One tech entrepreneur to win $22,500 this Friday through Pitch Competition

ESTEVAN — Southeast TechHub is hosting Estevan’s first Pitch Competition on Nov. 24 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Southeast College's Estevan campus at 532 Bourquin Rd.

The $22,500 Pitch Competition, sponsored by SaskPower and SaskTel, will see four participants, competing in pitching their innovative business ideas.  

“If you don’t know what a pitch competition is, Shark Tank and the Dragon’s Den are two of the best-known pitch competitions,” explained TechHub executive director Gord More.

Pitching their business ideas will be Steven Hensen, Keith Hesketh, Rod Cullen, and Wyatt Thompson and Logan Stewart,.

Hensen’s idea is focused on building an oil and gas operations management platform, utilizing the power of StreamTECH. This platform will allow energy producers to gather information digitally that is normally collected on paper. It will be able to visualize this data for both the field level and office staff to assist in both of their needs, Hensen explained.

Hesketh will pitch an innovative aquaponics greenhouse in Estevan. Aquaponics is a co-operation between plants and fish, and the term originates from the two words aquaculture (the growing of fish in a closed environment) and hydroponics (the growing of plants usually in a soil-less environment). Aquaponic systems come in various sizes from small indoor units to large commercial units, the participant noted.

Thompson and Stewart, two Grade 12 students will talk about a portable irrigation system that can water a quarter section.

And Cullen, who is experienced in coal mining, is focusing on AI to stitch images captured using a drone to make a 3D model. 

“We are a collaboration hub that inspires and nurtures the growth of innovative and technology-based companies in southeast Saskatchewan,” More said. “We are a catalyst and a conduit for the growth of technology-based education in our community by working with students of all ages, parents and educators. By fulfilling our mission, we contribute to job creation and enhanced economic health in our community.”

The event will also be streamed online at Southeast TechHub YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej3P-AZny0w).

To register to attend in person, go to their website at estevanhub.ca.