The annual award, hosted by Claremont Graduate University's Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management, recognizes Claremont Colleges students or alumni who develop a business plan that exemplifies the competitive nature, flair, and general aptitude required of an entrepreneur in today's world.
The top prize of $4,500 goes to students Jeff Steitz `13, Thomas Carey (HMC), Madeleine Busacca `13, and Emmy Perez (Scripps) for their company Serengetee. The company, which started out of Steitz's dorm room, makes custom, special order t-shirts featuring colorful international fabrics. Customers can design their own shirts online by choosing from scores of fabrics from more than 25 countries. Serengetee donates 50 percent of its profits to global charities. Read our interview with Jeff Steitz `13 from just a couple weeks ago.
In addition to taking the first place prize, the Serengetee team received an additional $500 for the People's Choice, which was awarded on the votes of audience members at this year's April 16 ceremony.
A second place prize of $2,500 went to Hydrogen Solutions, led by Eric Ferrer `14. Hydrogen Solutions has developed a plan for a hydrogen generator that can be installed in automobiles to dramatically improve fuel efficiency.
Third place and $1,000 went to Ereobs Games, led by Claremont McKenna College students Joe Newbry `14 and Chad Newbry `14. Erebos has created Flash-based computer games that can be played and shared via social media and online portals.
The awards are funded through an endowment created by Henry R. Kravis, a founding member of the Drucker School's Board of Visitors. Judges included established entrepreneurs and professors from Claremont Graduate University, Cal State San Bernardino, and University of Southern California.