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Home ― News ― Freshman wins first place in DSU business plan competition

Freshman wins first place in DSU business plan competition

April 30, 2019

Ethan Johanneson, a freshman computer science major from Kaylor, S.D., won first place in the Dakota State University business plan competition, earning $1,000 for the idea.

Johanneson submitted a plan to create an online business that would make free apps for people who have the idea but not the skill set to make them.

The competition was sponsored by the Research and Economic Development Affairs office and the Office of Sponsored Programs. These offices partnered with The Lake Area Improvement Corporation in hosting the competition. The competition was also supported by the College of Business and Information Systems.

group of studentsA group of three students, Astha Manandhar, Seema Bhandari, and Anuj Ojha, won second place with an app called EMS Express. This would allow EMS officials to transfer patient information to the hospitals ahead of arrival. Manandhar, Bhandari, and Ojha are all master’s students majoring in analytics. They received $500 for their idea.

Kevin Jenkins won third place with his idea for Late Night Eats, a business that would deliver food to students after the Trojan Center has closed. Jenkins received $250 for his idea. He is a sophomore from Rapid City, S.D., majoring in digital arts and design.

Each business idea required a business plan and a short video elevator pitch. There were two rounds of judging by regional business leaders.

Research and Economic Development will plan a second competition for fall to allow students to refine project ideas and prepare for larger competitions like Giant Vision, according to Dr. Peter Hoesing, director of sponsored programs.