On Wednesday, December 4th, 2019, 24 student teams went to the Saab Center, Perry Atrium, to pitch their prototypes to judges and the public. This was the 6th Annual Francis College of Engineering Prototyping Competition!
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., each team demonstrated their working prototype with a three-minute presentation to a panel of preliminary judges. They were judged based on practicality, creativity, market ability, cost-effectiveness, and presentation. This event was also open to the public, where family, student peers, and visitors could also see the pitches and vote for their favorite teams
We would like to extend a big thank you to all of the Preliminary judges:
Doug Browne ’85, Francis College of Engineering
Cindy Conde ’87, ’91, Francis College of Engineering
Steve Geyster ’83, Francis College of Engineering
Paul Makris ’91, Francis College of Engineering
Mike Mulligan ’85, Francis College of Engineering
Rich Rosetti ’83, Francis College of Engineering
Rob Sullivan ’88, ’93, Francis College of Engineering
William (Bill) Perciballi ’85, Francis College of Engineering
From 6 p.m to 7 p.m, the judges deliberated. Three teams were selected by the judges to move to the final round. And, the People’s Choice Award team also moved to the final round.
After the deliberation, the teams that were moving on to the final competition were announced. They presented their proposal to a panel of alumni judges. Each team had ten minutes for their presentations and five minutes for questions. A huge thank you to the final judges:
Rajia Abdelaziz ’16, Francis College of Engineering and Kennedy College of Sciences
Chad LeFrance ’88, Francis College of Engineering
Chris McKenna ’89 Francis College of Engineering
Mark Saab ’81 ’13 (H) Francis College of Engineering
After the presentation pitches, judges went to a separate room to deliberate for who won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards. The People’s Choice Award vote from the individual pitches earlier were also counted.
First prize – $2,500 – Concussion Sensor – A mouth guard with sensor to detect concussion while athletics play in the field.
Second prize – $1,500 – The Smart Safety Outlet – An outlet that interfaces with an app to permit only the authorized person to use electrical appliances in home and workplace.
Third prize – $1,000 – Stand-Assist Belt – A new design of the traditional gait belt to reduce injuries by providing back and under buttock support to assist nurses helping patients to stand.
Med Device prize – $1,500 – The C.A.T. Mat – A physical therapy mat that simulates walking outdoors, helps treat a multitude of patients to improve balance, stability, and other impairments they may have.
Fan favorite – $500 – Use App – An app to help people recycle single use materials.
Honorable mention – team OTDSEES – A device that can assist disable athletes, SCUBA divers, trades people, and homeowners with transferring heavy items, equipment, or people over uneven and rough terrain.
Congratulations to all teams, and thank you to all the judges, audience members, and Francis College of Engineering! If you’re interested in winning additional funding and resources, please apply to the Rist DifferenceMaker $50K Idea Challenge from now until Feb. 12th.
