Editor’s Note: Maggie Barton’s SPURstartup has previously partnered with the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards.

The Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards, hosted by Entrepreneurs’ Organization, is a worldwide student startup competition.

On Feb. 9, 26 top students from around the country — including Texas Christian University junior Evan Sledge — attended the national competition at the Communities Foundation of Texas in Dallas.

This is not your ordinary pitch competition.

A generation of innovative thinkers, risk takers, and dreamers who refuse to settle for the way the world is and leverage technology to change it.

“This is not a business plan competition,” said Marisa White, GSEA’s program manager. “This is about finding an entrepreneur who lines up with our core values, including ‘Make A Mark,’ ‘Thirst For Learning,’ and ‘Boldy Go.’”

Despite the emphasis on character, students came with some incredible business opportunities. Some students had already secured seed funding of more than $2 million, gained thousands of customers, and have remarkably impressive boards of advisors.

These students shed light on a misunderstood millennial generation. A generation of innovative thinkers, risk takers, and dreamers who refuse to settle for the way the world is and leverage technology to change it.

There was no lack of creativity when it came to what ideas were brought to the table. Businesses ranged from an outdoor adventure company, to fast-casual dining chains, to napkins that can detect date rape drugs.

A semi-final round was conducted to narrow down the group of 26 students and select the top 5 finalists. Only one student claimed the top spot and advanced to Toronto for the global round.

Danya Sherman won first place at the Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards Feb. 9 in Dallas. [Photo: Maggie Barton]

MEET THE WINNER AND TOP FINALISTS

First Place: Danya Sherman, KnoNap LLC

KnoNap produces paper napkins that detect rape drugs by placing a drop of liquid on the test area of the napkin. If a color change appears, it indicates a drink has been laced with rape drugs. While studying abroad in Spain, Danya was drugged and sexually assaulted by a friend. After that, she “sought to create discrete tools for people to test drinks to ensure less individuals go through this experience.” Danya is launching a Kickstarter in April and will represent the U.S. at Global Finals in Toronto. 

Second Place: Chris Maurice, Yellow Card Financial

Yellow Card Financial makes it simple to buy and sell digital currency in countries, such as parts Africa and the Middle East, with high unbanked populations and limited access to basic financial services. With Yellow Card, all 4 billion unbanked people in the world will be able to access global commerce and keep their money secure. Upon launch, the company generated $182,000 in exchanges in just four and a half months. Its next open beta launch will be in 5,000 locations in four different languages.

Third Place: Mackenzie DraZan, MiResource

After her sister was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder, Mackenzie’s family could not find her sister the right care. Not because they didn’t try, but because they couldn’t find an accurate match for patients to providers. Mackenzie lost her sister to suicide her freshman year of college.

MiResource helps health care centers keep track of crucial data about mental health care providers and match providers to their patients on the first try, no matter how diverse their needs are. Mackenzie has secured around $2 million in funding and looks forward to growing her platform in university mental health care centers.

A FORUM FOR BUDDING ENTREPRNEURS 

Few things are as inspiring as hearing brilliant young students pitch their ideas.

“Every time I judge one of these competitions, I get at least two or three new ways to look at my own business,” said Adrienne Palmer, a member of EO Dallas and key organizer for GSEA Dallas.

Sejal Desai, the business development leader for CFT for Business, noted how excited CFT was to host the competition.

“It’s inspiring to see how they are incorporating social good into their business ideas.” 

Sejal Desai

“We’re delighted to host these young budding entrepreneurs in our building. It brings a ton of energy … it’s inspiring to see how they are incorporating social good into their business ideas.”

GSEA is a win-win. It’s an excellent opportunity for students and a refreshing experience for the busy professionals who take an entire day off to judge them and give feedback.

We look forward to seeing Danya represent the U.S. in the Global Round. Congrats to all of the incredible students who competed!

A version of this column originally appeared on SPURstartup’s blog. 

[Photo: Maggie Barton]

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Evan Sledge founded Sledge Outfitters, a professional guide service for fishing and hunting excursions.

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