TAMUCC hosts seventh annual Buc Days Ideas Challenge business competition for students

A few teams of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi college students pitched their unique business suggestions to a panel of judges at the seventh yearly Buc Times Suggestions Problem Wednesday.

The “Shark Tank”-like business enterprise strategy competitiveness is open up to all Islander pupils and presents them a way to take a look at a small business plan, technological know-how or improvements in a aggressive environment.

The first-put crew was awarded $2,500 and sophisticated to compete at the Raymond Thoughts Problem at the Mays Business Faculty at Texas A&M University in College or university Station. They also won cost-free Whataburger for a calendar year.

Next place was awarded $1,500 and 3rd place $1,000. All three finalists obtained a one-yr membership to the Coastal Bend Business enterprise Innovation Middle Student Incubator — a system created to help purchasers in the early phase of development on their organization venture.

Jordyn Barker (left) and Caleb Thomas took home first place at the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's seventh annual Ideas Challenge showcase with their rodeo app idea Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Michael Denton and Dawson Pietsch won second place for their soap tablet idea and Genevieve Ridgway won third for her wine recommendation website. — Jordyn Barker (left) and Caleb Thomas took dwelling 1st position at the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s seventh yearly Concepts Challenge showcase with their rodeo app notion Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Michael Denton and Dawson Pietsch gained next spot for their soap tablet idea and Genevieve Ridgway won third for her wine advice web page.

Out of 59 candidates, the 3 finalists were My Wine Compass by Genevieve Ridgway, Solva Skincare by Michael Denton and Dawson Pietsch, and MiProRodeo by Jordyn Barker and Caleb Thomas.

Attendees in the crowd, along with three skilled judges, voted on which group would win.

Barker and Thomas’ MiProRodeo took residence the grand prize with Denton and Pietsch positioning next and Ridgway 3rd.

The app, pronounced My Pro Rodeo, is a “just one-prevent shop for all matters specialist rodeo.”

Barker stated the rewards for the application are aimed toward athletes, judges and followers.

Caleb Thomas and Jordyn Barker speak to judges and a crowd of attendees at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi about a business opportunity Wednesday, April 20, 2022. The two competed in the institution's Ideas Challenge showcase. — Caleb Thomas and Jordyn Barker converse to judges and a crowd of attendees at Texas A&M College-Corpus Christi about a enterprise option Wednesday, April 20, 2022. The two competed in the institution’s Concepts Obstacle showcase.

“For enthusiasts, they’re equipped to down load tickets straight to their electronic wallets, get paid factors for VIP ordeals and livestream Cowboy Channel In addition,” Barker advised a crowd of attendees. “The athletes are able to enter receipt payouts and see their up coming go-close to quickly. The judges are in a position to use in-application scoring, change scores right from the arena flooring, as properly as insert penalties and lessen discrepancies.”

Thomas, who has 8 yrs of knowledge in the rodeo business, said the demographic in rodeo is fast growing and starting to be more tech savvy.

“Our systems stay the exact: aged-fashioned, outdated and washed out,” Thomas claimed. “When we feel of qualified sporting activities applications, we assume about athletics betting and all those things you see in the NFL, the MLB or the UFC. We realize also that rodeo would advantage from a additional interactive purchaser encounter.”

Caleb Thomas and Jordyn Barker answer a question from judges at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi about a business opportunity Wednesday, April 20, 2022. The two competed in the institution's Ideas Challenge showcase. — Caleb Thomas and Jordyn Barker solution a problem from judges at Texas A&M College-Corpus Christi about a business enterprise possibility Wednesday, April 20, 2022. The two competed in the institution’s Ideas Obstacle showcase.

Advertising and marketing assistant professor Jennifer Taylor, a person of the a few judges, reported she chose MiProRodeo for the reason that it appeared even more alongside in growth and nearer to staying released.

“They all experienced terrific strategies, but it was hard to decide on just 1,” Taylor stated. “I seriously hope the audience took from right now how you can get your passion and convert it into a successful strategy that could abruptly flip into a organization and legacy for your family. Every of our contestants did that nowadays.”

Barker explained she’s looking ahead to the absolutely free Whataburger for a yr, but is grateful to have received.

“Hopefully, we can get an investor and just take this to the following level,” Barker stated. “This knowledge on your own has been lifestyle-transforming, but to have this grow to be genuine would be anything else.”