It was a tense afternoon of pitching innovative ideas to a panel of academic and industry experts at 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»as the third annual Great Eight competition took place at the Innovation, Science, and Technology Building. The event mimics the popular television show βShark Tankβ where students present their concepts before a panel of judges, with the winner advancing to the prestigious statewide Governorβs Cup later this spring.
For each Great Eight project, students were given six minutes to present, followed by a four-minute question-and-answer session by the judges. At the conclusion, the judges went over all of the projects and made a decision on the top three.
The four judges evaluating the projects were University President Randy K. Avent and Executive Vice President and Provost Terry Parker. They were joined by David Robinson, president of DSM Technology Consultants, and Michael Lawley, member of the 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly Foundation Board of Directors.
After much deliberation, the winner was SynapCare, a consumer device that uses electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to read a userβs mental state to help provide mental health solutions. The project was presented by Michael Jernigan, a senior majoring in electrical engineering from Auburndale, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³», and Chelsea Reeves, a junior majoring in electrical engineering from Jacksonville, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³».
βWe were motivated to win and weβre very passionate about what we do, but this is surprising and we are very thankful,β said Reeves. βI know that we have a wonderful device, but every team today presented a valuable idea that could become something great.β
A close second was Instalist, a device that helps authenticate jewelry and list it online using machine vision and other sensing technology. It was presented by John Sarnecky, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering from Naples, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³», and by Andre Ripley, a senior majoring in computer engineering from Lauderdale by the Sea, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³».
Third place went to OpenSpot, an app that connects current drivers who are occupying parking spots to drivers seeking parking spots through a mini-bid system. It was presented by Jestin Cherian, a senior majoring in computer science from Sunrise, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³».
Justin Heacock, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Polyβs entrepreneurship coordinator, said the goal of the Great Eight is to not only give students a platform to develop their entrepreneurial ideas, but to show them there are people out there such as faculty, staff, and industry leaders who are willing to help them along the way.
βWe want to show them what that pathway can be for this entrepreneurial future they might dream of,β said Heacock. βRegardless of whether they get it now or in 10 years, itβs just to show them itβs possible, and there are ways to do it.β
The Governorβs Cup takes place each year and features teams from universities across 91ΒιΆΉΣ³». Last year, the 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly team won third place and $1,500. Since 2016, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly students have won more than $30,000 for their projects at statewide competitions.
2019 Great Eight Participants
Combat Innovationβ A βsmartβ tourniquet designed to identify when a soldier has been shot to apply pressure immediately.
Presented by:
- Bruce Hicks, electrical engineering, sophomore, Eustis, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
- Josh Haddix, computer science, junior, Holiday, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
- Bryce Palmer computer science, freshman, Lakeland, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
SynapCare βA consumer device that uses EEG signals to read a userβs mental state to help provide mental health solutions.
Presented by:
- Michael Jernigan, electrical engineering, senior, Auburndale, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
- Chelsea Reeves, electrical engineering, junior, Jacksonville, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
InstaList: A device that helps authenticate jewelry and list it online using machine vision and other sensing technology.
Presented by:
- John Sarnecky, mechanical engineering, senior, Naples, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
- Andre Ripley, computer engineering, senior, Lauderdale by the Sea, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
OpenSpot: An app that connects current drivers who are occupying parking spots to drivers seeking parking spots through a mini-bid system.
Presented by:
- Jestin Cherian, computer science, senior, Sunrise, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
Crace Tech: New βsmartβ connected device for consumer entertainment that enhances brand exposure for alcohol companies.
Presented by:
- Chris Mattice, mechanical engineering, sophomore, Vero Beach, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
Textala: A software where students can rent a custom portion of a school textbook for a low price.
Presented by:
- Brandon Rubio, computer engineering, sophomore, Haines City, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
OlympiAId: A real-time presentation feedback platform that allows instructors to increase student outcomes including using proprietary artificial intelligence technology.
Presented by:
- Austin Lubetkin, computer science, senior, Boca Raton, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
Stylized AI: A smart mirror that gives personalized clothing recommendations for individuals using artificial and augmented reality.
Presented by:
- Djuan Gayle, computer engineering, junior, Orlando, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
- Nicolee Brown, computer science, junior, Westin, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
- Jenario Johnson, electrical engineering, senior, Tampa, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Assistant Director of Communications
863-874-8450