By Andi Anderson
The Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship recently announced the winners of the 2026 Morgenthaler-Pavey Startup Competition, held at Sears think[box] at Case Western Reserve University.
The annual event brought together student entrepreneurs to present creative solutions addressing real-world problems in agriculture, education, public safety, and community development.
This year’s competition attracted strong interest, with more than 70 teams applying and 15 finalist teams selected to compete. The finalists presented their ideas across three tracks: Venture, Idea, and Social Impact.
More than $45,000 in total prize money was awarded, and the event drew a record audience of over 150 attendees.
The Venture Track first-place award went to Cocoa Potash, earning $13,000 for technology that converts agricultural byproducts into regenerative fertilizers and low-carbon potassium carbonate. Lineage secured first place in the Idea Track, receiving $4,000 for a platform that helps older adults turn their life stories into short films. In the Social Impact Track, Blazecue, DOT, and Izma Technologies tied for first place, with each team earning $3,000.
The competition showcased participation from students across multiple academic disciplines, including engineering, management, and arts and sciences. Many projects focused on meaningful challenges such as special education support, braille literacy, emergency response, clothing reuse, and notary services.
“Year after year, our students raise the bar,” said Michael Goldberg, executive director and associate vice president of the Veale Institute and a professor of design and innovation at the Weatherhead School. “This competition gives us a chance to see how far these founders have come and how much momentum they’ve built around their ideas.”
Now in its 13th year, the competition is named after David Morgenthaler and Bob Pavey, who helped establish a lasting legacy of innovation and mentorship at the university. Returning teams and past winners also participated, showing long-term growth and persistence in entrepreneurship.
“If you didn’t win tonight, just remember it’s a ‘not yet’ more than a ‘not ever,’” said Franco Kraiselburd. “You only lose when you give up.”
Overall, the 2026 Morgenthaler-Pavey Startup Competition highlighted student creativity, determination, and the growing impact of entrepreneurship education.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Ohio, Education