Muskingum News

InnovationMania, the signature event for Muskingum University’s Ignition Program, returned with a bang on campus in year number two. More than 100 people participated in the frenzied, fun night of innovation and problem solving that encouraged budding entrepreneurs to share, and brainstorm, ideas. 

During the event, Ignition students pitched business concepts to a team of ‘sharks’ to win seed money to potentially start or scale a business. The event also featured six student teams vying for the coveted Eddy Trophy by creatively solving a campus problem presented to them during the evening. 

This year’s Muskie sharks were Dr. Nancy Evangelista, Provost; Dr. Ken Hasseler, President Hasseler’s husband; Katie Simms, director of Student Leadership and Engagement; and Larry Triplett ’80, co-owner and president of Triad Labs.

Taking home the cash, hardware and overall InnovationMania II bragging rights in 2020 were:

Ignition Entrepreneurs

• 1st prize, $600, Olivia Lang ‘21: Would like to merge her passion for agriculture and business to start a fruit farm.
• 2nd prize, $350, Colton Furr ‘20: Identified a need and presented a plan for a bar and restaurant on campus.

Team Challenge

• Chi Alpha Nu sorority group, Eddy Trophy

According to Gary Golden, associate professor of Business and director of Ignition, InnovationMania is a perfect example of the high-impact learning opportunities available to all Muskies that prepare them for productive careers. 

“Event participants were tasked with researching, preparing, and delivering a concept in a persuasive and professional manner,” Golden said. “Add those invaluable skills to the ability to collaborate and work as a team, and you lay the groundwork for success.”