Finalists announced in Penn State Beaver's Lion’s Den idea competition

Finalists to pitch proposals to judges on Nov. 15

MONACA, Pa. — More than 30 teams dared to enter the Lion’s Den, Penn State Beaver’s student idea competition.

Now, five teams have been chosen to pitch their plans to a panel of professional judges at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15 in the Student Union Building Lodge. Winners receive cash prizes and mentorship from professionals in the field.

Lion’s Den was designed to foster entrepreneurship at the Beaver campus, asking students of all majors to pitch their business proposals — whether newly sprouted or fully formed, high tech or low tech, centered around something as lofty as sustainability or something as simple as tracking down the area’s best pizza.

The students who will be pitching on Nov. 15 are:

  • Hailee Atkins and Courtney Lodovico — a personal stylist app that uploads photos of your clothes and plans your daily outfits
  • Justin Ruff, Troy Martin and Anthony Patterson — a parking app that locates available parking lots, garages and spaces
  • Evan McStay, Alex Mammay and Garrett Scheffler — a location-based activity finder for indecisive groups of friends looking for something to do
  • Leighton Markus — a drone with the ability to deliver snacks and drinks at indoor and outdoor events
  • Brandon Bonager — a license plate recognition system that would work with existing technology and allow law enforcement to run checks faster.

The final event is open to the public.