INDIANAPOLIS – The STARTedUP Foundation announced the winners of the 2024 Innovate WithIN State Finals, held on June 21 at Butler University’s Schrott Center for the Arts. This seventh annual event showcased the top young entrepreneurial talents from across Indiana, with ten teams competing for significant funding and scholarships.
A Columbus contestant, CayPops Bakery LLC: Caylyn Pruitt, Columbus North High School, competed but did not place in the top three.
“It’s invigorating, encouraging, and inspiring to hear firsthand from young entrepreneurs who are proving that age really doesn’t matter when you see a problem,” said Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. “I love the high expectations they have of themselves…These students all over Indiana are contributing to our economy, so I’m glad that this continues to grow entrepreneurship in Indiana at every age, and that the state is not just placing a premium on it, but we’re putting our money behind our mouth and supporting it.”
In first place was Caseflood.ai, launched by Ethan Hilton, Emily Rudolph, and Tolen Schreid from Signature School. Caseflood.ai is a multilingual AI receptionist for lawyers, designed to effectively qualify potential clients. This innovative tool reduces the unpaid time lawyers typically spend on initial consultations. Caseflood.ai will receive $25,000 in funding provided by the Buckingham Foundation, $10,000 each towards a 529 education fund, 50 hours of pro bono marketing services from 5 and Rise Marketing Solutions, and top scholarship offers from STARTedUP’s university partners.
In second place was SafetyGlow, launched by Ashton Verbish from Hanover Central High School. SafetyGlow is an LED-powered, retractable device that attaches to the back of semi-trailers in an X pattern. Aimed at improving road safety, SafetyGlow flashes to alert other drivers of disabled trucks on the highway. SafetyGlow will receive $5,000 in funding as well as 25 hours of pro bono marketing services from 5 and Rise Marketing Solutions
In third place was ShellSafe, launched by Pragathi Arunkumar from Carmel High School. ShellSafe is a firearm detection sensor designed to combat the rising rates of school shootings. ShellSafe identifies the unique metal composition of firearms. The sensors, which can be attached to entryways, notifies school resource officers via an app and provides live surveillance footage from existing camera systems. ShellSafe will receive $2,500 in funding as well as 25 hours of pro bono marketing services from 5 and Rise Marketing Solutions
“Each year it just keeps getting bigger and better. And throughout this competition, I keep getting compliments where people say ‘I didn’t know they’d be this good’,” said Don Wettrick, CEO of the STARTedUP Foundation. “Well, they are this good. Each year these students blow our judges and audiences away. We’re beyond excited to have their hard work be showcased.”
The winner of the People’s Choice Award goes to Wringo, launched by Connor Gomez, Ameen Musleh, and Vasili Papageorge from Munster High School. Wringo is a portable, easy-to-use device designed to absorb liquid and dry the skin, alleviating clammy and sweaty hands. Wringo was awarded $1,500 in funding.
This year, Innovate WithIN’s Teacher of the Year award was received by José Mota from Signature School. Recognized for outstanding dedication to fostering a culture of innovation in their classroom, Mota has been a member of the STARTedUP Innovation Educator Fellowship since it’s inception. In December 2023, two of his students received a Forbes 30 Under 30 title.
“I’m here because of my students, the hard work that they put in, the belief that they have in themselves, and the mentorship that they give to each other. So I thank the students who believed in themselves to keep pushing forward,” said José Mota.
This year’s competition included a rigorous six-week bootcamp where finalists refined their business ideas with guidance from industry experts. Students also participated in an innovation challenge hosted by Verizon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where they engaged with mentors from organizations like TechPoint’s CIO Network.
Finalists traveled to Washington, D.C. at the end of June to receive coaching from successful businesses, participate in site tours at Google, Pinkson, and FedTech to engage with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and government officials. The finalists also participated in a networking event hosted at DuPont Underground and a rooftop reception at Ice Miller where they will have the opportunity to network with CEOs and White House Fellows.
Sponsors were Beck’s, Buckingham Foundation, Capturely, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), FIRST Robotics, gener8tor, Google, G-Unity Foundation, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indiana Small Business Development Center, Indiana State Fair, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, TechPoint, IU Ventures, and 5 and Rise Marketing Solutions.
Hosts for this year’s competition were: State Finals – Butler University, and the Lacy School of Business. Regional Finals – Indiana University Indianapolis and the IU Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Maker13, Parkview Mirro Center for Research & Innovation, Purdue Innovates, Society of Innovators at Purdue University Northwest, and University of Evansville.
Judges were Aaron Gillum (Senior Vice President, 50 South Capital), Emily Hawk (Assistant Dean of Innovation, Butler University), Arvetta Jideonwo (Head of Social Impact & Executive Director, CREA Foundation), Anne Marie Murphy (Director of Small Business and Associate State Director, Indiana Small Business Development Center), and Elliott Parker (CEO, High Alpha Innovation).
Competitors included:
Hydroxy: Lenea Elliott, Matthew McKeehan, Colten Mitchell | Perry Central Jr-Sr High School
Caseflood.ai: Ethan Hilton, Emily Rudolph, Tolen Schreid | Signature School
ShellSafe: Pragathi Arunkumar | Carmel High School
Epipatch: Max Ledingham, Alexander Lu, Adithyan Naren | Carmel High School
PinPoint Allergy: Genesis Austin, Jayden Brosman | Speedway Senior High School
Wringo: Connor Gomez, Ameen Musleh, Vasili Papageorge | Munster High School
SafetyGlow: Ashton Verbish | Hanover Central High School
SkyGuard: Luke Herring | Southwood Jr-Sr High School
CayPops Bakery LLC: Caylyn Pruitt | Columbus North High School
Bluer Waters: Tucker Harris, Tyler Harris, William Trask | Floyd Central High School
