NW Valley Times

Cody Cash, a junior at Grand Canyon University, emerged as the winner of the spring 2025 Canyon Challenge and People's Choice Award with his innovative solution titled 'FobMate.' Initially struggling with the recurrent issue of misplacing student fobs, Cash developed a device allowing fobs to attach to cell phones. This ingenious product helped him secure a combined prize of $3,500.

"I thought all the contestants did a great job," said Cash, adding, "I had no idea who was going to win. The IDEA Club is super awesome on campus and very helpful for students. We're eager to serve."

The entrepreneurial event aims to support student-led startups on campus and encourage innovative ideas. Desert Bloom Babysitting Co., founded by Kamille Benson, secured the runner-up position, earning $1,500, while Natalie Conceicao Larson's Tender Paws took third place with a prize of $1,000.

Advised by GCU's Tim Kelley and Robert Vera, the IDEA Club organized this "Shark Tank"-style competition, offering a total of $6,000 in cash prizes. "We really looked at companies that were ready to launch that we really feel are in a position to start driving revenue," explained judge Nick Kasten from the National Bank of Arizona.

Cash's journey to creating FobMate was personal. Moved by his daily struggles with fob management upon joining GCU after a two-year hiatus and influenced by a family member, Cash capitalized on an idea he found surprisingly unexplored. "I was surprised it wasn't a product that already solved it," he remarked.

The competition's finalist presentations were evaluated by judges based on readiness to launch and market potential. During the process, Kyle Brown of Trinity Capital noted the importance of allocating capital towards initiating projects efficiently.

"We had the same problem, the same mindset and started working together," Cash mentioned regarding his collaboration with roommate Corbin Stuber, also contributing to FobMate's development.

FobMate's intended market includes college students, businesses, and apartment complexes, with a focus on difficulties faced by new students. Cash continued to refine his pitch technique throughout the competition, eventually impressing the judges.

The event also highlighted other innovative projects by students such as Ethan Hawes's Trekguard, and Levi Korum's foundation aiding West African students. Additionally, honors were granted to successful businesses in the Marketplace division, and several students were acknowledged for substantial revenue contributions.

GCU partnered with an entrepreneurial innovation challenge for younger students, showcasing young talents from various schools and awarding outstanding business ideas like the adaptive equipment initiative by Creekside Christian Academy students.