UM Student Startup Challenge Returns for 35th Year
April 16, 2024
MISSOULA – The University of Montana College of Business is set to host the 35th annual John Ruffatto Startup Challenge (JRSC) April 26, showcasing the innovative spirit of Montana's student entrepreneurs. With a record 100 submissions, this year's competition promises a diverse range of ideas and talent. Themes among the finalists encompass critical sectors such as health care, technology, sustainability and housing, reflecting the pressing issues facing communities today.
The JRSC, presented by the UM College of Business and sponsored by Ontra Marketing Group and Missoula Economic Partnership, offers more than $50,000 in prize money to students who present their business ideas to a panel of judges. This support underscores the commitment of businesses, organizations and individuals to fostering entrepreneurship in Montana.
Evaluators from across the state meticulously judged the submissions, ensuring a rigorous and fair selection process. From the 100 submissions, the evaluators selected 16 teams to compete. Notably, nearly half of the teams participating have female representation, highlighting the inclusivity and diversity of the competition.
The public is invited to witness the excitement for free at the live finals, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in Gallagher Business Building Room 106. Attendees will experience a showcase of innovative ventures spanning local, regional, national and international scopes. The event promises a dynamic networking opportunity with business professionals and community leaders.
Now in its third decade, challenge finalists include a number of established Montana businesses, including Five on Black Brazilian Grill, Market on Front, Morphose Exercise Systems, GeoFli and Big Sky Brewing.
For those eager to learn more or participate, visit the John Ruffatto Startup Challenge webpage. Questions about the competition can be directed to Erik Guzik at erik.guzik@umontana.edu.
2024 Finalists
Bole & Acre Forestry: Bole & Acre is a community-focused forestry consulting and contracting firm on a mission to prepare communities for an increase in wildfire activity using AI technology and forest management. Its proprietary technology, enables communities, real estate agencies and insurance companies to analyze wildfire risk at the home level through remote sensing (satellite, LiDAR and drone) and AI.
Brightsite: BrightSite aims to empower small businesses that would like to scale-up in the Philippines to extend their reach by developing a website that fits their needs. To make this happen, BrightSite will provide Filipino children with practical experience in website design and SEO by connecting them with small businesses. By teaming up with local schools and computer shops, BrightSite will offer easily accessible classes, fostering both business growth and youth empowerment.
Community Roots Land Trust: The non-profit Community Land Trust initiative addresses the urgent need for affordable housing by acquiring, renovating and developing properties, particularly focusing on development tiny home communities. Through decoupling land from home ownership, it lowers costs, promoting accessibility. Collaborating with local programs in construction and trades, it offers professional development and employment thus empowering community members. By fostering economic empowerment and professional growth, it contributes to sustainable development, creating a more equitable housing landscape for all.
GlutenGuard: The product is a portable gluten test that detects gluten proteins in ready to eat foods using mass spectrometry and UV lasers. A portable gluten testing product provides significant value by addressing a crucial concern for individuals with gluten-related disorders, such as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The specific problem GlutenGuard solves revolves around the need to verify the gluten content in food products, offering a practical and on-the-go solution for those with dietary restrictions.
I.B.Delicious: I.B.Delicious is a small, freeze-dried food company, started in a garage, that focuses on gut health solutions for outdoor adventurists. I.B.Delicious utilizes organic product and minimizes processed food, to maintain a healthy and well-rounded package. I.B.Delicious is more than just a freeze-dried food company, it’s a solution.
LandLine: LandLine is a simplified property management solution that enhances communication and coordination among renters, property managers, maintenance personnel and contractors. It is designed for both individual homeowners with a few properties and larger property management firms, aiming to significantly improve operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction as well as streamline the maintenance process. Its platform equips users with powerful scheduling capabilities, group chat functionalities, and straightforward contractor selection, streamlining every interaction within the rental ecosystem.
MindBodyMat: MindBodyMat will revolutionize the way individuals experience yoga practice with its innovative smart yoga mat. This product seamlessly integrates cutting-edge IoT technology to provide users with personalized guidance and feedback, enhancing their mind-body connection during every session. With real-time tracking, pose recognition and interactive features, MindBodyMat empowers users to deepen their practice, cultivate mindfulness and achieve their wellness goals.
MineralFi: Through environmentally responsible blockchain-based technology, such as Optimism and Bitcoin Lighting Network, MineralFi aims to tokenize unmined gold and mineral resources with existing mines, and mineral rights holders providing investors with access to potential value appreciation while enhancing liquidity. We have committed to prioritize collaboration with conservation and environmental groups to guide mining policy for tokenization consideration. By the use of blockchain technology and commitment to sustainable practices, we ensure transparency and responsible resource management.
MT Sweet Treats: MT Sweet Treats aim is to provide value to the Bozeman market by offering allergen-friendly desserts. Currently, consumers with allergens in Bozeman struggle to find a dessert that is tasty and safe to eat. Its menu is designed to cater to the needs of these consumers and provide them with a delectable dessert they can indulge in without any stress. MT Sweet Treats believes that everyone should be able to enjoy dessert.
ProSoles: With the development of a website and corresponding app, ProSoles will guide users to not only the resolution of foot pain with the fabrication of exceptional quality custom foot orthotics, but also the delivery of these orthotics in a timely and efficient manner using a process that is user-friendly, convenient and accessible. Its customized foot orthotics will include a detailed treatment plan that includes shoe recommendations, stretches and strengthening exercises.
Quizzer: Quizzer is educational software, utilizing a question and answer flashcard style of presentation. The algorithm that scores the user and determines when questions are shown, and how often, is determining based on Hermann Ebbinghaus's study now popularized by the term "The Forgetting Curve." This is an effort in creating working software that helps the user retain what they've learned over the long term.
SafeHaven Home Services: SafeHaven Home Services is dedicated to empowering the elderly by adapting their living space for safety and ease. Our team of professionals assesses each client's unique needs while providing traditional solutions like grab handles and accessible showers, as well as tech-enabled senior solutions like movement sensors. Our mission is to enable independent living for seniors, providing peace and comfort for them and their families while ensuring they enjoy their golden years with dignity and independence.
Skid Homes: Skid Homes is a nonprofit that constructs shipping container-inspired homes that are transportable, energy-efficient and affordable as an innovative solution to the growing housing crisis by improving homeownership equity in Missoula. Maintaining its commitment to a circular economy, recycled shipping containers are used as the siding of our innovative and sustainable homes. Skid Homes is committed to providing affordable and functional housing to increase home ownership.
Smart Dorm Company: Smart Dorm is a technology company focusing on energy optimization via hardware and software components built for multi-tenant housing. Combining new innovations in hardware and intuitive software, Smart Dorm offers institutions tools to critically analyze energy consumption within a residential space, reduce energy waste and provide an improved tenant experience for the residents of a managed living facility such as barracks, dormitories, and temporary housing.
Soda Summit: At our craft soda shops, customers enjoy control over their drink with a completely customizable menu featuring popular beverage brands such as Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, Poppi, and Redbull. Customers can enhance their drinks with added creams, syrups and caffeine. Emphasizing health-conscious options, it offers low-calorie and sugar-free selections, while also prioritizing sustainability by using eco-friendly cups, and other single-use products. Soda Summit is dedicated to redefining traditional soda with a personalized and contemporary approach.
StarSync Studio: StarSync Studio is a collaborative digital audio workstation that allows music producers, film scorers and others to create music with other people in real time. Integration of real-time VSTs and other applications such as Unity and Unreal Engine would be wanted. AI algorithms to assist with so-called "writers block" would be integrated. Gone would be the days of sending files back and forth multiple times to create one song. Collaboration made easy in the music world.