The semiannual Concept- 2-Reality competition at Kennesaw State University began in 2007 as a way to encourage the community to pursue innovation. Five years and 62 new product or service concepts later, the Fall 2012 contest is open for submissions.
Concept-2-Reality was founded by Professor Charles Hofer of KSU’s Coles College of Business, who holds a doctorate from Harvard Business School…
“Over 60 percent of all Americans had, at some point in their lives, thought about creating some new product or service,” said Hofer. “It, therefore, made total sense to develop a competition to encourage people to dust-off their new product or service concepts.”
The competition was designed to give entrepreneurs an opportunity to launch their products into the market. Since the first contest in Fall 2007, 62 new concepts were advanced into finals. Concepts varied from EcoGreen Glass to a Wrap-a- Loc Hair styling tool. Other submissions include Slimming Soap and a Tipless Taco Tray.
Hofer said the goal of Concept-2-Reality is to help turn ideas into actual goods or services. Not only is there an opportunity to win either a $500 to $1000 cash prize, but also to get feedback from professional judges in each phase of the competition.
Joyce Bone submitted her own concept, Millionaire Moms™, into the Fall 2008 competition and received second place.
“If you have an inner-entrepreneur budding, now is a great time to let it out in a safe and supportive environment,” said Bone, a graduate research assistant helping with the promotion and organization of the competition. “The environment of the competition is definitely laid back and fun behind the scenes. I’d advise all students to take advantage of this time in their life and explore options that appeal to them.”
The Concept-2-Reality competition is open to anyone within the Kennesaw State University community including faculty, staff, students and alumni. There are competitions in both Spring and Fall semesters and each entry requires a one page summary of the new product that must be submitted by Oct. 12, 2012 either on the Concept-2-Reality website http://coles.kennesaw. edu/pages/sife/C2R/website. html or directly to Dr. Hofer at chofer@kennesaw.edu.
Finals will be open to the public in Burruss Building Room 109 from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 7, 2012.
