The idea of putting underwater power generation equipment throughout Michigan was announced Monday as top winner of "Motivate Michigan," a corporate-sponsored collegiate competition to generate ideas to improve Michigan's economy.
A total of more than 300 ideas were received from schools all over the state in a competition that was pared down to 10 semifinalists last month. An online vote that attracted more than 5,000 participants produced the five finalists that made their presentations to a panel of judges Monday.
The first place "Thunder from Down Under" proposal from University of Michigan students Tarun Koshy and Nicholas Williams suggested the state install underwater power generation turbines in all the major lakes and rivers. The idea netted $20,000 in scholarship prize money for the winners.
In second place was the Financial Literacy Pilot Program by Western Michigan University students Jacob Berkey and Kylie Vasa, who will receive $12,000 in scholarship money. The proposal calls for implementing a program to educate high school seniors in the practices of personal finance.
Third place went to a "Michigan Pride" consumer action plan, winning a prize $7,500.
The objective of the competition was to initiate creative ideas from incoming freshman or students enrolled in state colleges or universities to improve Michigan's economy. Through a just-ended submission process, teams and individuals submitted their ideas for business development. Students were prompted to complete their online submissions with a format that addresses challenges and potential solutions. For example: Problem statement -- Michigan is a beautiful place to live and visit, but people aren't coming anymore to see all the state has to offer. Proposed solution: create a "frequent visitors program" that awards credit points based on how much time and money visitors spend in the state. Expected outcome -- increased tourism revenue.
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