APRIL 11, 2024:
South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry has announced the winners of the 2024 business and student business competitions.
After a preliminary judging process that reduced the field of applicants to those selected as qualifiers for 2024, the competition concluded with final judging activities Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The awards were presented during the GOED Conference luncheon program, held in conjunction with Giant Vision. Winners of the two competitions were announced by South Dakota Chamber President David Owen, with Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden presenting checks, and Giant Vision Committee member Mel Ustad, SD EPSCoR, and Wheeler congratulating the honorees.
2024 marks the twentieth year of the Giant Vision open competition. The following winners were selected as this year’s startup standouts.
OPEN COMPETITION:
This year’s first-place $20,000 winner was Kirkwall | Defends autonomous systems from critical failure. Algorithm enables cyber attack detection, diagnostic monitoring, and preventative maintenance for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loT-enabled AgTech, and industrial systems. William Cromarty, Sioux Falls
As the first-place winner in the open competition, Kirkwall also received a special marketing package provided by KELOLAND Media Group.
In second place, winning $10,000, was Dakota Adventure Supply | Company dedicated to crafting not just outdoor gear, but symbols of adventure that endure. Mission extends beyond selling products; it’s about promoting a sense of adventure and building comradery with others. Jeff Hayward and Paxton Alsgaard, Sioux Falls
In third place, winning $5,000, was Desty LLC | Modernizing the travel agent industry, offering a one-of-a-kind service utilizing proprietary databases, algorithms and artificial intelligence. Alisha Vincent and Rajesh Kavasseri, Brookings
In fourth place, winning $3,000, was Straight Up Care | Web-based platform ecosystem for substance use and mental health, Peer Specialists (PS) features a learning management system, HIPAA-compliant service delivery SaaS, reducing the nation-wide care burden and improving addiction and mental health outcomes for clients. Melissa Dittberner, Ph.D., Volin
In fifth place, receiving $2,000, was AchiTalk | Simplify and enhance global recruitment and education processes through innovative AI solutions, making hiring efficient for companies and preparing students effectively for their careers. Florian Hoxha, Sioux Falls
In sixth place, receiving $1,000, was Pioneer BioTech | Developing natural products derived from microbial fermentation, providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments for crop diseases. Matthew Cole and Brock Hansen, Brookings
OPEN COMPETITION:
This year’s first-place $20,000 winner was Kirkwall | Defends autonomous systems from critical failure. Algorithm enables cyber attack detection, diagnostic monitoring, and preventative maintenance for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loT-enabled AgTech, and industrial systems. William Cromarty, Sioux Falls
As the first-place winner in the open competition, Kirkwall also received a special marketing package provided by KELOLAND Media Group.
MARCH 26, 2024:
As host of the Governor’s Giant Vision Startup Competition, South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry President David Owen recently announced the qualifying applicants for the 2024 open and student competitions. Giant Vision is also celebrating the 20th program anniversary this year.
Judged on the content of their business plans, the following were selected by a panel of judges as the top qualifying entries that will advance to the next level of the competition set for April 11, 2024, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The competitor displays will be open to the public from 9:00 to 11:30 AM in Exhibit Hall 1.
OPEN COMPETITION: The following will compete for a top prize of $20,000.
AchiTalk | Simplify and enhance global recruitment and education processes through innovative AI solutions, making hiring efficient for companies and preparing students effectively for their careers. Florian Hoxha, Sioux Falls
Dakota Adventure Supply | Company dedicated to crafting not just outdoor gear, but symbols of adventure that endure. Mission extends beyond selling products; it’s about promoting a sense of adventure and building comradery with others. Jeff Hayward and Paxton Alsgaard, Sioux Falls
Desty LLC | Modernizing the travel agent industry, offering a one-of-a-kind service utilizing proprietary databases, algorithms and artificial intelligence. Alisha Vincent and Rajesh Kavasseri, Brookings
Kirkwall | Defends autonomous systems from critical failure. Algorithm enables cyber attack detection, diagnostic monitoring, and preventative maintenance for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loT-enabled AgTech, and industrial systems. William Cromarty, Sioux Falls
Pioneer BioTech | Developing natural products derived from microbial fermentation, providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments for crop diseases. Matthew Cole and Brock Hansen, Brookings
Straight Up Care | Web-based platform ecosystem for substance use and mental health, Peer Specialists (PS) features a learning management system, HIPAA-compliant service delivery SaaS, reducing the nation-wide care burden and improving addiction and mental health outcomes for clients. Melissa Dittberner, Ph.D., Volin
STUDENT COMPETITION: Students are vying for a $5,000 first-place prize for the best business idea.
Airborne Dynamic Systems | Innovative UAV technology that combines customization and adaptability, providing clients with comprehensive aerial data solutions. Zachary Holloway and Carson Daly, South Dakota Mines
Biotech Jet | Offers a revolutionary step-by-step instructional format that guides users through the entire regulatory compliance process. Avery Del Grosso, University of South Dakota
KU Craftmanship | Owner experienced in woodworking and cabinetry, along with an associate degree in architectural design and building construction. Seeking to create a niche by delivering superior products and exceptional customer service. Kelton Quinn, Mitchell Technical College
NAMI | Approach to mental health that is a fusion of psycho-performance and AI, setting it apart from competitors in the workplace wellness industry. Diana Li, Northern State University
Resto Rides | Ecommerce-based business that sells new, old (NOS) parts, accessories and vehicles. Justice Forster and Pack Forster, home school
SK Reproductions | Reproduced high-value rifles that address the unmet needs of gun owners who desire access to historically significant rifles. Storm King, South Dakota Mines
SwiftHumanity Rescue | Transformative solution to the challenge of delayed emergency response by connecting individuals in distress with nearby volunteers through a mobile application. Hosein Mirazi, South Dakota Mines
Tier Five | Unique and innovative solution to address campus safety concerns by providing a comprehensive app that combines campus resources, security features, and social engagement. Alexandria Arndt, Northern State University
Events on April 11 include individual presentations to a panel of judges where competitors are scored on their business pitches, including topics such as market, opportunity, management and potential for growth. The competition runs in conjunction with the annual GOED Conference. Winners will be announced during a joint luncheon program.
Giant Vision is a program of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry, made possible by matching funds support for prize money from Governor Noem’s Office of Economic Development, with corporate contributions providing additional prize money and funds necessary to run the event. (No public funds are used to run the competition.)
The Giant Vision competitions were established to help citizens realize that South Dakota is the best place to start a business, to create jobs, and grow the state’s GDP. Program chair is Brad Wheeler, Wheeler Manufacturing of Lemmon. Wheeler was an original founder of the competition and is a past chair of the South Dakota Chamber Board of Directors.
DECEMBER 11, 2023:
The South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in conjunction with Governor Noem’s Office of Economic Development annual conference, hosts this annual competition to foster and reward the entrepreneurial spirit in South Dakotans who vie for prize money to launch their business idea. 2024 marks the 20th year for open competition of this successful program and the 18th year for the student competition.
South Dakota residents with new business ideas are encouraged to enter the Giant Vision open/business competition for a chance to win up to $20,000. South Dakota college/university/technical school students, can enter the Giant Vision student competition and compete for a top prize of $5,000.
Application requirements, FAQs, and a statewide list of organizations that provide application assistance are available at www.southdakotagiantvision.com
Giant Vision is open to all South Dakotans. In addition to cash awards, the competition will bring people with new business ideas together with judges and other invited guests who have business development experience and those who have the capacity to make venture investments.
2024 application deadlines are February 23 for the open competition and March 1 for the student competition. Selected qualifiers will compete for prize money Thursday, April 11 in Sioux Falls.
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