From www.ONU.edu/news__Ohio Northern University’s James F. Dicke College of Business Administration hosted its semiannual Polar Innovation Exchange on April 16, 2025, in the Dicke Forum. Students pitched innovative business or product ideas in a two-minute format for a chance to win $1,000. The event helps students hone their skills in pitching business ideas concisely, with emphasis on innovation, marketability, and societal impact.

Top three finalists were Bin Buddy, Tinker Totter, and Polar Creations. Bin Buddy took first place, featuring students Jonah Volbert (Engineering), Brennon Ryan (Business), Brady Hale (Engineering), and Caiden Bush (Arts & Sciences). Bin Buddy offers a practical trash removal solution that eliminates the vacuum seal in overpacked bins, making the process safer and more efficient.

Tinker Totter, which earned second place, was developed by a team of Engineering students after visiting Ada Elementary School. Inspired by feedback from educators and therapists, the team created a foot-operated teeter-totter to help students, particularly those with developmental disabilities, stay focused and active while seated.

Third-place winners, Polar Creations, pitched HaloClean—a UV sanitizing and charging device for phones and tablets. The team aimed to address hygiene concerns, citing research showing phones can be 10 times dirtier than toilet seats. Their design sanitizes devices in 10 minutes using UV light, offering a sustainable alternative to disinfectant wipes.

The Polar Innovation Exchange challenges students to develop and pitch creative business or product solutions that address real-world needs, blending innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.