A group of semifinalists were selected to move on in the Cleantech Campus Challenge—an opportunity for students to start innovative businesses that will positively impact the environment, sponsored by Portland State and Wells Fargo—on Thursday.
Student, faculty ideas earn startup funds
A group of semifinalists were selected to move on in the Cleantech Campus Challenge—an opportunity for students to start innovative businesses that will positively impact the environment, sponsored by Portland State and Wells Fargo—on Thursday.
Portland State students and faculty were welcome to pitch their ideas to the judges on Thursday; out of 16 teams, six were chosen to move on to the next phase.
The six semifinalists each won $5,000 to work on their ideas over the summer. They will also have access to a mentor and work space to develop their businesses.
“We gave $5,000 to each team to use however they want,” said PSU Entrepreneurship Club President Nick Simms.
Here are the six semifinalists, taken from an official Cleantech Campus Challenge statement.
Project:
“A photocatalytic water purification system that uses a unique method of magnetic photocatalyst recycling to purify water of organic contaminants—using only solar energy.”
Simon Fowler, graduate student in physics
Emilio Molina, undergraduate student in mechanical engineering
Esteban Rodriguez-Ariza, undergraduate student in chemistry
Dr. Jun Jiao, professor in physics
Project:
“A home aquaponics system that raises fish and vegetables together, utilizing a bio filter to recycle fish waste into plant fertilizer.”
Anne Phillip, recent PSU alumna in biology
John Talik, undergraduate student in mechanical engineering
Matthew Stewart, undergraduate student in mechanical engineering
Taylor Rice, undergraduate student in mechanical engineering
Project:
“Antireflective and efficient spray-coating films using diatoms, a photosynthetic organism, to enhance the light-electricity conversion efficiency of solar cells.”
Haiyan Li, doctor of philosophy researcher in physics
Lester Lampert, graduate student in applied physics
Dr. Jun Jiao, professor in physics and mechanical and materials engineering
Project:
“Natural pigments derived from microorganisms to synthesize dyes on a large scale in completely controlled environments.”
Emily Ediger, undergraduate student in biology
Megan Foley, undergraduate student in biology
Nick Simms, undergraduate student in business
Project:
“Lightweight and corrosion-resistant buckling restrained braces, utilizing nonconventional construction materials, to protect buildings from earthquake damage.”
Peter Dusicka, assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering
Project:
“A fuel processor system that recycles waste oil into clean diesel fuel.”
Heber Miguel, undergraduate student in business and economics
Michael Boros, undergraduate student in general science
The semifinalists will pitch their projects this fall in hopes of winning a grand prize of $25,000.
