One idea took home the top prize at Michigan's newest student pitch competition, where a born-and-raised Kalamazoo student won $100,000 to launch a home energy control platform.

Connor Burkett pitched "Volt," which translates kilowatts into real dollar costs and tells users the best time to run appliances to save money. The 21-year-old won both the $75,000 judges' prize and the $25,000 public vote prize during the inaugural Cultivate 269 competition held on Friday, April 10, at the WMU Student Center.

The event drew applications from 49 WMU students, narrowed to nine finalists through public vote and professional review. Four finalists were chosen by public vote while five were selected by a professional review committee.

"[This is] why we love Kalamazoo, right?" said Dwayne Powell Jr., chief operating officer and managing partner of Kalamazoo Forward Ventures. "People getting involved to take things to a whole 'nother level."

Burkett's Volt platform converts technical electricity usage data into understandable dollar amounts, helping homeowners see when running appliances costs the most money. The winner will keep 100% of equity in the business and receives mentorship from A:LAB, a Michigan-based business consulting firm.

"Connor was an excellent speaker, and his Volt pitch was very well received," said a judge at the event. The judges panel included representatives from WMU, venture capital and technology companies, financial institutions, and community leaders.

Other finalists included:

  • Dericka Bellamy with "The Deranda Institute," a coaching program for student mothers
  • Khang Nguyen with "VolleyNet," a team and substitute finder for recreational leagues
  • Genesis Erhabor with "Ground Loop"
  • Caden Boynton with "UnionOPS"
  • Garrett Patnoude with "Dekree"
  • Samuel Marseille with "Oneshot AI"
  • Chy'Ah Smith with "Thirsty Lemon Co."
  • Kalea Barnes with "Parisian Dream Desserts"

The competition was organized by Kalamazoo Forward Ventures and Western Michigan University, marking the first time the firm has hosted a pitch competition. The firm believes ownership builds stronger communities and sees Cultivate 269 as a way to ignite the next generation of builders in Kalamazoo.

"The response to the inaugural Cultivate 269 has been extraordinary," said Powell. "When thousands of students engage in the voting process and bold ideas rise to the top, it proves the next generation of entrepreneurs is already here."

The public vote period drew engagement from more than 2,000 students, nearly 10% of Western's student body.

Cultivate 269 caps Western Michigan University's Research, Innovation and Creative Scholarship Week, which showcases research and venture-building across campus. Dr. Remzi Seker, vice president for research and innovation at WMU, said the program empowers students to move from ideas to real-world solutions.

In addition to the competition, the pitch night featured food from local vendors and a live DJ, giving all students opportunities to share ideas and make connections. Local entrepreneur support organizations including United Way, Sisters in Business, Startup Zoo and Room 35 were present to provide resources and potentially seed funding.

Burkett will now work with A:LAB to develop his pitch deck and presentation. The firm is helping polish the contender's materials for what could be a significant opportunity to launch his business.

"We believe ownership builds stronger communities," said Powell. "Cultivate 269 is helping ignite the next generation of builders in Kalamazoo."

The firm plans to continue hosting pitch competitions to support student entrepreneurs in the region.