West Virginia University Extension and the WVU Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab today (September 30, 2025) announced finalists for the inaugural Mountain State Innovators Summit.
The Mountain State Innovators Summit, which will be held November 12-13, 2025, at Stonewall Resort, is a statewide initiative designed to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators in West Virginia. Through hands-on coaching, networking and live pitch competitions, the Summit provides real-world opportunities for participants to bring their ideas to life and strengthen their communities.
“The quality and diversity of pitches submitted this year demonstrates the incredible innovation happening across West Virginia,” said Anne Jones, director, Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab. “From students to seasoned entrepreneurs, the finalists represent the creativity, grit and determination that will drive this state forward.”
The Summit will feature eight live pitch competitions with nearly $300,000 in prizes awarded to entrepreneurs, students and community leaders across the Mountain State. Finalists, drawn from a statewide pool of applicants, will present their business ideas to a panel of judges during the event.
Facilitated by WVU Extension, the Summit includes a track for students from 14 middle and high schools to show them that their ideas have real value and a place to grow in West Virginia. “By fostering those ideas now, we’re building the pipeline of talent that will fuel the state’s future workforce and economy,” Lauren Prinzo, WVU Extension specialist, Family and Community Development, said.
Mountain State Innovators Summit is made possible through the support of the Hayhurst family, with additional funding from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
“The Hayhurst Family is proud to support these pitch competitions that are fueling the next generation of entrepreneurs,” Jim Davis, Hayhurst family member, said. “We congratulate all this year’s finalists across the competitions and thank every participant for the time, effort, and creativity they put into developing and sharing their ideas. The caliber of innovation on display is truly inspiring, and by investing in these talents today, we are helping to build a stronger, brighter future for West Virginia.”
From an indoor golf course that highlights West Virginia folklore to a device that improves epidurals in maternity wards, this year’s finalists are bringing innovative ideas and creativity to the Summit.
Finalists by Category
Morris L. Hayhurst Invitational ($175,000 in prizes)
The Mountain State Innovators Summit, which will be held November 12-13, 2025, at Stonewall Resort, is a statewide initiative designed to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators in West Virginia. Through hands-on coaching, networking and live pitch competitions, the Summit provides real-world opportunities for participants to bring their ideas to life and strengthen their communities.
“The quality and diversity of pitches submitted this year demonstrates the incredible innovation happening across West Virginia,” said Anne Jones, director, Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab. “From students to seasoned entrepreneurs, the finalists represent the creativity, grit and determination that will drive this state forward.”
The Summit will feature eight live pitch competitions with nearly $300,000 in prizes awarded to entrepreneurs, students and community leaders across the Mountain State. Finalists, drawn from a statewide pool of applicants, will present their business ideas to a panel of judges during the event.
Facilitated by WVU Extension, the Summit includes a track for students from 14 middle and high schools to show them that their ideas have real value and a place to grow in West Virginia. “By fostering those ideas now, we’re building the pipeline of talent that will fuel the state’s future workforce and economy,” Lauren Prinzo, WVU Extension specialist, Family and Community Development, said.
Mountain State Innovators Summit is made possible through the support of the Hayhurst family, with additional funding from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
“The Hayhurst Family is proud to support these pitch competitions that are fueling the next generation of entrepreneurs,” Jim Davis, Hayhurst family member, said. “We congratulate all this year’s finalists across the competitions and thank every participant for the time, effort, and creativity they put into developing and sharing their ideas. The caliber of innovation on display is truly inspiring, and by investing in these talents today, we are helping to build a stronger, brighter future for West Virginia.”
From an indoor golf course that highlights West Virginia folklore to a device that improves epidurals in maternity wards, this year’s finalists are bringing innovative ideas and creativity to the Summit.
Finalists by Category
Morris L. Hayhurst Invitational ($175,000 in prizes)
- Best Dam Tape: Logan Cuvo (Morgantown)
- Loving West Virginia: Evan and Evan-Nicole Chapman (Fairmont)
- YNST Magazine: Adam Payne (Wheeling)
- Nikola Landscape Lighting: Luke McConnell (Morgantown)
- Buddy N Beast: Andy Henthorn (Charleston)
- Edara: Jamila Fleet: Marshall University (Huntington)
- GreenMatter: Kassidy Blatt, WVU (Morgantown)
- Full Bloom Marketing: Maggie Jordan, West Virginia Wesleyan (Buckhannon)
- Simply Smoothies: Mckenna Valasek and Logan Moiles, Shepherd University (Shepherdstown)
- Goldenrod Kitchen: Nola Todd, WVU (Morgantown)
- MUSEMO: Aryaunna D. Mosley, WVU (Morgantown)
- FarmerzTool Technologies: Tafara Ushendibaba, WVU (Morgantown)
- Market Leader Technologies/BotHQ-AI: Daniel Fournier, WVU (Morgantown)
- Procedure Chair: Shon Rowan, MD, MBA; Matt Smith, MD, MBA; and Carol Wright Becker, MD, MBA WVU (Morgantown)
- Stud-IA: Juan Marino, WVU (Morgantown)
- Withrow Sharpening and Sales: Alexis Campbell (Huntington)
- Cryptid Mountain Miniature Golf: Colton Metzger and Matthew Tolliver (Morgantown)
- Across the Board Game Café: Jade Hanna (White Sulphur Springs)
- Old School WV: Shelby Cavender and Tyler Jeffries (Morgantown)
- Natives Fly Fishing and Catch Cam Nets: Beau Robinson (White Hall)
- The Gorge Wood Company: Jack Taggart (Danese)
- Toybox Alley: Toby Heaney (Morgantown)
- UAFeeders: Orland M. Underwood Jr. (Kingwood)
- Threat Readiness Solutions: Alex Pieken (Morgantown)
- Blue Thistle Fibers: Clare Loftus (Gauley Bridge)
- Old School Christmas Farm: Maggie Blankenship (Red House)
- Hannah's Studios/Hannah’s Clay Creations: Hannah Lenhart (Fairmont)
- Mountains to Water Woodshop: Kate Preston (Davis)
- Mayfield Mountain Kennels: Savanna Patterson (Morgantown)
- Holler Fusion: Katelyn Duffield and Harmony Duffield (Clay County)
More than 105 pitches were submitted for the Summit. Five finalists in each category were chosen to compete in the inaugural event.
Learn more about the Mountain State Innovators Summit, including information about the event, details about the finalists and more. Keep up with WVU Extension programs and activities by visiting extension.wvu.edu or following @WVUExtension on Facebook and Instagram.
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tec/9/29/25
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