The Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business hosted the NDSU Possibility Showcase on Tuesday, April 16, at Richard H. Barry Hall. The well-attended event started in the Mezzanine with a project exhibit, hors d’oeuvres, and networking. Then, guests filled Louise Auditorium to hear a keynote address from Ryan Raguse, President and co-founder of Bushel, and presentations from two featured programs within the Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business, the Possibility Fellowship and the Problems to Possibilities program.
Are you curious to know more about the innovative projects on display and presented at the NDSU Possibility Showcase? Read on to discover the exciting ideas and solutions that were showcased.
Possibility Fellowship
The Possibility Fellowship provides an opportunity for select students to meet monthly for unique lectures and in-depth discussions, read and analyze entrepreneurship publications, network with business leaders and attend events within the entrepreneurship community. This past year, the fellows have been developing skills such as prioritization, time management, leadership, interviewing, and relationship-building to create a start-up venture and put their findings in motion.
Students were selected to join the fellowship based on several eligibility requirements, including academic excellence, leadership abilities, and a knack for entrepreneurial creativity. Each fellow received a $5,000 scholarship and a travel stipend for conference attendance and professional development. This fellowship has been made possible by visionary faculty and philanthropic gifts.
ADAPTIVENT SOLUTIONS: OPTIMIZING HUMIDITY AND ENERGY SAVINGS, CYCLE AFTER CYCLE
A smart device designed to enhance your home’s environment and efficiency. By actively monitoring indoor humidity levels, this device intelligently directs your dryer’s exhaust indoors or outdoors based on real-time humidity levels. Ideal for increasing indoor humidity, it has an adjustable humidity set point to maintain your comfort while potentially saving you significant energy costs with each cycle. Allowing you to experience the perfect balance of comfort and savings, cycle after cycle.
Student: Kolby Hodnefield
FRONTIER BIOFORGE: DEMOCRATIZING GENETIC ENGINEERING
Frontier BioForge is a biotechnology service provider that offers bespoke engineering and screening services for non-model microbes. Our first service line includes a screening pipeline that tests microbes of interest for their ability to be engineered. Frontier BioForge will allow researchers and startups to easily determine the best plasmid constructs to use in their non-model organisms.
Students: Cameron Landis, Riley Williamson, Wyatt Warkenthien
UPKEEP: THE DAD WITHOUT A PHONE CALL
Introducing our prototype product, Upkeep. Designed to be like having a helpful dad for your home maintenance needs, Upkeep is a platform dedicated to making it easier for you to effectively maintain your living space. Say goodbye to the hassle of repairs and let Upkeep guide you through the process of keeping your home in top condition.
Students: Elizabell Delgado, Corey Wilmer, Lucky Beddel, Margaret Githua
VIVIGEN: BETTER BACTERIA
Fertilizer is expensive, pollutes waterways, and is inefficiently used by the intended plants. Biological inoculants can provide nutrients to plants which decreases our reliance on fertilizers, decreases costs, and benefits the environment. Our company aims to improve the quality of biological inoculants by using new technology and techniques to identify elite bacterial strains. Once these strains are identified we will ensure they maintain yield while decreasing fertilizer input.
Students: Bryce Grabanski, Jake Schumacher, Mia Haugan, Tosin Oyewole
Problems to Possibilities
Two teams participating in the Problems to Possibilities program were selected as finalists the NDSU Possibility Showcase, hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business on April 16.
Taylor Lee, a Nutrition Science major at NDSU, is the team leader for the winning project, “Soil to Cell: A Root-Cause Approach to Diet-Related Disease in the U.S.” Other team members include NDSU Nutrition Science major Lexy Nelson and University of Jamestown Communications majors Makelle Gulleson and Luke Zimmer. The group was selected as the winning team in the Map the Systems track and will attend the Banff Systems Summit in Banff, Canada.
The team’s project explores the complex journey of food from its origin in the soil to its arrival in human cells. It highlights increased chronic disease rates in the United States and the interconnected nature of policymakers, lobbyists, and the food, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries to create a system that prioritizes profit over public health.
The Banff Systems Summit is hosted by Mount Royal University’s Institute for Community Prosperity and welcomes post-secondary students across Canada, practitioner-changemakers from multiple sectors and a select number of international participants. It aims to address the pressing need for a systems-driven approach to tackling global challenges while bridging the gap between classroom-based learning and real-world applications.
Macy Stender, an NDSU Nursing major and Entrepreneurship minor, is the team leader for the winning project “Xtra Apparel—Solving Inadequate Accessibility to Clothing Options and Sizes for Individuals with Down Syndrome.” Her partner, Mariah Huglen, is majoring in Fashion Product Development. They are being mentored by Kyle Voltin, the founder of the Fargo-Moorhead based Xtra Apparel Co. The team will present their project and compete at the Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge in San Diego, CA.
The project addresses the need for suitable clothing options for individuals with Down syndrome who face difficulty finding appropriately sized attire due to their unique body proportions. Their research examines the broader neglect of the needs of people with disabilities in society and underscores the impact on their self-esteem and daily comfort.
The Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge is a prestigious international platform organized by the University of San Diego and celebrates the spirit of student social entrepreneurship worldwide. Its mission is to spotlight and support exceptional social and environmental ventures that aim for a positive impact and financial sustainability. Since its inception in 2011, this challenge has been a beacon of innovation, connecting over 3,000 entrepreneurs from more than 25 diverse countries.
NDSU’s Problems to Possibilities program (P2P) challenges students to think differently about entrepreneurship and change-making. It leverages systems thinking and local networks to drive social, environmental and economic progress. The NDSU Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business seeks to engage students of any major interested in entrepreneurship and innovative thinking. Rather than a standard pitch competition, it fosters the discovery process and encourages a learning-first approach to social change.
A panel of judges heard idea pitches from ten Problems to Possibilities teams. The winning teams presented to an audience at the Possibility Showcase on April 16. The judges included:
• Austin Foss, co-owner and founder of Pops & Bejou Games
• Brittany Diederich, founder of Better Deeds Consulting
• Dr. Kate Cook
• Dr. Mary Larson, Associate Professor, NDSU Department of Public Health
• Dr. Ruchi Bhardwaj, Sr. Program Manager of Education and Research, Grand Farm
• Dr. Dongwook Kim, Postdoc Researcher, Center for Entrep. and Family Business
The winning teams will attend The Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge on May 3-4, 2024, in San Diego, CA and the Banff Systems Summit in Banff, Canada, on May 27-29, 2024.
GALAMSEY IN GHANA: PRESERVE THE PLANET, MINE RIGHT!
“Galamsey,” the illegal mining of minerals like gold in Ghana, is causing severe environmental damage such as deforestation and water pollution, and poses risks to human health due to exposure to toxic chemicals. It undermines the legal mining industry, leading to financial and resource losses. The persistence of galamsey is exacerbated by weak law enforcement, underscoring the need for comprehensive measures to address its underlying causes and find solutions.
Students: Edwin Akomaning, Juliana Antwi, Richard Dery, Valentina Asiedu
University: NDSU
FOOD INSECURITY IN ND THROUGH THE LENS OF TRADE
1 in 18 people face hunger in North Dakota. Food Security is a very present issue, and with the World Sustainable Development goal of 2030 near, it seems that we still have a long way to go in terms of minimizing hunger. By looking at trade procedures and various economic variables that may have an impact, how can we aim to improve food security in North Dakota?
Students: Bridget Chukwu, Kailey Groess, Mawuena Tome
University: NDSU
HOW HAS SOUTH AFRICA’S GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTED TO RISING FOOD INSECURITY?
Over the past decade, South Africa has seen a concerning rise in the rate of undernourishment, as measured by the Food and Agriculture Organization. We see systemic contributors due to government mismanagement, which has impacted the power grid and water supply systems. These impact farmers’ ability to produce food, lowering the quantity and raising the price of food for South Africans.
Students: Alex Bauer, Ansel Anderson, Claire Stoltenow, Demi-Lee Carlisle
University: Minnesota State University Moorhead
COMMUNITY VOICES AGAINST OIL’S IMPACT IN NORTH DAKOTA
The escalation of oil production in North Dakota has generated economic prosperity but at a considerable cost. This development has triggered significant environmental and social issues, including the risk of water contamination, habitat disruption, and the undermining of indigenous communities’ way of life. The controversy surrounding pipelines, such as the Dakota Access and Keystone XL, epitomizes the conflict between economic gain, ecological conservation, and indigenous rights.
Students: Abiodun Idowu, Ayenew Yihune Demeke, Lemlem Asaye,
Muhammad Ali Moriyani, Mulugeta Amare
Universities: NDSU, University of North Dakota
FROM CRADLE TO CAREER: RETHINKING SOUTH KOREA’S FERTILITY FUTURE
Ultimately, the goal of this research is to bring awareness to the multi-faceted social, political and economic factors contributing to the low fertility and birth rates in South Korea. The implications of this decrease are serious, as an aging population threatens economic stability and productivity. Additionally, we are attempting to draw attention to possible policy and social changes that could be implemented to address the patterns of gender inequality within the country.
Students: Azahna Luschen, Erin Dummer, Kate Machacek
Universities: NDSU, Carthage College
F = FAT (PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR ADOLESCENT OBESITY IN NORTH DAKOTA)
Obesity is a chronic, complex disease that can harm one’s health, according to the World Health Organization. It is characterized by excessive fat deposits, and based on estimations of adolescents heights and weights, the America’s Health Ranking Report (2023) claims that 29% of children in North Dakota between the ages of 10 and 17 are overweight or obese. Adolescent obesity is a topic that has to be discussed because obese children and teens are more likely to develop chronic illnesses that can cause early death and disability.
Students: Abuk Akech, Barbara Augustino, Beckham Arthur, Hope Theede,
Maria Lotti
University: NDSU
GREEK LIFE HAZING
Going to college is an exciting time filled with personal growth, lifelong friendships, and new opportunities. Unfortunately, many of these students experience hazing throughout their time in college. More specifically, at least 73% of fraternity and sorority life members are exposed to hazing with alumni being present 25% of the time. Hazing within the Greek Life community is ongoing and unchanging. We are long overdue for a transformation.
Students: Abbie Brekke, Alexa Schneider, Kate Brevik, Skylar Uglem
University: NDSU
TRANSFORMING FUTURES: ENHANCING CHILDREN’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Across the state of Minnesota, roughly 20% of children and youth are living with a diagnosed behavioral or mental health condition. The COVID-19 Pandemic significantly exacerbated many pediatric mental and behavioral healthcare challenges. In Minneapolis, and the surrounding metropolitan area, this is especially true for individuals who are disproportionately impacted by social determinants of health and systematic inequities.
Students: Ellia Dalzell and Demisew Degefu
Universities: NDSU, University of Minnesota
XTRA APPAREL – SOLVING INADEQUATE ACCESSIBILITY TO CLOTHING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME
The problem is the lack of suitable clothing options for individuals with Down syndrome, which severely affects their ability to find properly fitting garments. Despite having the same basic needs as others, such as clothing, individuals with Down syndrome face significant challenges due to their unique body proportions, making it difficult to find appropriately sized attire. This issue not only highlights the broader neglect of the needs of people with disabilities in society but also underscores the impact on their self-esteem and daily comfort.
Students: Macy Stender and Mariah Huglen
University: NDSU
SOIL TO CELL: A ROOT-CAUSE APPROACH TO DIET RELATED DISEASE IN THE U.S.
Chronic disease rates are climbing at an alarming rate, with 60% of U.S. adults suffering from at least 1 chronic disease, and 40% living with 2 or more, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities. With these conditions’ undeniable ties to dietary patterns, it is critical that we investigate the factors shaping the food access and preference in our country. The interconnected nature of policy makers, lobbyists, and the food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries create a system that prioritizes profit over public health. Our project explores this complex following the journey of food from its origin in the soil to its arrival in human cells.
Students: Lexy Nelson, Luke Zimmer, Makelle Gulleson, Taylor Lee
Universities: NDSU, University of Jamestown
ENTR 401 Capstone Projects
Four student groups from the ENTR 401 Capstone course also had their projects on display during the Possibility Showcase exhibit. The projects included:
PLATE & PADDLE
A facility combining indoor/outdoor pickleball courts and a restaurant/bar. This facility will provide pickleball lessons/coaching, as well as a vibrant environment for members of the Fargo-Moorhead community to enjoy the sport of pickleball and high-quality food.
Students: Brady Johnson, Emma Johnson, Noah Hitchcock, Zachary Mahin
NDSU TALENT SHOW
Our talent show business serves as a way for individuals to show their talent, but also a way to entertain people in the FM area and bring the community together.
Students: David Ledoux, Jaden Master, Jaden Rohrich, Natalie Hunter,
Thomas Marsh
CUPS FOR A CAUSE
This business sells uniquely designed cups and mugs while donating 10% of the proceeds to local non-profits.
Students: Caleb Nelson, Elizabeth Murray, Julia Snider, Lucky Beddel,
Mac Scheuble, Ryan Larson
TISAA FABRICATIONS
A furniture company that sources its material from wood pallets to build handmade, multipurpose tables. The company reuses pallets that would otherwise become waste. Five tables can be sourced from one pallet.
Students: Abdulrahman Hussein, Adreanna Dupree, Iva Buckley, Samuel Johnson, Tony Hanson