet Blanket
Founder: Jonalie Zamora
Bouquet Blanket Kits help gift-givers who want to emotionally connect with others by teaching a lifelong skill and creating a meaningful piece that will last a lifetime.
The Challenge will be judged by Olivier Bojarski, president of Americas and Asia at Brady Corporation, and Nicole Westenberger, vice president of marketing at Brady Corporation. Also judging will be Milwaukee entrepreneur Omar Shaikh, owner of Carnevor Steakhouse and the 3rd Street Market Hall.
This is the 11th year of the competition and the 10th year as The Brewed Ideas Challenge (previously the “Good Money Challenge”). Since its inception, the Challenge has awarded over $150,000 in seed money. Previous winners and 707 alumni include Liv a Little Ice Cream, The Color of English, Community. Books. YOU., Career Closet, Ukuli Chocolates, Uluomo Worldwide and DREAMERS Fellowship (to name a few).
The 707 Hub is a radically student-centered, boldly anti-disciplinary innovation space that is a catalyst for any student looking to act on an idea; it is where students, ideas and spaces — connect, collide and collaborate.
With its corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, Brady Corporation is a global leader in safety, identification and compliance solutions for a diverse range of workplaces. Its solutions can be found in applications from the depths of the ocean to outer space and everywhere in between.
