“Golden ticket” storage tool wins the first ag-focused Startup Weekend

Most times Startup Weekend pitches include everything from off-the-wall suggestions to feasible business ideas. But at the second Startup Weekend Spencer, each team’s project focused on tech solutions for agriculture-based problems. While Startup Weekend previously has hosted industry-focused events, this past weekend marks the first Startup Weekend with a vertical hosted in Iowa …

The team behind AgSensor, a device that fits in any bin or large container to measure the levels of its contents, was named the winner of the second Startup Weekend Spencer. 

Most times Startup Weekend pitches include everything from off-the-wall suggestions to feasible business ideas. But at the second Startup Weekend Spencer, each team’s project focused on tech solutions for agriculture-based problems. 

While Startup Weekend previously has hosted industry-focused events, this past weekend marks the first Startup Weekend with a vertical hosted in Iowa, and also the first with the theme of “next-generation agriculture.” 

“There was a slight impact having a vertical-themed event, both positive and negative,” Sara Magnussen, one of the event’s organizers, told Silicon Prairie News. “I know we lost a handful of attendees who were scared away because they assumed they don’t know anything about agriculture. Like I have said in the past, anything can be transformed into an ag-related venture. Three out of the four teams showed that easily.

“It also had a very positive reaction. We had people travel from all over the state just because it was an agricultural event for entrepreneurs and that is specifically what interested them.”

AgSensor, a device that fits in any bin or large container to measure the levels of its contents through a mobile app, won the weekend’s top prize for best business model. The five-person team included Tony Virelli, John Hass, Torrey Proctor, Dan Davis and Kristian Klaassen. 

Virelli told SPN the idea for AgSensor came from Hass’ interest in hardware and developing software using Raspberry Pi and Arduino. 

“We actually had thought of another idea we were going to do, but at the last minute, after talking with one of his friends and seeing what parts he had around the house, the idea for the sensor came to mind,” Virelli said. “We abandoned the other idea and decided the sensor was the way to go.”

The Sensor design, idea and implementation was done by John Hass and Josh Nelson of Great Lakes Communication.* While bin sensors are nothing new, Virelli says none of the available models had the “golden ticket” the team was looking for—a device that monitors both solids and liquids, connects to servers remotely and reports back to a web-based app as well as a mobile app. Over the course of the weekend, the team built a fully working sensor, mobile app and API. 

Rustic Happenings, an online resource that allows rustic venues to rent space for events, won for best technical implementation, and Parts Guy, a mobile app to help farmers re-order parts from suppliers, took home best design. 

Each team received an “entrepreneurial survival kit” that included everyday essentials and office supplies like pens, highlighters, sticky notes and snacks. The three winning teams received their kits in a cooler, and all 30 participants received at least a $5 gift card to Staples, with the five members of AgSensor receiving $10 gift cards.  

Magnussen says she would absolutely consider hosting another industry-themed Startup Weekend in the future. 

“With vertical-themed events, I think the value is increased simply because attendees are focused on a single thought instead of unlimited choices,” she said. “All events are incredibly valuable, life-changing weekends.”

Read more about last weekend’s Startup Weekend Spencer: “Meet the four teams of the second Startup Weekend Spencer

 

*Update (Jan. 30 at 5 p.m.): Clarification added at the request of John Hass. 

Credits: Event photo from Sara Magnussen.  

This story is part of the AIM Archive

This story is part of the AIM Institute Archive on Silicon Prairie News. AIM gifted SPN to the Nebraska Journalism Trust in January 2023. Learn more about SPN’s origin »

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