GCU to hold own version of ‘Shark Tank’ Thursday

PHOENIX — Grand Canyon University is holding its own version of ABC’s “Shark Tank” Thursday.

Five student companies are competing for thousands of dollars in seed money. Among the companies are Coloot (crowdfunding platform only charging payment-processing fees), Secured Together (connects anyone on or around a college campus with public safety and selected university personnel), and Zenjoi (uses virtual reality and other techniques to help Alzheimer’s patients).

“[The Canyon Challenge] gives an opportunity for students, faculty, anyone involved in the GCU community, to implement their idea,” said economics professor Tim Kelley.

The other contenders in the Canyon Challenge are Outbound Explorer (turns skateboarding, surfing, hiking, kayaking, cliff jumping and skiing enthusiasts into experts who can share their experiences), and Storage Together (connects those who need storage space with people who have the space).

“We’ve got five judges; each of them sits in nice beautiful leather chairs,” Kelley said. “Each company gets about five minutes to get up there and give their pitch.”

The winner, Kelley said, will get at least $6,000. There’s also a chance to win thousands more in online voting.

For details on the Canyon Challenge and location, click here.

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