Innovation Challenge '15 is an annual competition featuring new, unique or re-imagined products and services developed by NDSU students. The students compete for a total of $20,000 in cash prizes during the competition. The Innovation Challenge is presented by the NDSU Office of the Provost, in partnership with the NDSU Research and Technology Park. The North Dakota Corn Council is a major sponsor of the competition.

 

The team, “Treker,” includes Ryan Swanson, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering from Becker; Micah Johnson, a mechanical engineering major from Milnor, ND; Tim Liu, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering from Fargo;  Michael Schuh, a mechanical engineering major from Maple Grove: and Jared Kubler, a mechanical engineering major from Erhard, MN.

 

Swanson is the son of Tim and Deanna Swanson of Clear Lake.

 

The team is developing a track for wheelchairs that can be used both indoors and outdoors.

 

Twenty-four teams were selected as finalists by an independent panel of judges. Five of the teams are in the corn category. Ten teams, including Treker, are in the product category. Nine teams are in the service category.

 

"The purpose of Innovation Challenge is to encourage students to be innovative thinkers," explained Chuck Hoge, interim executive director at the NDSU Research and Technology Park.

 

"We want to enhance student awareness for innovation as a precursor to entrepreneurship and empower them to pursue entrepreneurship as a career choice. At the same time, this is an effort to engage the business community with our students."

 

The teams are scheduled to give their final presentations on Feb. 25 and an awards ceremony and keynote speaker luncheon are set for Feb. 26.

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