Startable is a free program designed to empower young minds by guiding them through the process of developing hardware product ideas and pitching them to a panel of judges. Participants not only gain valuable entrepreneurial experience but also have the chance to win awards and prize money for their innovative concepts. The program was hosted at The Way Community Center of Greene County.
As part of this exciting journey, students and their parents visited Innovation Works in Pittsburgh, PA, where they explored the cutting-edge Robotics Factory—a rare opportunity to engage with advanced technology and creative problem-solving in action.
Startable is all about fostering entrepreneurship and encouraging kids to think big! In our pilot year, both of our Greene County teams excelled, securing multiple awards and earning a combined total of $2,500 in prize money. Their dedication, creativity, and problem-solving skills truly set them apart!
Celebrating Our Young Innovators
Container Estates
Best Design – 2nd Place | Best Innovation – 2nd Place | Best Presentation – 3rd Place
Teammates Zachary Butler, Isaiah Griffioen, and Keith McCarty developed the concept for Container Estates, a sustainable housing solution using recycled shipping containers. Their idea aimed to address the housing shortage in disaster-stricken areas, providing temporary homes for individuals affected by emergencies such as wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters. Their innovative and socially impactful project earned them multiple awards in the Startable program.
Projector Glasses
Trailblazer Award (Specialty Award for World-Changing Ideas) | Best Innovation – 3rd Place
Teammates Allison Ross, Quinn Romesburg, and Addonae Johnson created the concept for Projector Glasses—a visionary idea designed to project digital images into the real world, functioning like a virtual whiteboard. The team identified a key challenge faced by structural engineers, like Quinn’s father, Mike Romesburg, who needed a convenient way to visually present building designs to clients. Their innovation allows engineers to showcase completed structures before construction even begins, making it a groundbreaking concept. Their efforts were recognized with the prestigious Trailblazer Award for its potential to change the world.
We are immensely proud of these young innovators and their incredible achievements! Their success in the Startable program highlights the power of creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving in shaping the future.