The twice-annual Innovation Competition contest tasks students to innovate a new product for the Kwik Trip convenience stores, create a marketing plan, and present the idea in the format of their choice.
“This contest is a great way to foster problem-solving and creativity in students and push them to see their own capabilities,” said Senior Director of Wisconsin Business World Michelle Grajkowski.
Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip is a leader in vertical integration, manufacturing and customer care, giving students an opportunity to create a wide array of products. This year’s winning entries included Kwik Mix, the Kwik Trip Food Truck and KwikCakes. Each entry included a presentation on the product and a marketing strategy identifying a target audience and explaining how the product would increase consumer sales.
The winners of the Innovation Competition:
- Sachi Makani, 9th grade, Grafton Senior High School: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw3I8MKhato
- Sophia Tucker, 10th grade, Logan High School: https://www.wmcfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/21-921ec8b88addccf15ead1254970aa996/2024/05/Kwik-Trip-Innovation-Project-1.webm
- Nevaeh Flesch and Capri Lapacek, 10th grade, Poynette School District: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQG-U17xRSE
“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Wisconsin Business World to support student innovation,” shared Kwik Trip’s Industry and Trade Association Manager Joe Zietlow. “These students are observant, creative, and capable. We were impressed with each of the entries!”
The contest was open to Wisconsin students in grades 6-12. The winners each received a $500 cash prize. The Fall 2024 contest is ongoing, and Wisconsin Business World and Kwik Trip are accepting nominations through Jan. 10, 2025. Learn more: www.wmcfoundation.org/wisconsin-business-world/
