Concept Design and
Value-Added Entrepreneurship for Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
APEC
3551
APEC 3551 is a Concept Design course. The focus of this course is two fold: first in creating ideas that solve real consumer problems. And second, determining if these ideas can be developed into consumer concepts that have viable commercial opportunities. The course is not a class on how to start a new venture. Rather the students are working on entrepreneurial thinking competencies that take them from: concept design as a solution to a real consumer problem; developing critical assumptions of required hypotheses needed for a realistic product roadmap; identifying acceptable target consumers; and demonstrating a path to transactional viability. The final output of the class is what you see here - a feasibility plan and a product pitch.
The pitch is 5 min with another 5 min reserved for Q&A. The questions are submitted before they present by a professional panel that has reviewed their Executive Summaries. The student’s task is to pitch a recommendation to their panel for approval to take the development project to the next stage. So this is a Go/No Go plan rather than a business plan. The key experience for students is to practice skills in creativity, problem identification, opportunity recognition, entrepreneurial thinking, and decision-making in an economic context. These 10 plans represent some of the best demonstrations of these skills this past semester. I hope you enjoy the outstanding thinking of these CFANS students.
Course Process
Portfolio Gallery
Top 10 Plans
Fall 2023
Bovi-Vet, Online Vet Care
Beukema, Haley
Ag Communications & Marketing and Ag & Food Business Mgmt and Animal Science
Transform cattle care with Bovi-Vet, a unique smartphone app empowering U.S. farmers to treat cattle effectively at home. Access expert veterinary advice 24/7, treatment guides for common illnesses, and a convenient in-app store for medications and supplies. Bovi-Vet ensures top-notch cattle health without the need for expensive vet visits.
Monstera of the Month
Elliott, Quinn
Applied Economics and Communications
Embrace green living with 'Monsteras of the Month', a unique houseplant subscription service designed for urban dwellers. Offering carefully chosen plants with a complete care kit and AI-powered support, it's ideal for those new to plant care. Enjoy the convenience of tailored plant selections and ongoing care advice, enhancing your home and lifestyle effortlessly.
FarmTalk Mental Health Support App
Findlay, Amber
Applied Economics
FarmTalk is a groundbreaking digital platform designed for farmers, blendinginformation, connection, and support in one app. It offers 24/7 access to farming news,expert advice, and a community network, addressing the critical issue of mental healthin agriculture. This innovative solution enables farmers to seek discreet support andengage with peers, fostering a stronger, more informed farming community.
AgAlly App
Jaenisch, Abby
Ag & Food Business Mgmt and Marketing
AgAlly is a unique app designed for farmers, offering a supportive community forequipment rental, mutual aid, and support groups. It addresses the isolation andchallenges faced by farmers, providing a platform for sharing resources and seekinghelp. WithAgAlly, farmers can easily connect, rent equipment, and find solidarity in acommunity, enhancing resilience and cooperation in rural areas.
PrenatalLyte Supplement
Lawrence, Sydney
Ag & Food Business Mgmt
PrenataLyte offers a unique, convenient solution for prenatal nutrition with its powderedvitamin mix, blending essential nutrients like folate and omega-3s with electrolytes.Tailored for expecting mothers and those trying to conceive, it simplifies daily vitaminintake, enhances hydration, and eases digestion, all in avariety of tasty flavors.
Ambrosial Foods
Luskey, Madeleine
Applied Economics and Anthropology
Ambrosial Seasoning Oils elevate home cooking with vibrant, diverse flavors. These high-quality oil infusions, available in five unique blends, transform everyday meals into gourmet experiences. Perfect for cooks of all levels, these oils add depth and excitement to dishes, solving the problem of bland, uninspiring home-cooked meals.
FlavorFusion Butter Blends
McGraw, Maxwell
Ag & Food Business Mgmt and Supply Chain & Operations Mgmt
FlavorFusionButter Sticks revolutionize your kitchen with a simple yet innovative twist.Say goodbye to the blandness of regular butter and embrace a range of exciting flavorsfor every meal. These user-friendly sticks, available in savory and sweet varieties, makeenhancing your dishes effortless, perfect for both novice cooks and culinaryenthusiasts.
FeedSaver Bucket
Murrell, Alison
Ag Communications & Marketing
FeedSaver Bucket redefines equine feeding with its innovative, spill-proof design,tailored for horses of all sizes. This sturdy,high-density polyethylene bucket withadjustable straps ensures mess-free feeding, reducing waste and saving costs. Ideal forhorse owners seeking efficient, stress-free feeding solutions, it combines conveniencewith nutritional accuracy, enhancing the feeding experience.
PitchMaster Pro Camp
Novotny, Tucker
Ag & Food Business Mgmt
Novotny Pitching Lab offers a specialized service in Minnetonka, MN, focusing exclusively on developing young pitchers. Utilizing advanced analytics, drillwork, and weight training, the lab tailors programs to enhance each pitcher's unique mechanics. This innovative approach fills a gap in youth baseball development, providing aspiring pitchers with the tools and expertise needed to excel.
LifeSaverLink
Nowakowski, Veronica
Applied Economics and Creative Writing
LifeSaverLink revolutionizes emergency response with its QR code-embedded jewelry, providing instant access to vital medical information for humans and pets. This innovative solution enhances safety by equipping emergency personnel with critical data, ensuring timely and informed care. Users gain peace of mind, knowing their essential health details are readily accessible in crises.
Pressure Pro Pal
Olson, Olivia
Ag & Food Business Mgmt
Pressure Pro Pal introduces a game-changing solution for weightlifters: a sensor-equipped belt that measures intra-abdominal pressure. This innovative product offers real-time feedback on bracing techniques, enhancing stability, performance, and reducing injury risk. It's perfect for athletes across all levels, seeking to optimize their lifting form and safety.
Fresh Alert Shelf-Life App
Ozegovic, Alma
Strategic Communications
Fresh Alert is an innovative food management app designed to combat food waste and enhance kitchen efficiency. For just $2.99, it offers real-time expiration alerts, personalized recipe suggestions, and a built-in grocery list feature. Ideal for those seeking sustainable, cost-effective meal planning, it's a smart, all-in-one culinary assistant.