Klamath Falls, Ore. – A ‘Shark Tank’ competition is underway at Oregon Tech, featuring student entrepreneurs vying for seed money to start their own business.
Joslyn Lindsey is working with a team called ‘Minimize’. “We are working on bringing a tiny house manufacturer to Klamath Falls. So, tiny houses are houses that are between 100 square feet, and 300 square feet.”
Coordinator Mark Ahalt says seven teams are taking part in the ‘Catalyze Klamath’ Shark Tech competition. “We’re trying to get students to actually see their senior projects and the things they’re doing on campus, have traction outside.”
The teams pitch their concepts to a field of seven judges.
Those concepts include 3-D scanning, solar beehives, and CNC metal fabrication.
“Computer numeric control is what it stands for.” Explains K.C. Crawford of MOG Metalworks and Design. “Basically, it spits out a bunch of numbers and tells the motors how far they need to go in which direction.”
The teams also get valuable practice in pitching their ideas.
“Catalyze Klamath Falls was built upon the idea of keeping students here in the community.” Notes Crawford. “And I know in the future I can hire some Oregon Tech students.”
Mark Ahalt says the teams will meet again for a final competition this spring.
“In May, we’ll have the formal ‘Catalyze’ competition, and I think this year there’s $17,000 that will be divided among the top three players.”
This is the sixth year Oregon Tech has hosted the competition.
The prize money is raised by a mix of private and public donors.
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