Elliott Nelson & Adam Moyer

Elliott Nelson & Adam Moyer are developing an innovative analysis tool geared for the everyday golfer. They have developed a process to capture and accurately measure the flight of a golf ball - from these measurements they can predict the ball trajectory and distance. Their product can be used anywhere from golf simulators down to the Tiger Woods Wii game. Elliot came up with the idea to simply have a better measurement of his own golf game and now the two engineers are teaming up to make the idea a reality.

New Wave Innovation

Steve Doty

New Wave Innovation developed Stash-N-Store(c), a fold down shelf that gives you more space in your refrigerator. The product efficiently uses space that would otherwise be wasted, helping consumers organize food. Over the past few months, inventor Steve Doty and his team, which includes Jeremy Johnson, John Winch and Hatti Terrel, have hit significant milestones:

• Built a list of product functionsObtained three-dimensional drawings for use in obtaining a provisional patent and building prototypes Performed a patent search Formed a company and determined a product name
• Retained an attorney for filing company registration and patent

New Wave Innovation will continue to research their marketing channels, develop more prototypes and continue to work with manufacturers to fine-tune their design.

Menden Products LLC

AJ and Meredith Menden

Menden Products LLC has made significant progress in their development of “The Paint and Tool Safety Shelf” - designed to improve the safety of working on an extension ladder. This shelf is used to hold a paint tray and tools, while working on an extension ladder. Under the direction of AJ and Meredith Menden, since receiving the Brian Fazio Creation Project, Meden Products has accomplished the following:

• Filed Articles of Organization with the Minnesota Secretary of State to register Menden Products LLC as a limited liability company
• Completed a three-dimensional mechanical drawing
• Developed a working prototype to test the market
• Started a patent search

Over the next few months AJ and Meredith are testing a prototype shelf developed as part of the research and design phase of the product. If all goes well, production of “The Paint and Tool Safety Shelf” will begin and be available online for purchase within the next year.

Caditt, LLC

Cameron, Areta and David Tofte

Caditt, LLC, founded by Areta and David Tofte of Mankato, has developed a kitchen tool named Spyke(TM) designed to help release solid-like canned food products, such as cream-of soups, cranberry sauce, pumpkin, frozen juice and dog food without spooning or scraping to remove the contents. It is a hand-held kitchen tool which safely and easily pierces the bottom of the can to release the vacuum holding the food inside the can. In the early months of its existence, Caditt has:

• Submitted an application for trademark and patent protection for Spyke(TM)
• Produced more than 100 product prototypes
• Explored marketing channels that include commercial applications

Caditt’s next steps include the marketing and manufacturing of its product. They will be exploring commercial markets such as military and other high volume purchasers.

Athletech

Shane Bowyer, Keir Asher Not shown: Gregg Asher, Jody Lunz

Athletech was founded by MSU student Keir Asher and faculty member Shane Bowyer. Their product specialized in applying technology to assess and enhance athletic performance.

Athletech moved towards growing the business idea; however, due to personal circumstances, Asher decided to remove himself from the project and Bowyer has tried to identify the right student to take the project on, but unfortunately has not found the right fit. The remaining dollars from their award have been reallocated to the next competition.

Surf Internet Marketing Management

Andrew Mueller, Mark Bietz, Not shown: Dr. John Kaliski

Surf, Internet Marketing Management, lead by MSU student and business owner, Mark Bietz and MSU professor and business owner, John Kaliski, went from conceptualization to a full fledged plan within a month. Their online tool would be used to manage marketing activities for companies. They registered the business with the MN Secretary of State, gearing up to start.

While Bietz and Kaliski’s were passionate about their idea and they had the expertise to deliver this type of business, they didn’t feel they could dedicate enough time and energy to the project due to their own businesses and commitments to bring this idea to fruition. The remaining grant dollars from Surf’s award were repurposed for the next year.

Kato Collar

Jeff Chambers

KATO Collar is developing a football collar designed to prevent injury by restricting motion without limiting mobility, an idea of Minnesota State University, Mankato Head Athletic Trainer Jeff Chambers. Chambers has utilized the resources at the university such as talent to create a 3-D design of the collar. Since receiving the $5,000 grant from the Brian Fazio Business Creation Project, Chambers has:

• identified the materials and manufacturers (including local company Rolco)
• working with a patent attorney
• solidified his design
• developed a prototype to test size, fit and functionality
• next step - financing

KATO Collar continues to use the business resources in the Greater Mankato area and is making positive strides towards making this idea a reality.