Washburn University Student Earns $8,000 Towards Funding Business Idea

Topeka, Kan. - Washburn senior Peyton Price is the winner of Washburn's annual Pitch Competition with her idea "HydraKick," a new alcoholic beverage infused with electrolytes. Price is from Topeka and is majoring in Entrepreneurship and Marketing.

The Washburn University School of Business hosts this competition to encourage students to explore and express their business ideas in a friendly and encouraging environment. The competition is open to all Washburn University students, including Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech). GO Topeka provides $25,000 in cash prizes to help winning students start a new business venture.

"Today's economy is growing because of entrepreneurial-minded people who have vision, creativity and the leadership skills to affect change," said Dr. David Sollars, dean of the Washburn School of Business. "We teach these skills in our classrooms and encourage application with events like the annual Pitch Competition.

"Our partnership with GO Topeka illustrates that these students truly are the future of business and growth in Topeka and Northeast Kansas."

Chase Ryckman, freshman from Overland Park, earned second place for his pitch "Sky Safe Signal," a mini drone distress signal. Emily Harmon, sophomore from Topeka, took third place for "Pocket Keys," a trumpet-inspired fidget toy. Mersadie Spray, freshman from Great Bend, came in fourth place for her "Athlete4Christ" Bible study app. Kody Nicklin, freshman from Topeka, came in fifth place for "Mobile Hope," his idea for tiny homes disaster relief.

Jack Pekarek, Topeka, earned the Top Freshman entry for his Wellness AI subscription idea. Xavior Tauber, Topeka, earned Top Washburn Tech Entry for his idea for a new hydrogen motor design.

"Students develop and deliver a professional presentation that includes a concise summary of a new business for a product, service or social venture in three minutes or less for a Pitch presentation," said Dr. David Price, professor of marketing, Washburn. "A panel then judges that presentation on innovation, the business model, feasibility and presentation. An effective presentation pulls from multiple entrepreneurship and business principles, research and takes months to prepare."

The fall 2025 Pitch Competition registration opens in September 2025.

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