University of Dayton students developing technology to detect dangerous truck driver fatigue won the top tech prize at this year’s Flyer Pitch competition, with one founder motivated by a deeply personal mission to make roads safer.
“My sister and her two friends were killed in a car crash,” said Ashton Kooken, a senior entrepreneurship major at Dayton. “Anything I can do to make the roads a safer place is helping me honor her memory.”
Kooken and teammates Camille Walch, Charlie Gloor and Nubia Medrano won $20,000 in cash and $25,000 in services in the tech track for Soterix, a venture they developed in UD’s Flyer Nest entrepreneurship capstone course.
Soterix is a non-invasive in-ear wearable that detects medical emergencies and fatigue before a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel. Kooken said the award will help the team build momentum as it works on licensing and development.
“The money will help us along the way and give us validation to other investors and institutions,” he said.
Vince Lewis, associate vice president of entrepreneurial initiatives, said the team stood out for the strength of its business plan and the urgency of the problem it is trying to solve.
“This team demonstrated a clear understanding of the problem, a promising path to market and a strong sense of why this solution matters,” Lewis said.
In the main street track, Rambl Gear Company won $15,000 in cash. Founded by 2016 UD graduate Casey LeBrun, the company designs products that help customers keep their outdoor, hiking and other gear and essentials organized in their vehicles.
“This win is a vote of confidence for Rambl Gear,” LeBrun said. “We design products for people whose vehicle is part of their adventure, and this gives us the chance to invest in the equipment to keep making them here in the U.S.”
The nonprofit track winner, ThriveHER Collective, received $10,000 in cash. Founded by community member Alauna Jones, the organization supports girls and women from underrepresented and marginalized communities through mentorship, community service, and leadership and summer programs.
“I wanted to create a one-stop shop where girls can have their community,” Jones said. “They don’t have to go looking for it.
“This money has given me encouragement that people believe in this program,” Jones said. “We will continue to thrive.”