As part of Startup Wisconsin Week, the Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center hosted Fast Pitch, an event where aspiring entrepreneurs “pitched” business ideas for prizes.

Luke Haen of BAKKAB took first place and earned $2,000 toward his efforts in helping heavy equipment operators and truck drivers enhance their safety while using a device that alerts them of unseen hazards. Second place and a $1,000 award went to Andrew Schmitz of Proceed. His business endeavor captures institutional knowledge through an app that is easily and readily shared in the workplace during the on-boarding new hires, training sessions, team building, and more.

Haen and Schmitz will advance to the New North Summit Hatch Pitch event on December 5 for a chance at winning top prize of $5,000. They will be competing against other first- and second-place winners from three other regional events similar to Fast Pitch. In all, 12 entrepreneurs participated in pitching their big ideas at the Venture Center-led competition, with support from New North, Inc., Brightstar Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.