UW Announces Finalists for John P. Ellbogen $50K Entrepreneurship Competition

The University of Wyoming College of Business has selected eight student-led teams as finalists for the 2025 John P. Ellbogen $50K Entrepreneurship Competition.

The competition, now in its 25th year, is open to all UW and Wyoming community college students. It provides a platform for student entrepreneurs to develop and launch startups across the state. With support from judges in rounds one and two, finalists were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. The eight teams, representing various colleges and academic levels, will compete for $50,000 in Ellbogen Prize funds and an additional $15,000 in other awards to advance their businesses.

Organizers express thanks to the John P. Ellbogen Foundation for its continued generosity and support in making this competition possible each year.

The Ellbogen $50K Entrepreneurship Competition will take place Friday, May 2, at the UW Conference Center. The event is open to the public. Additional event details and registration information will be shared closer to the competition date.

This year’s finalists are:

Carbonado Technology LLC

Carbonado Technology LLC is pioneering coal-derived materials to sustain Wyoming’s communities amid the state’s evolving energy landscape. The company has developed 12 patented construction materials, including char bricks and stone veneers. While breaking into the construction market requires significant investment, Carbonado is currently focusing on small, artisanal products with fewer regulatory barriers.

-- Team leader: Chooi Kim Lau, of Laramie, College of Business.

-- Team members: Ivan Leon, of Green River, College of Business; Kam Weng Ng, of Laramie, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences; Aiden Petitt, of Denver, Colo., College of Business; and Jasper Welch, of Jackson, College of Business.

Cowboy Country Milling

Cowboy Country Milling brings Wyoming-grown wheat to bakers, offering flours crafted to meet the needs of artisanal and home baking. Using traditional milling techniques and a variety of wheat types, the company aims to celebrate Wyoming’s agricultural heritage while providing high-quality products.

-- Team leader: Stuart Lerwick, of Pine Bluffs, College of Business.

-- Team members: J.D. Corson, of Baggs, College of Law; Emily Jarrell, of Sanford, Fla., College of Business; and Thayne Thatcher, of Laramie, College of Business.

DeWitt Aerotech Inc.

DeWitt Aerotech Inc. specializes in advanced drone technology for industrial inspections. Serving energy, infrastructure and agricultural industries, the company enhances safety and efficiency through its flagship product, the AeroTitan. Headquartered in Wyoming, DeWitt Aerotech aims to create more than 50 jobs in the state in coming years.

-- Team leader: Korbin DeWitt, of Shoshoni, College of Business.

-- Team member: Nolan Nachbar, of Evansville, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

PetNet

PetNet is developing an all-in-one platform for pet owners, integrating social networking, expert advice and a curated marketplace. The app will allow users to create pet profiles to track health records, milestones and care preferences, connecting owners with veterinarians, groomers and pet service providers.

-- Team leader: Josephine Walton, of Sheridan, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

-- Team members: Lily McGever, of Phoenix, Ariz., College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources; Karsten and Keaton Stone, both of Cody, and College of Business.

Prene Outdoors

Prene Outdoors is an emerging waterfowl brand, producing high-quality apparel and gear for hunters. The company’s product line includes field drinkware, dry bags and call lanyards, all designed for durability in harsh outdoor conditions. While currently focused on waterfowl hunting, Prene Outdoors is exploring expansion into deer, turkey and upland bird markets.

-- Team leader: John Beier, of Sidney, Neb., College of Business.

RenU Fuel Solutions

RenU Fuel Solutions delivers nuclear fuel cycle and spent fuel supply chain solutions to U.S. government agencies and commercial nuclear power providers. Based in Cheyenne, the company is committed to building critical nuclear infrastructure in Wyoming, creating high-quality, stable jobs in both the federal and commercial sectors.

-- Team leader: Jacob Kirby, of San Marcos, Texas, College of Business.

-- Team members: Anh Hoang Minh Nguyen, of Long Khanh City, Vietnam, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Sweet Streets

Sweet Streets is a mobile food truck featuring European patisserie and Wyoming-inspired baked goods. The company blends classic French and Austrian techniques with local ingredients such as Wind River honey, Powell Valley berries and regional dairy products to create unique culinary experiences.

-- Team Leader: Elizabeth Peterson, of Casper, Casper College.

Skála

Skála introduces the Truck Bed Hammock System, designed to transform truck beds into versatile, comfortable spaces. With a quick-install stake pocket design, the system maintains access to the truck bed and hitch while providing a durable, lightweight relaxation solution for camping, tailgating and outdoor events.

-- Team leader: Zachary Pinc, of Moline, Ill., College of Business.

-- Team members: Sarah Drewry, of Lander, College of Business.

For more information about the 2025 John P. Ellbogen $50K Entrepreneurship Competition, email event coordinator Hannah McLean-Leonard at entr@uwyo.edu.