Dental Hygienist wins with Innovative New Toothbrush

Rockford, Ill. —The 12^th annual FastPitch Competition was a colossal success with 38 eager presenters sharing their ideas, products, services, and apps vying for over $7,500 dollars in prizes and presenting, possibly, the Next Big Thing!

Rachel Lolling took home the $5,000 first prize for her FitsBrush product. With 20 years of experience in the dental field, she is on a mission to ensure that people are brushing correctly and practicing proper oral hygiene. When she’s not working at her fulltime position in the Rockford Public Schools system, she’s in one of the nine local stores which carry her toothbrush, educating people on different products, proper brushing & flossing techniques, disease awareness, and answering any questions people may have on dental treatment and procedures. FitsBrush is currently sold to dental offices, online, in nine local stores, and can also be used as a fundraiser for schools, clubs, and organizations to promote good oral hygiene. Visit www.fitsbrush.com/ for more information

Annie Mohaupt took second place with Mohop, an on-demand, custom footwear designer and maker. Mohop combines cutting-edge digital fabrication with traditional artisanal techniques to make beautiful, comfortable shoes that reflect your style. Good news for the region: the Mohaputs have just purchased a 10,000 square foot building in Rockford to manufacture Mohop products!  Visit www.mohop.com/ for more information.

AnnDee Nimmer took third place with her product, RoomTagz.  RoomTagz visually enhances schools throughout the nation and Canada, assisting visitors, parents and first responders to easily navigate school hallways. As a former teacher, she understands the importance of signage that is easily changed to assist with employee updates and creates a welcoming and safe environment. Visit www.roomtagz.com/ for more information.

The 2017 FastPitch Competition winner, Dr. Trevor Gibbs of Naperville, gave the event’s keynote address. His product, Anestand, which provides a space for anesthesiologists’ tools in the operating room, was created with the assistance of NIU EIGERlab’s Center for Product Development.  He is set to get his product into the marketplace this year. He delivered a thought-provoking keynote speech injected with humor and shared his enthusiasm from being energized by all of the talented, passion-filled presenters at Rockford’s version of “Shark Tank.”

Entrepreneur Addie Ford took home the Dale Falconer Spirit of Entrepreneurship award including a six-month complimentary coworking membership at NIU EIGERlab’s LaunchPad! coworking space at NIU-Rockford with her distillery, the Grant View Distillery. Grant View Distillery is set on 22 acres complete with a craft size vineyard and orchard, and it’s the first distillery in this area since prohibition. They plan to open Grant View, which includes a tasting room, in 2019.

Click here for the complete list of presenters and their products.

For more information on the FastPitch Competition, visit the NIU EIGERlab website at http://www.eigerlab.org/ fastpitch. For additional information, call Sherry Pritz Enderle at (815) 753-2192.

By The Editorial Board / Rockford Register Star

Innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit are alive and well in Winnebago County.

There were 38 contestants in Northern Illinois University EIGERLab’s FastPitch competition, a “Shark Tank”-style event that gives people an opportunity to show off their products and their ability to pitch them.

Those competitors all had great ideas, but the best was winner Rachael Lolling’s FitsBrush, a custom-designed toothbrush.

The FastPitch participants are living the legacy of the great inventors who built this region. They might not become the next Howard Colman, but their ideas, dedication and persistence will serve them well as they refine their products.

Participants have only three minutes to sell their ideas, so deadline pressure and the ability to handle it come into play as well.

FastPitch, which is in its 12th year, encourages innovators and gives them a vehicle to get their product out to a wider audience. That first bit of exposure can go a long way for someone who has taken a product from idea to production.

Stephenson County also boasts a “Shark Tank”-like competition. Freeport Fish Tank had two strong years in 2016 and 2017 and is on a bit of a hiatus until May 2019. That contest is more business focused. Winners have included entertainment services, a restaurant and security services.

These contests, along with networking opportunities like 1 Million Cups in Rockford and Mastermind in Freeport, encourage entrepreneurs to aspire to great things.

Kudos to Sherry Pritz Enderle, marketing and events coordinator for the NIU EIGERlab Innovation Network, for making FastPitch the success it has been. We look forward to lucky year 13.

ROCKFORD (WREX) – On Wednesday night, entrepreneurs had three minutes to make a strong impression to the judges about their inventions.

Northern Illinois University EIGERlab’s FastPitch Competition was held at NIU Rockford. Several entrepreneurs presented their ideas about products and services they invented. Participants also got an opportunity to network with investors. The winner at event got $5,000.

“NIU is very interested in supporting an innovation culture in the Rockford area,” Rena Cotsones of NIU Division of Outreach, Engagement, and Regional Development said. “I think you see it around town. We have wonderful innovators in the manufacturing companies that have made new products and processes. And we’re doing everything that we can to support those innovators and entrepreneurs.”

Rachel Lolling took home first place for FitsBrush. It’s a toothbrush with a flexible neck for better cleaning.

WREX’s link

2018 NIU EIGERlab FastPitch Competition winners!

An innovative new toothbrush. Customized, locally-manufactured footwear. Colorful signage to help students and visitors find their way around schools. These were the top winners in NIU EIGERlab’s 12^th annual FastPitch.

Entrepreneurs from around the region gathered at NIU-Rockford on October 3 to showcase their products and share their projections before a panel of judges similar to ABC’s “Shark Tank.” From the 38 eager presenters who so passionately shared their pitches, cash prizes totaling $7,500 dollars along with additional services were awarded to an outstanding group of five entrepreneurs. FastPitch has experienced an impressive run with over 500 presenters sharing their “ideas on a napkin,” products, services, apps, etc. This year’s winners, with their variety of products and services, were truly exceptional!

Rachel Lolling was recruited at a local Facebook event for this year’s event. She overcame her initial hesitation and competed, taking home the $5,000 first prize for her FitsBrush toothbrush. With 20 years of experience in the dental field, she is on a mission to ensure that people are brushing correctly and practicing proper oral hygiene. When she’s not working at her fulltime position in the Rockford Public Schools system, she’s in one of the nine local stores which carry her toothbrush, educating people on different products, proper brushing & flossing techniques, disease awareness, and answering any questions people may have on dental treatment and procedures. FitsBrush is currently sold to dental offices, online, in local stores, and can also be used as a fundraiser for schools, clubs, and organizations to promote good oral hygiene.

Annie Mohaupt took second place with Mohop, an on-demand, custom footwear designer and maker. Mohop combines cutting-edge digital fabrication with traditional artisanal techniques to make beautiful, comfortable shoes that reflect your style. Good news for the region: the Mohaputs have just purchased a 10,000 square foot building in Rockford to manufacture Mohop products! We welcome these artistic entrepreneurs, along with their distinctive line of products.

AnnDee Nimmer took third place with her product, RoomTagz. RoomTagz visually enhances schools throughout the nation and Canada, helping visitors, parents and first responders easily navigate school hallways. As a former teacher, she understands the importance of signage that is easily changed to assist with employee updates and creates a welcoming and safe environment.

Entrepreneur Addie Ford took home the Dale Falconer Spirit of Entrepreneurship award for her pitch on the Grant View Distillery. She won a six-month complimentary coworking membership at NIU EIGERlab’s coworking space at NIU-Rockford with her distillery, where she will have access to counseling and other services. Grant View Distillery is set on 22 acres complete with a craft size vineyard and orchard, and it’s the first distillery in the Rockford area since Prohibition. Grant View, which includes a tasting room, is slated to open in 2019. It was fitting that Addie won this Spirit award as her business is spirits!

Joseph Scheidt, a senior at the University of Chicago, was named best student innovator for Avior Analytics. His online tool assists with keeping both patients and physical therapists actively engaged long-term in the physical rehabilitation process. He was injured during his stint in college sports, so he spoke from experience when he shared that many people do not follow through with their therapy, which is often to the detriment of the patient.

FastPitch’s 2017 winner, Dr. Trevor Gibbs of Naperville, gave the event’s keynote address. His product, Anestand, which provides a space for anesthesiologists’ tools in the operating room, was created with the assistance of NIU EIGERlab’s Center for Product Development. Anestand is set to hit the marketplace this year. He delivered a thought-provoking keynote speech injected with humor and shared his enthusiasm from being energized by all of the talented, passion-filled FastPitch presenters.  

For the complete list of 2018 presenters’ information including links to their websites, visit www.eigerlab.org/fastpitch.

For more information on what NIU EIGERlab offers entrepreneurs and existing businesses in the region, visit our website or contact Sherry Pritz Enderle at (815) 753-2192.

HopperStand Launched at NIU EIGERlab | Product developed with help from EIGERlab Center for Product Development

LOVES PARK (WREX)- An inventor from the Chicago Suburbs unveiled a new product at Northern Illinois University’s Eigerlab Center Wednesday.

Santosh Arcot introduced the HopperStand, which is described as the “Swiss Army Knife” of utility tables.

It comes with detachable parts and accessories, it also serves as a universal bag holder.

The HopperStand was developed with help from the Eigerlab’s Center for Product Development.

“There are many utility tables out there,” Said Arcot, the President of HopperTopper Inc. “If you go to any of the dot coms, [there are] about a hundred of them. Likewise, there are many bag holders, maybe twenty of them. But, there is just one HopperStand.”

WREX interview link

NIU EIGERlab’s Center for Product Development’s Client Launches Third Product

News Conference to Showcase Serial Inventor’s Newest Invention

Rockford, Ill. — NIU EIGERlab is proud to announce that serial inventor, Santosh Arcot, has launched his third in a series of products with the assistance of the Center for Product Development (C4PD). Arcot’s HopperStand^TM is the Swiss-army knife of utility tables. HopperStand is universal and boasts an added feature—a universal bag holder. Santosh shared the features today during the news conference held at NIU EIGERlab’s Center for Product Development which included demonstrations of its many uses and to learn what drives the serial entrepreneur.

HopperStand’s versatility has been proven in a variety of applications and settings including camping, fishing, hunting, working around the house or other fun outdoor activities such as picnics, tailgating, trips to the beach and backyard parties. Its features include being compact (folds flat for storage and transport), adaptable (can adjust for use with multiple types of bags and variable heights) durable (portable tool bench), utilitarian (holds either a plastic bag with detachable clips or a paper sack), stable (detachable spikes), washable, foldable and lightweight–weighs only 4.5 pounds.

Arcot, an inventor by nature, is president of HopperTopper, Inc., a company engaged in inventing, developing, manufacturing and launching new and innovative products in the consumer goods space. Previously, he launched the HopperTopper (lawn and leaf bag funnel) in 2014, and the HopperTopper HD in 2015. Made entirely in the USA, the original HopperTopper is made of corrugated paper and is reusable up to 25 uses. HopperTopper HD is made of fluted plastic

(Coroplast) and will last up to three years. “I wanted a frame for holding plastic bags for use with the HopperTopper lawn bag funnel, and that idea rapidly evolved into a universal bag holder for many types and sizes of bags plus the detachable accessories that include a table-top, stakes and bag clips.  This is a truly unique product with no equal,” said Santosh.

 “Working with inventors is intriguing. Once they have a concept for their product, we assist them with the daunting list of decisions and steps to develop it, including establishing rapports with reliable engineers and manufacturers that produce the product. In addition, we also assist the entrepreneur with avenues to sell their product. It’s typically a longer process than most people realize, but we are here to assist with every step of the development stage,” said Mike Cobert, Director for the Center for Product Development.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to compete in events such as the FastPitch Competition offered by NIU EIGERlab. Every opportunity to introduce our product to a new person could potentially result in meeting a strategic partner, investor, or mentor. I look forward to competing in this year’s event and meeting my fellow challengers,” shared Santosh.

Interested in purchasing any of the aforementioned products? The HopperStand is now carried through campingworld.com, homedepot.com, bedbathandbeyond.com, walmart.com, and amazon.com. The HopperTopper HD Plastic Lawn and Leaf Bag Funnel can be purchased through amazon.com, homedepot.com, houzz.com, and walmart.com. Lastly, the HopperTopper Corrugated Lawn and Leaf Bag Funnel are carried in Walmart stores in the U.S.A. and Loblaw’s in Canada.

Click here to download the complete news release.

Entrepreneurs, manufacturers, small business owners and anyone interested in seeing a demonstration of state-of-the-art 3D printing technology are invited to an Open House at the NIU EIGERlab Center for Product Development (C4PD) Tuesday, March 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The NIU EIGERlab C4PD brings cutting-edge technology to its clients, thanks in part to partnerships with area companies. Representatives of partner company Super 3D Plus will join C4PD staff in demonstrating the features of C4PD’s new equipment, the ProJet MjP 2500 and 3600. These new printers deliver high-capacity and performance at faster speeds for streamlined production to achieve functional design with high resolution.

The NIU EIGERlab C4PD is located at 5299 Zenith Parkway, Loves Park.

Technology evolves at quantum speeds, and 3D printing machines are no different.

Super 3D Plus Company representatives will be highlighting the features of their ComeTrue T10 printer. The ComeTrue T10 is 3D printing like you’ve never seen before; detailed, fast, and affordable with beautiful, full-color results. Print in a highly desirable sandstone-like matte finish or a ceramic powder option which is ready to be fired and glazed.

For more information regarding the open house, contact Tina Leombruni at 815.965.3522.

“Made in the Stateline: EIGERlab”

ROCKFORD – Getting a business off the ground can be a challenge, but keeping one going is sometimes just as tough.

To survive, businesses need a competitive edge.  Sometimes that means developing a new product.  Other times, it’s improving the products companies have or the process used to make those products.  That’s where digital manufacturing comes in.

“Digital manufacturing isn’t scary,” said Federico Sciammarella, the interim Chairman of the Mechanical Engineering Dept. at Northern Illinois University.  “Even a small business can benefit from how to simulate a process of theirs virtually, so they can understand where they might have bottlenecks, where they might run into problems, or how to optimize a process.”

Digital manufacturing can involve creating a process or simulating making a product to efficiently and inexpensively coming up with a prototype before making the real thing.  In the long run, that can save time and money.  It’s one of the reasons NIU EIGERlab in Rockford picked the topic for EIGERlab’s “Monthly Meetup.”

“EIGERlab is a not-for-profit business incubator,” said C4PD Director Mike Cobert.  “We’re here to help businesses either get started or an existing business who has run into a speed bump and needs help getting through that we’re able to get them the help they need to further grow their business.”

These meetups are just part of what NIU EIGERlab does.  The organization also operates a Center for Product Development.

“We help individuals and businesses develop their products,” said Cobert.  “From the idea, all the way through engineering, manufacturing, and in a box in a warehouse ready to go to their customer.”

Information learned at events like this may just be the missing piece of the puzzle a company needs to thrive and possibly be able to hire more people.

“Any advantage we can give to businesses here locally in Rockford and the region to me is exciting because that means we’re helping and contributing to their growth and their continued success.”

NIU EIGERlab is also part of an innovation network offering product development help all over northern Illinois, Rockford, Elgin, Schaumburg, Naperville, and DeKalb.

February’s newsletter topics include the following. Click here to read the complete newsletter (PDF).

“Latest Tools for Manufacturing” | February’s Innovation Tuesday Meetup

Progress Post FastPitch Competition: Grand Prize Winner’s Launch

Client Successes | Post 2017 FastPitch Competition Progress!

Have a product idea in either DeKalb, Elgin, Naperville or Schaumburg?
We can assist!

Tired of Starbucks? Daily membership offered | GROW your business at NIU EIGERlab’s Coworking Spaces

Retired? Semi-Retired? Consider Giving Back to Your Community by Becoming a SCORE Mentor 

Rockford MakerSpace is NOW open

Illinois Small Business Development Center

Thinker Ventures 

The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII)

IMEC | Manufacturing Improvement Specialists

Entrepreneurial Events 

Whether it’s Steve Jobs building a computer in his garage or Hector Boyardee cooking pasta at the Plaza Hotel, many American brands and businesses start from humble origins.  Current start-ups seek to replicate that success, but they don’t do it alone.

In this Friday Forum, WNIJ’s Chase Cavanaugh discusses the groups that help northern Illinois small businesses get started.

Entrepreneurship is a promising but difficult job. People who believe they have a great idea for a product or service need to make sure there’s a market for it and have a solid business plan. Fortunately, northern Illinois businesses can get help from various incubators. 

Click here for the complete article and interview.