EcoBioCapture, a business concept based on a process developed by two S&T students for farming operations to meet emissions regulations while developing supplemental food for their livestock, won the $5,000 first-place prize in the university’s third annual Startup Challenge on Nov. 11. The team was one of nine that pitched its concepts for a startup during the final round of the competition, which was co-sponsored by Kummer Student Programs and Career Opportunities and Employer Relations.

S&T developed the challenge to give all students the chance to experience presenting a business model to a panel of judges with entrepreneurial experience. Prior to the final competition, teams were required to complete a series of learning modules and to work with faculty or staff mentors.

Winning teams

Prizes went to teams that pitched carbon capture for animal feeding operations, robotic vanilla pollination and an app to customize breathing masks for ICU babies.

First place

The first-place team received a $5,000 scholarship for their project, titled “Sustainable Carbon Capture, Wastewater Remediation, and Renewable Energy Production Through Advanced Algal Bioreactors.”

Team members are:

• Alireza Fallahi, a Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering
• Niloofar Zendehdel, a Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering

Second place

The second-place team received a $3,000 scholarship for their project, titled “PolliBots: Robotic Vanilla Pollination System.”

Team members are:

• Adam Camerer, a senior in computer science
• Tohajie Raet, a junior in mechanical engineering

Third place

The third-place team received a $1,000 scholarship for their project, titled “C-App.” Their concept is an app that captures a baby’s facial structure using advanced 3-D scanning technology and sends the design to a 3-D printer to create a mask designed for the baby’s unique features.

Team members are:

• Mikayla Massie, a senior in mechanical engineering
• Zachary Oakes, a junior in computer science

Thanks to our judges

• Keiry Moreno Bonnett, chief operating officer of Hire Henry and a 2020 graduate of S&T with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
• Ellie Hayes, executive director of Missouri Cures
• Dr. James Sterling, inaugural vice provost and dean of S&T’s Kummer College of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development
• Dr. Will Zwikelmaier, executive philanthropic advisor for corporations and foundations at S&T.