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Business students put their pitches to test in Boise- High-powered presenters try to woo experts

Would you buy a computer game that allows you to compete online for
catching the biggest cyber-fish?

Or would you be more likely to invest your money in a biogenetics
company that is developing a way to cure cancer using non-invasive
methods?

Maybe the best buy is a device that will let diesel vehicles get better
gas mileage with fewer emissions?

All three of these are examples of real start-up companies whose
owners have placed their business plans and future focus in the
hands of college students from Canada to Mexico.

The students, in teams from seven universities including Boise State
and Idaho State universities, hope to use the plans to win more than
$27,000 in prize money at a venture capital competition culminating
today at Boise State.

This is the first time the Northwest Venture Championship has been
held, helping business students hone real-life skills in foraging for
venture capital funds.

The competition is based on a similar program at the University of
Texas at Austin that awards $100,000 to the top winner and draws
international teams.

Students in Thursday´s first round of judging quickly learned the holes in their plans after
going through a formal oral presentation and questioning by judges.

“These are real venture capital and business people,” said Eric Munger, a member of the
Boise State team that presented a plan for biogenetics start-up Galaxi Pharmaceuticals.

Boise State team members were fearful they would be out of the running when judges asked
them to thoroughly explain why the company needed to have its own building.

“It was hard to explain in a short period of time,” said Norris Krueger, the team´s faculty
adviser, as the group huddled after their presentation to discuss their performance.

The team, however, is among four that reached today´s final round.

Team member Valentina Kuskova said the process was a valuable lesson, and that they could
now better assist Galaxi in developing a plan that is likely to win venture funds.

The team from Idaho State University will also compete in today´s finals, pitching a plan for
Diesel Hydrogen Generator, a company in American Falls.

That company has a product under development that reduces emissions and promotes fuel
efficiency in diesel engines.

“It´s a product that potentially can be pretty important to truckers,” said team member Aaron
Mann, who also works as a salesman for the company while attending school.

“We´re down here to figure out our approach for investors. We need to have a solid business
plan.”

Other teams competing in today´s event are: University of Manitoba representing the
company Cyberdreams, an online fishing game; and the University of Portland representing
EnableMart, a business that provides individuals with adaptive computer hardware and
software.

The presentations are judged on a number of areas, including the clarity and persuasiveness
of the written plan and oral presentation, the viability of the proposed venture, prospective
financial return, and the probability that the plan will lead to a real business, not just a
licensing arrangement.

To offer story ideas or comments, contact Julie Howard
[email protected] or 373-6618

http://204.228.236.37/Business/story.asp?ID=9148

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