Semifinalists announced for eighth annual E-Challenge

Eleven semifinalists have been announced for the eighth annual Monfort College of Business Entrepreneurial Challenge at the University of Northern Colorado. The Entrepreneurial Challenge is an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to obtain exposure and compete for $50,000 in prize money to help bring their innovative business ideas to fruition.

The semi-finalists represent health care, education, sports and other industries. They'll present their business concepts on Jan. 31 at the UNC University Center.

"The semifinalists this year are a diverse group of enterprises," said David Thomas, assistant professor of management and director of the Entrepreneurial Challenge. "Many of the products and services they represent are ones we haven't seen yet in the many years we've been doing this."

The 11 semifinalists are:

• BarMade (Greeley)

  BarMade is on a mission to deliver more than just a mechanical pour, it delivers the full mixology experience and is capable of pouring chilled and carbonated mixed drinks/cocktails from any smartphone or tablet. https://www.f6s.com/barmade/about

• Class Composer (Boulder)

  The software service helps elementary schools create balanced classes in less time. The software program ensures equity among the newly created classes which fosters a better learning environment for students. http://www.classcomposer.com

• Dare2Coach (Windsor)

  The web-based survey company offers a first-of-its-kind multi-rater feedback tool for athletic coaches. Dare2Coach serves as a facilitator by providing insights to a coach's blind spots allowing them to be the best coach possible. http://www.dare2coach.org)

• EZ Protein (Pueblo) 

  The EZ Protein Machine is an innovative protein dispenser for ultimate convenience that stores up to three different types of protein powders or other supplements, water, and has a simple, intuitive touchscreen user interface. http://ezproteinmachine.com

• Global Village Power, LLC (Fort Collins) 

  Committed to ending energy poverty in the commercial cooking sectors of Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa by marketing, distributing, and servicing commercial-size, energy efficient, clean cooking systems to Ghana's schools, restaurants, and commercial food preparers.  http://cleancookstoves.org/partners/item/999/2275

• Lacuna Diagnostics (Fort Collins) 

  Promises to save pet's lives by dramatically reducing diagnostic turnaround time by creating and sharing digital images rather than relying on shipments of physical microscope slides. http://www.lacunadiagnostics.com

• Our Green Nation (Avon) 

  A company that believes that people can elevate the status quo of wellness utilizing the power of authentic conversations. Through an ecosystem of health, wellness and well-being, it takes an integrative wellness approach to 10 broad-reaching categories and also offers a marketplace. https://ourgreennation.org

• Qualify (Boulder):  

  Aims to connect college students using a fun and engaging platform that allows users to interact beyond just the swipe of a finger. User generated quiz questions help narrow the search for a significant other and foster stronger relationships for people that qualify. http://qualify.buzz

• SiVEC Biotechnologies (Windsor)

  Committed to developing global solutions for rapid disease protection by developing a patent-pending antiviral technology, SiVEC-AIV™, to be rapidly applied on-farm as a sprayed aerosol to treat and prevent all types of avian flu viruses in poultry. http://www.sivecbiotechnologies.com

•  Stow (Windsor)

  An online community and marketplace for storage and parking, allowing users with extra storage space to make extra income by listing it on the Stow platform. Stow helps connect those who have storage space with those that need space while providing extra income to everyday people.  www.Stow.io

•  To Market Ltd. (Arvada)

   is a simple online marketplace for sourcing local food, bringing efficiencies previously missing to the local buying and selling process of high quality foods supporting high quality restaurant experiences. To Market creates a tool for farmers to maximize their time, yields, and earnings while getting the best chefs the best quality products. , http://www.tomarket.farm

 Following the semifinals, five finalists will be chosen to compete for a total of $50,000 in prize money and the opportunity to present their business plans to a panel of judges in a "Shark Tank" format at the UNC University Center on April 28.

For more information about the competition visit www.mcb-echallenge.com.

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