Success Stories

Below is a list of companies that have participated in our programs, showcasing the diversity of ideas over the years. Many of these businesses are still thriving, demonstrating that anyone can transform an idea into a successful business. Where available, we’ve included recent updates. To see your business featured on this page, consider joining The Commercialization Academy here.

2024


Astria is a cosmetic company specializing in 3D-printed press-on nails.
Update: They are currently working towards mass production.
2024 Winnings: $12,693.76
Website available here.


Vysion Software is a software development company focused on developing medical software to help the blind and visually impaired.
Update: They are currently using event winnings to further R&D and work towards a fully-released product.
2024 Winnings: $12,354.30
Website available here.


Spokane Fresh Direct is a local hydroponic system for growing vegetables.
Update: They are currently in business with retailers in the Spokane area.
2024 Winnings: $11,306.57
Website coming soon.


Braxen Bonnet specializes in custom bonnets for women and children and du-rags for men and women.
Update: They are working with physical retailers while maintaining sales through their website.
2024 Winnings: $7,758.10
Website available here.


Fila-Cycle is a plastic recycling company focusing on 3D printer filament and single-use medical trays.
Update: Currently engaged in R&D and talks with potential customers.
2024 Winnings: $7,616.68
Website coming soon.


Sweet Emporium imports and retails exotic candy from around the world.
Update: Currently selling internationally.
2024 Winnings: $7,168.83
Website available here.


Blues Control designs and manufactures instrument foot pedal systems for those with loss of motor functions.
Update: In the R&D process.
2024 Winnings: $5,683.85
Website coming soon.


Uni Dzn manufactures redesigned and affordable college graduation memorabilia.
Update: Working with local universities and atheletes.
2024 Winnings: $4,982.41
Website coming soon.


Believing Tree produces a book and accompanying Christmas tree about the power of belief and empowerment for children.
Update: Moving from pitch to production.
2024 Winnings: $4,675.37
Website coming soon.


PicsGenie utilizes AI to generate custom shirt designs, which it produces and ships to the customer.
Update: Open and doing business through PicsGenie website.
2024 Winnings: $4,416.31
Website available here.


Platter is an online management service for local restaurants.
Update: Working in beta with select Spokane area restaurants.
2024 Winnings: $4,176.44
Website coming soon.


Hitch-N-Go is a freelance trailer rental service, allowing users to rent out their trailers as well as lease trailer and trailer supplies.
Update: Operating in the Spokane area.
2024 Winnings: $3,917.38
Website available here.


2023


Astria is a cosmetic company specializing in 3D-printed press-on nails.
Update: As of 2024, working towards mass production, and doing business via website.
2023 Winnings: $23,896.94
Website available here.


Braxen Bonnet specializes in custom bonnets for women and children and du-rags for men and women.
Update: As of 2024, working with physical retailers while maintaining sales through their website.
2023 Winnings: $20,539.37
Website available here.


Waste to Watts designed a combination solid waste incinerator and generator.
Update: As of 2024, business has been put on hold.
2023 Winnings: $16,412.29


Sweet Emporium imports and retails exotic candy from around the world.
Update: As of 2024, selling internationally.
2023 Winnings: $11,616.35
Website available here.


InternFleet is a newsletter aimed at connecting students with relevant internships.
2023 Winnings: $7,845.67


IdeaZone is a makerspace centered around play therapy for children.
2023 Winnings: $6,273.87


Civil Service is a hosting service allowing individuals in communities report, petition, and fund public works.
Update: As of 2024, business has been put on hold.
2023 Winnings: $4,457.76


Expertezee is a digital networking app that uses near-field-communication technology to share customized digital business cards.
2023 Winnings: $4,457.76


2022


Kinetic Kitchens rents portable full-service professional kitchens on trailers.
2022 Winnings: $7,962


Aquila Outdoors produces automated solar panels that tilt and rotate to follow the sun, maximizing energy efficiency for off-the-grid living and camping.
2022 Winnings: $6,923


EPK is a digital music-learning platform using MIDI-compatible piano keyboard to aid instruction.
2022 Winnings: $5,671


Krause Kount Live is a sports analytics software designed to provide real-time feedback on any metric users create or use.
Update: As of 2024, business has been put on hold.
2022 Winnings: $4,498


E-Zevis is a phone app that allows person-to-person buying, selling, bartering, and selling of goods.
Website available here.
2022 Winnings: $4,173


Atomix is an online shop for non-alcoholic drinks and alcoholic alternatives.
2022 Winnings: $4,057


Power 4 U is a battery charger powered by the operation of household exercise equipment.
Update: As of 2024, business has been put on hold.
2022 Winnings: $3,666


Leaf in a Box converts shipping containers into automated greenhouses, creating portable growth environments.


Superior Orchard Engineering is a redesigned apple harvester.


Güdgum is a chewing gum company that incorporates caffeine to energize people who are tired from the convenience of their pocket.


2021


Ultropia is in the process of developing a 2-in-1 washer and dryer that utilizes ultrasound technology to wash and dry clothes quicker and more efficiently.
Update: After getting their start at Eastern, the Ultropia team went on to win 1st place in three separate competitions: MIT’s Climate and Energy Prize, the WSU Business Plan Competition, and the UW Global Innovation Exchange Competition. As of 2024 the team is further developing the product, with talks to begin implementing the technology in the hotel and hospital industries.
2021 Winnings: $15,000
Website available here.


A New Finish is a local non-profit organization that helps recycle furniture to provide in the homes of those in need.
2021 Winnings: $4,000


Filthy Fresh is a local apparel company. Inspired by basbetball fashion and culture, Filthy Fresh markets streetware clothing and sneakers.
Update: As of 2024, doing business via website.
2021 Winnings: $3,000
Website available here.


VirusBytes is a live music DJ streaming service for streamers.
2021 Winnings: $2,000


Thank You Moments is a digital platform that allows users to create and distribute personalized thank you videos for after large events or gatherings.
2021 Winnings: $1,000


Data NFC is a statistical modeling software that uses near-field-communication to analyze student engagement and retention across campuses, allowing administrators to plan and implement policies to increase involvement by students.
2021 Winnings: $850


Z-Key is a digital music-learning platform using MIDI-compatible piano keyboard to aid instruction.
2021 Winnings: $850


Cascade Cold Brew is a caffeine cold brew company focused on local and environmentally-friendly products.
2021 Winnings: $850


2020


Automated Malthouse is an all-in-one malting machine designed for microbreweries.
2020 Winnings: $14,000


Eikasia is a music technology R&D company.
2020 Winnings: $3,000


Green Filter Guys are developing an innovative new reusable Smoke Shield tip and single-use, disposable filters for a cleaning smoking experience.
Update: As of 2024, currently in talks with multiple cigarette and cigar manufacturers.
2020 Winnings: $3,000


Spot is a locality-based app designed for leasing and finding parking spots.
2020 Winnings: $2,000


Alliance of Adventures is a series of educational games created to assist learning in a fun and engaging environment.
2020 Winnings: $500


Ambient Co. is a luxury bra designer and manufactuer.
2020 Winnings: $500


Astra eSports Financial is a management company specializing in the eSports industry, offering financial management and planning services for teams and players.
2020 Winnings: $500


Beacon is a phone case designed for the blind and visually impaired that utilizes a new tactile language and augmented reality to communicate the user’s surroundings to them.
2020 Winnings: $500


Fayge is topical skin medication that utilizes endolysins to combat the bacteria causing acne.
2020 Winnings: $500


The Food Guide is an app for those with dietary restrictions that allows users to pre-screen restaurant menus to find a suitable place to dine.
2020 Winnings: $500


2019


Green Dog
Update: As of 2024, Green Dog has been put on permanent hiatus.
2019 Winnings: $250


Intelligent Student
2019 Winnings: $250


B-Active Performance Wear
2019 Winnings: $250


Howprofressorsgrade.com
2019 Winnings: $250


Mobile Mechanics
2019 Winnings: $250


Smart Sprinkler
2019 Winnings: $250


Dragon Shovel
2019 Winnings: $250


Barter & Flip
2019 Winnings: $250


NutriVio
2019 Winnings: $250


Basket-Kun
2019 Winnings: $250


2018


HCI
2018 Winnings: $2,500


Evergreen Water
2018 Winnings: $1,250


Xtra Hand
2018 Winnings: $625


Prep-N-Go


TransitApp


EnviroSense


Classroom Black Box


2017


ionLine


PrepNGo


HCI


XtraHand


Magpie


Evergreen Water


SLEEP

2016


Adventure Hack


Anaerobic Digester


Gym Companion


Salus


Battle Buddies


Bike-N-Go


MissApp Case was a pepper-spray enabled phone case/app combo that notified authorities in the event of an assault.

2024 Update: MissApp Case is no longer in business, but co-creator Christine Burns has gone on to launch 2 successful startups in the Spokane area and plans to launch 2 more in the next year.


J.A.K.E.