Wichita State University
A mechanical device to gauge water levels for the visually impaired
KOCH Industries
The Water Level Sensor Buddy is a tool for the visually impaired to accurately gauge water levels for a wide range of applications – from filling up a water bottle to filling up a pot of water on the stove. With its all-mechanical, magnet-based design, it’s an alternative to the battery-based devices currently on the market.
Winning Teams
In 2025, team Aerio won with their innovative time management app. The team will enter
the national Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO) Global Pitch Competition.2025 winners: (L-R): Corbin Owen, Brent Baxter, Karaline Scott, Angus Durfee, and
Evelyn Hrencher. Photo by Gavin Peters.
Award Winners
2025-2026 Competition
- *Overall Winning Team - JC Lift, an autonomous forklift system to improve safety in warehousing. Team members Cuzack Bove, Landen Bouma, Caden Burford, Connor Kessinger, Jackson Dieckmann, and Jacob Pando.
- Best Kickstarter Video - TIH Innovations
- Best Business Model Canvas - JC Lift
- Best Live Elevator Pitch & Product Demo - JC Lift
2024-2025 Competition
Overall Winning Team - Aerio - A time management app for students' social, academic, and future planning. Team members Corbin Owen, Brent Baxter, Karaline Scott, Angus Durfee, and Evelyn Hrencher. This team competed at the CEO Global Pitch competition.
2023-2024 Competition
Overall Winning Team - BLND Solutions - A tactile paving installation service to increase accessibility in public infrastructure for people who are blind or low vision. Team members Georgia Bacher, Maya Douglas, Elian Laguna, and Tanzeem Nabi. This team competed at the CEO Global Pitch competition.
2022-2023 Competition
Overall Winning Team - ViBracelet - Wearable vibrating alarm clock for the deaf and hearing impaired. Team members Brandon Dowell, William Panakos, Trinity Madden, Loralei McClure, JC Wright. This team competed at the CEO Global Pitch competition and advanced to the Top 100.
2021-2022 Competition
Overall Winning Team - Everwhen, a parking assistant app to help drivers quickly locate an open parking spot on campus. Team members Carly Overacker, Grant Johnson, Jon Colamedici.
2020-2021 Competition
Overall Winning Team - Powerhouse Box - A low-cost, highly durable and portable solar power bank solution for remote areas and camp grounds. Team members: Andrew Huynh, Avry Voyles, Sarafina Collins, Tanner Bradfield.
2019-2020 Competition
Overall Winning Team - Wire Installation -- A magnetic device to make pulling wires through walls easier. Team members: Braden Botkin, Adam Brown, Christopher Lam, Nicholas Ridpath. This team competed in the virtual CEO Global Pitch competition.
2018-2019 Competition
Overall Winning Team - Water Level Sensor Pals. A mechanical device to detect the water level for the blind or visually impaired. Team members: Cierra O'Neill, Edie Reese, Jedidiah Borchard. This team competed at the CEO Global Pitch competition and advanced to the Top 5 finalists round and presented on the big stage.
2017-2018 Competition
Overall Winning Team - T-Rash. An innovative trash can design that simplifies loading trash bags. Team members: Rianna Cazabat, Luke Ewertz, Thilanka Gamalathge, Lorraine Lowrey, Alexa Mercer. This team competed at the CEO Global Pitch competition.
2016-2017 Competition
Overall Winning Team - “Out Cold” - a customizable pillow with air chambers that helps reduce sleep discomfort. Team members: Braden Bohl, Jacob Kimble, Austin Nordyke. This team competed at the CEO Global Pitch competition and advanced to the semi-final round.