Celebrating the innovative spirit of Texas Tech entrepreneurs who competed for over $18,000 in prizes at the 2024 Fall Finale.
On Friday, November 22nd, the Texas Tech Innovation Hub hosted the highly anticipated Fall Finale, bringing together the entrepreneurial community to celebrate and support the innovators competing for over $18,000 in cash prizes. This year’s event showcased the immense talent and creativity of participants in the iLaunch Competition and the Red Raider Idea Competition, with winners emerging from both competitions, each demonstrating groundbreaking ideas with the potential to transform industries.
The Fall Finale attracted a diverse group of attendees, including iTTU Mentors, Texas Tech alumni, faculty, staff, students, and members of the West Texas community. This gathering was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of entrepreneurship and collaboration. As the entrepreneurs pitched their ideas, the energy in the room was palpable, with the community rallying behind the next generation of changemakers.
The competition itself was fierce, but the entrepreneurial spirit shone through as participants showcased their innovations to a panel of judges and the public. The event served as a powerful reminder of the role of innovation in driving the future of our region, while also highlighting the importance of mentorship and community support.
We are especially grateful to the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) and the Tech Hub Entrepreneur Alumni Network for their generous sponsorship of the awards. Their support is instrumental in empowering the entrepreneurs who are making a difference in our community and beyond.
2024 iLaunch Competition Winners
The iLaunch Competition is a dynamic pitch competition that identifies, nurtures, and propels innovative startups. Built on the Business Model Canvas, iLaunch helps entrepreneurs refine their business ideas while equipping them with the tools they need for success.
The top 10 finalists in the competition received invaluable mentorship and had the opportunity to pitch their ventures to a panel of "sharks" in a high-stakes, fast-paced event. After careful evaluation by a panel of entrepreneurs, investors, faculty, and staff, the winners were announced.
First Place ($10,000): K9 Finds
Led by Edgar Aviles Rosa, a faculty member in the Animal and Food Sciences department, K9 Finds created an innovative olfactometer-based system designed to significantly improve detection dog training and performance. This technology has the potential to enhance the capabilities of detection dogs, benefiting law enforcement, security, and search and rescue operations.
Second Place ($3,000): Strike Guard
Strike Guard, led by Christopher Tobin, a junior in Information Technology from the Rawls School of Business, is developing protective equipment designed to prevent injuries to the arms and hands of baseball umpires. The team’s solution will help reduce the risk of injury and enhance the safety of umpires, ultimately benefiting the sports industry.
Third Place ($1,000): PillMed Pro
Led by Pranathi Bingi, a graduate student at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, PillMed Pro is focused on enhancing healthcare by providing life-enhancing supplemental devices outside of the hospital setting. Their devices help patients take their medications effectively as prescribed, improving adherence and overall health outcomes.
Social Innovation Award ($500) & People’s Choice Award ($500): Tapped-In
Tapped-In, led by Richard Gaines, a 2024 Red Raider Startup Week Alumni, won both the Social Innovation Award and the People’s Choice Award. Tapped-In is a transformative platform that uplifts individuals affected by incarceration and their families. Through powerful stories of resilience and essential reentry resources, Tapped-In aims to reduce recidivism and support successful reintegration into society. This recognition highlights the significant social impact Tapped-In is making in addressing issues of justice and rehabilitation.
2024 Red Raider Idea Competition Winners
During the Texas Tech Innovation Hub's Fall Finale, we celebrated the innovative ideas of our Red Raider entrepreneurs. This year’s competition winners, determined by public vote, are:
First Place ($2,000): Spook’Ems
Led by Stephanie Eisenbraun, Spook’Ems created a cost-friendly molded pumpkin for Halloween, offering an innovative alternative to traditional carving. This creative solution will make Halloween celebrations more accessible, sustainable, and fun for families.
Second Place ($1,000): Conduit
Conduit, led by Ayobami Ajala, is a web app designed to streamline job tracking by helping users manage applications, deadlines, and networking all in one organized platform. This app is set to revolutionize how job seekers stay on top of opportunities, providing a more efficient and effective way to land their next job.
Third Place ($500): K9 Finds
Once again, K9 Finds made its mark by winning third place in the Red Raider Idea Competition. The team, led by Edgar Aviles, continues to impress with its olfactometer-based system that improves detection dog training and performance.
Celebrating the Future of Innovation
The Fall Finale not only marked the culmination of these two exciting competitions but also underscored the power of innovation and community support. The iLaunch and Red Raider Idea competitions serve as launching pads for entrepreneurs to develop their ideas into viable businesses, and the Fall Finale provided an opportunity for the Texas Tech community to come together in support of these entrepreneurs.
Congratulations to all of the winners and participants who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. We look forward to seeing where your entrepreneurial journeys will take you next!
A special thank you to the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) and the Tech Hub Entrepreneur Alumni Network for sponsoring the awards. Additionally, we thank our Fall Finale sponsors—Good Line Beer Co., CampusLive, and Triple D Winery—for their contributions in making the event a success.