By Katie Anderson
Staff Writer
On Jan. 17, Costa students Taylor Ryan, Charlotte Fan, and Wyatt Newbill became finalists in the prestigious “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” National Entrepreneur Competition sponsored by the Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation (IPOEF).
“Why Didn’t I Think of That?” is an online competition giving young entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their unique inventions. There are three age categories: 12 and under, 13-15, and 16+. Taylor Ryan competed in the 16+ category, and Charlotte Fan and Wyatt Newbill were finalists in the 13-15 category.
Ryan’s submission was her invention, Unstoppable Protective Gear, which is a line of female protective padding cups with a hard shell exterior and soft interior that are placed in sports bras. These cup are designed to protect women in high-contact sports. Ryan hopes her invention doesn’t just protect girls’ health, but also makes them feel more confident playing the sports they love.
“I wanted to join the competition because it is great exposure for my business,” said Ryan. “I got my patent right under the wire so it seemed like a good idea. I would like to license my business.”
Freshmen Fan and Newbill submitted their invention, Terreus, a biodegradable alternative to styrofoam. The small, fluffy cubes are made of 100% eco-friendly materials. According to Fan, their goal is to adopt a safer alternative to Styrofoam and other harmful materials. The team hopes to work with businesses such as FedEX and UPS in the future in order to lessen the negative impacts of styrofoam on the ecosystem and peoples’ health.
“We originally applied in the Invention Convention competition as a means to complete a school project,” said Fan. “However, with each competition that we entered, we continued to get positive feedback and advance to the next round, receiving awards in regional, state, national, and international competitions. At the state level, Terreus won the Most Marketable Award, qualifying us for a provisional patent and [a spot in] the IPOEF Why Didn’t I Think of That? Competition.”
The winner of the competition earns professional coaching in order to enhance their business, a trip to Washington D.C. to be honored for their achievement, and recognition across all IPOEF media platforms. According to Ryan, this competition is a final celebration of her business.
“I started this business in 8th grade right as I was heading into high school. It’s been a journey and I’ve learned so much,” said Ryan. “I don’t know where life will take me business-wise once I graduate, so I see this [competition] as one last hurrah.”
Winners for will be announced in the weeks following Feb. 14.
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