2024 Competition Qualifiers Announced

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Published on:

March 25, 2024

South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry
PO Box 190 – Pierre, SD 57501

South Dakota Chamber Announces 2024 Governor’s Giant Vision Competition Qualifiers  

PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA, March 25, 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 Thursday, April 11th 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 student competition is supported by Citi and SD EPSCoR. The business/open competition is supported by Black Hills Energy, Christiansen Land & Cattle, Ltd., Dacotah Bank, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, KELOLAND Media Group, MidAmerican Energy Company, NorthWestern Energy, Valley Queen Cheese and Wheeler Manufacturing.

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.