Washburn University Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business Community Innovation Challenge Awards $26,000 to Students

Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University Brenneman School of Business, in partnership with Topeka Community Foundation, hosted its fourth annual Community Innovation Challenge (CIC) this semester, culminating in the Grand Finals on April 8.

CIC is a student competition that encourages participants to explore and develop business ideas aimed at solving social issues facing the community, region or world. The Topeka Community Foundation sponsors the event, providing the monetary prizes.

The three-part competition, open to all undergraduate and graduate Washburn students, including Washburn Tech students, began in March with students submitting written proposals. Before the second round, the selected 10 semifinalists attended an in-depth workshop on social entrepreneurship, where they met with community leaders and Washburn faculty to refine their ideas.

During the semifinal round, students presented brief overviews of their concepts to a panel of judges, who selected five finalists. In the final round, students delivered expanded presentations on their ventures and participated in a question-and-answer session before judges announced the winners.

"The Community Innovation Challenge continues to demonstrate the power of Washburn University students to turn innovative ideas into meaningful solutions. From addressing homelessness and sustainability, to promoting digital responsibility and health equity, this year's participants showcased both creativity and a deep commitment to community impact," said Dr. David Price, professor of marketing, Washburn University Brenneman School of Business. "The success of this competition reflects not only the talent of our students, but also the strength of our partnerships and our shared dedication to creating positive change locally and beyond."

This year's CIC winners are:

First place ($7,000): Devin Fritzsch, senior, Omaha, Neb. - "Underwear Everywhere" - a direct-to-consumer underwear brand built on a buy-one, give-one model benefiting unhoused people.

Second place ($5,000): Camryn Bloom, senior, Wakarusa, Kan. - "Right Path" - a gamified platform that helps children navigate their online presence and learn digital responsibility.

Third place ($4,000): Mia Anthony, senior, Topeka, Kan. - "The Period Project" - a vending machine model that combines free menstrual products with low-cost retail options on campuses to create long-term sustainability.

Fourth place ($3,000): Lucas Heit, senior, Topeka, Kan. - "Bod's Boutique" - a campus retail venture offering curated, affordable vintage apparel and dorm room essentials, with a focus on sustainability and reducing landfill waste.

Fifth place ($2,000): Keiki Jackson, senior, Kansas City, Kan. - "Community Grassroots Greenhouse" - a year-round growing space where people experiencing homelessness receive job training while helping grow food for the community.

The remaining five semifinalists each received $1,000 for their proposed venture.

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Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 8,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn's programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees. The programs are offered through Washburn's six primary academic units - College of Arts & Sciences, School of Applied Studies, Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business, Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing, School of Law and Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech).

All programs are offered on either the 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kan., at Washburn Tech's campus on Topeka's west side or in the East Topeka facility. Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and many of the individual programs have additional accreditations.

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