Fox Cities News

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh student Shane Kinson has proven that bright ideas have the potential to become successful businesses. At the recent Culver’s Business Model Competition, Kinson's innovative business model for his NoiseStil technology captured the attention of judges and earned him top honors.

Kinson, an audio production/music business major, showcased his entry, NoiseStil, which is a pair of specialty noise-canceling headphones designed for autistic individuals. His headphones aim to help autistic individuals better integrate into the workplace by expanding and compressing sound to a user-desired level and picking up sounds from specific directions to prevent distractions and overstimulation. Speaking about his idea, Kinson said, "I think my idea is a good one."

Following his victory at the Culver’s Business Model Competition, Kinson advanced to The Pitch, a regional startup business pitch competition, along with runner-up William Dorsett, who is majoring in mechanical engineering technology. Dorsett presented his business, Fueled by Courage, which manufactures tools and equipment, including modular gear lockers, for the fire service industry. Noah Bauer, a marketing major, secured third place with his Mill City Farms business idea.

The Culver’s Business Model Competition judges included industry professionals such as Pat Van Abel, Ellie Gunville, Meghann Kasper, Raina Lyman, and Dayne Rusch. The competition offered a total prize package of approximately $27,500 in cash and in-kind prizes, with support from various in-kind providers.

UWO alumnus Craig Culver graced the event as a special guest, sharing insights about the founding of Culver’s restaurants. The competition, hosted at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, brought together students from diverse fields to pitch their business ideas and compete for cash prizes and business development support.

The regional startup business pitch competition at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton on April 24 will see Kinson and Dorsett competing against other college student teams from northeast Wisconsin. The event is open to the public and promises to showcase the innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit of young minds.