New Ideas for a New Carolina

Vickie Waller

Grand Prize Winner, Category Winner: Engineering

Henry is the owner and founder of the Muhler Company. His winning idea the 'Storm Stud', a revolutionary new product that offers coastal home owners the latest in built in hurricane protection. Storm Studs are lightweight storm panels that can be carried under one arm and are made from a translucent fabric allowing light to enter the home. Since the contest, the Storm Stud is now in production and available for purchase at Builders FirstSource.

Barbara Iaquinto

Category Runner-Up: Software/Information Technology

Barbara's idea has come to fruition with the website Quintesocial, an innovative social networking concept that uses online tools to help their members find fun, interesting, and fulfilling activities happening in their own city. Unlike online social networks such as Facebook or MySpace, Quintesocial is for adults who value an active social life and want to meet compatible people for fun, food, culture, and the celebration of life. While some Quintesocial events are open to the public, many are invitation-only events created just for Quintesocial members. On March 1, 2010 they launched a beta site in Portland, Oregon and just launched in Denver, Colorado on June 1, 2010. In January, 2010 they became an SC Launch portfolio company with a combined investment of $100,000.

Michael Kitchen, M.D.

Category Winner: BioScience

Dr. Kitchen, founding partner of Restorative Physiology Group, LLC, said, "receiving this award (New Ideas SC) is further validation of the opportunity our ThermalMethod™ technology represents for the development of truly least invasive treatments for disorders of the spine and makes it possible to implant surgical devices that are significantly larger than the access required to place them. We look forward to growing our business and to creating new jobs for South Carolinians in the biotech industry." Michael and his team went on to win the Southeast BIO third annual BIO/Plan competition, a year-long business creation competition with a grand prize valued at $100k in non-diluted cash and services. Restorative Physiology Group is 'shaping the future of orthopedic instrumentation'!Dr. Kitchen, founding partner of Restorative Physiology Group, LLC, said, "receiving this award (New Ideas SC) is further validation of the opportunity our ThermalMethod™ technology represents for the development of truly least invasive treatments for disorders of the spine and makes it possible to implant surgical devices that are significantly larger than the access required to place them. We look forward to growing our business and to creating new jobs for South Carolinians in the biotech industry." Michael and his team went on to win the Southeast BIO third annual BIO/Plan competition, a year-long business creation competition with a grand prize valued at $100k in non-diluted cash and services. Restorative Physiology Group is 'shaping the future of orthopedic instrumentation'!.

Julie McWherter/Laura Varn

Category Winner: WildCard

Julie and Laura started PrettySMART! LLC to develop their winning idea for the Azula™ a fashionable mat that women can sit on at the edge of the swimming pool (or any other potentially hazardous location) to keep their bathing suits from snagging. Azula sales continue to grow and are offered in over a dozen designs. They are available for purchase at fine retailers or online at www.myazula.com

Vickie Waller

Category Winner: Software/Information Technology

Vickie's idea for USOBE, The Ultimate Source of Boating Excursions has grown and currently has over 375 captains available for chartering and offers a wide variety of trips including Fishing, Sightseeing, Sunset Cruises, Nature Excursions, Family Outings, Yachts and Sailing. "We are continuing to build our presence in and around the Charleston area and beyond. We work with most of the high end hotels and resorts and they enjoy the convenience of making one call for boating reservation".

"The New Ideas SC contest validated that others thought highly of our idea- USOBE, a boating excursion travel website. As a side benefit, it has helped us obtain media coverage to launch our business and the prize winnings contributed to our start-up. Five on our team are FastTrac® graduates and the brainstorming and applied knowledge from FastTrac has definitely helped us weather the launching of a luxury business in a down economy." For more information, go to www.usobe.com.

Jeff Beck

Category Runner-Up: Software/Information Technology

OneZone Solutions took advantage of the momentum gained from the New Ideas SC contest and took the residential and commercial automation industry by storm! oneZone is now Charleston's leading automation company utilizing wireless technologies to reduce utility costs for living or working spaces. "The New Ideas SC contest validated what we thought was a great business idea and allowed us to enter the market with confidence (and a little extra capital)." For information on reducing your utility bills go to www.oneZoneSolutions.com.

David E. Witter

Category Runner-Up: Engineering

David is Chief Technical Officer for ANAXTAL Silicon, LLC. His idea was for lower cost solar grade silicon for photovoltaic energy systems. David and his partner Stephen Schultz at ANAXTAL Silicon have since become an SC Launch portfolio company. They developed proprietary technology and will produce silicon specifically designed for solar photovoltaic (PV) applications. This will enable ANAXTAL to become a significant growth company in the rapidly expanding solar energy market. If you would like more information about ANAXTAL Silicon and their groundbreaking new product, check out their website at www.Anaxtal.com or contact Steve at steve@anaxtal.com.

Anand Deekaram and Shaun Abraham

Category Winners: Engineering

Anand and Shaun's winning idea was to simplify life through sustainable business practices by integrating affordable high quality robotic solutions into everyday products and services. Since the contest ended, their company MadWise® has created a series of prototypes resulting in technological advancement in their robotics products. MadWise is recognized as an SC Launch portfolio company and currently resides in the USC Columbia Technology Incubator. "The New Ideas SC competition was a key component in creating a foundation for MadWise and a lifelong partner as we continue to grow as a company!"

James Poch

Category Winner: Environmental Sustainability

Jim Poch is the founder and Executive Director of PlugInCarolina. His winning idea: to create a coalition to promote and create a demand for Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV's) which are traditional engine vehicles with enlarged batteries allowing for local travel on battery power alone, reserving gasoline power for longer commutes. Since winning in 2006, Jim has made his 'idea' a realization, gaining the support of utility companies and clean energy groups around the state. PlugInCarolina is currently seeking the funding needed to install electric car charging stations in Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg and Columbia. For more information, go to www.PlugInCarolina.org.