More than a side quest: Trulaske students bring innovative ideas to Entrepreneur Quest

The University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business knows a thing or two about the entrepreneurial mindset. Whether it’s training future entrepreneurs in the classroom or providing them with mentorship and resources through the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset is one of the three pillars of success upon which the college stands. So it’s little wonder Trulaske students “represented” at the university’s recent Entrepreneur Quest, a multi-part competition that features workshops, networking, mentoring — and a $30,000 prize pool.

The annual event, which was hosted by Mizzou’s Griggs Innovators Nexus and open to full-time students across campus, kicked off with an elevator pitch competition among the top 15 applicants in September. From there, the top 10 competitors were selected by a panel of judges to receive mentoring from entrepreneurial leaders over the course of several weeks. In mid-November, judges awarded seed funding to the top three teams during the final pitch competition.

Trulaske student Ted Krause, originally from Jefferson City, was part of a team voted “audience favorite” during the first round of competition. The team, which also included Trulaske student Brock Schofield, won $2,000 for Vital Track, a system that uses wearable wrist devices to monitor vital signs for individuals in senior care environments and send alerts via phone notification to staff members or family members. The team also tied for third place in the final round of competition, bringing home an additional $5,000.

“The concept was inspired by a desire to make senior care safer by equipping caregivers with tools to administer preventative healthcare measures and act faster during emergencies,” Krause said. “In an industry due for innovation, we believe that our product could ultimately save thousands of lives.”

Trulaske students Nathan Smith and Malaki Doubet also advanced to the second round with Golden HomeShare, an app designed to create better housing and support solutions for seniors by connecting them with reliable, live-in local help, such as grad students or traveling professionals who are willing to help out in exchange for reduced rent.

“It blends technology with a community-based approach, helping older homeowners and younger residents find mutually beneficial living arrangements built on trust and respect,” said Smith. “The goal is to make staying at home longer easier, safer, and more affordable.”

Smith, a native of Independence, Missouri, was inspired by the work of his aunt, who runs a homecare business. 

“Seeing her impact on families inspired me to explore new ways to expand that kind of help,” Smith said. “I wanted to build something that supports both older homeowners and younger people looking for affordable housing.”

The software guides users through the entire matching process, from vetting to agreement generation. 

“The hope is that we can allow our aging population to remain in their homes and get the care they need while also allowing access to more affordable housing,” said Doubet, a Rock Bridge graduate.

Trulaske student Andrew Rubin’s State Street Spices, a unique spice collection inspired by cities throughout the country, also advanced to the final round. 

“Trulaske has provided a strong foundation through classes, mentorship, and organizations like the CEO Club and AACE Venture Fund,” Smith said. “The college encourages students to take real ideas from concept to launch.”

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.