Klamath Falls, Oregon – Eight student teams from Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) competed for $19,500 in seed money at the 10th annual Catalyze Klamath Challenge on April 24 in an exciting exhibition of creativity and entrepreneurial zeal. The contest highlighted two exceptional concepts: an eco-friendly golf tee and a creative way to downhill ski in Klamath Falls, both of which won first place.
A wide spectrum of initiatives marked the event, which motivates students to turn their imaginative ideas into practical companies. Still, it was Southern Cascades Resort and ReTee Golf that won the judges’ interest and compliments. Business Management major Kai Hazelbaker proposed Southern Cascades Resort, suggesting a creative application of snowcat vehicles for uphill transportation in Pelican Butte. Historically designated for ski lifts that were never constructed, Hazelbaker’s proposal makes use of these enclosed, fully-tracked cars to give skiers access to a skiable vertical rise of up to 3800 feet.
Quincy Beyrouty, a Business Marketing student, meanwhile wowed with her sustainable project ReTee Golf. Dealing with the problem of trash in golf, Beyrouty’s initiative promotes a circular economy by recycling broken golf grips into new golf tees. Her ambition is for the tees to be made totally inside Oregon using local resources to reduce environmental effect.
Other noteworthy submissions like Crater Cider Company and RPM Skis also earned honors and awards, making the contest fierce. ReTee Golf not only took First Place in the Technology Track but also won the People’s Choice and the InventOR Award, so garnering a significant $7,500 in financing. This recognition underlines the judges’ and community’s backing of environmentally friendly innovations.
Honoring former participants who have effectively transformed their contest submissions into profitable enterprises, this year’s Catalyze Klamath also celebrated its 10th anniversary. Among them were David Murphy and Seth Gretz, founders of Brevada Brewhouse, who offered ideas on using community support to promote business expansion.
Drawn from several industries including economic development, finance, and performance training, the panel of judges mirrored the event’s wide community participation. Sponsors including Avista Corporation, the City of Klamath Falls, and others underlined the community’s dedication to encouraging creativity among its young people by providing essential assistance.
Read also: Klamath Falls entrepreneurs get new opportunity as city opens parks to food carts and trailers
Events like Catalyze Klamath help Oregon Tech to create a vibrant atmosphere for aspiring entrepreneurs, therefore strengthening its role as a driver of sustainable and economic innovation in the area.
 competed for $19,500 in seed money at the 10th annual Catalyze Klamath Challenge){kind=link}