News

EDGE Fellows – sparking profitable business growth

August 4, 2021

This Summer, twelve entrepreneurial students were assigned in cross-functional teams of two to study the feasibility of new business opportunities for Northeast Ohio companies (ChromaScape, Delta Media Group, Hinkley, Lintern Corporation, Logan Clutch Corporation, R.W. Martin.) These graduate-level students from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, John Carroll University, Kansas State University and Kent State University

Fellows addressed new business opportunities addressing:

  • Innovations in Dye Colorant Technology
  • Applications for an Integrated Marketing Tool (SaaS)
  • Residential Landscape Lighting Opportunities
  • Growth Channels for Industrial Air Conditioners
  • Marine Markets for Power Take Off (PTO) Clutches
  • Hospital Scrub Management Systems

EDGE assigned business mentors to student teams, linked students with host companies, and connected them with industry experts to assist with their research efforts.

This year’s program culminated with in-depth final presentations to the host companies and a quick-pitch public presentation to 50+ area business and university leaders.

EDGE Fellows shared short presentations on their findings, too.

Host Companies See Great Value:
“The team’s research was significantly more thorough and detailed than what our company had the capacity to perform. The Fellows’ Team EXCEEDED my expectations in every measurable way.”

“The Fellows did valuable research for us and got access to industry insiders whom we would have almost certainly never been able to reach otherwise.”

“The EDGE Fellows program is a mutually beneficial experience. (Graduate-level) students get exposure to the challenges of marketing in the business world. Companies get access to students that are able to focus and answer key questions to enable attainment of business objectives. I have to commend EDGE in its recruiting efforts … The students were high caliber and highly engaged.”

“Did about 18 months of work for us in (under) 3 months …. You should do it. It is a great experience.”

Impact:  Sparking profitable business growth

  • Well over 50% of the projects studied over past 14 years have generated new investment and/or revenue for NE Ohio.
  • Over 60% of the students choose to stay and work in the area after graduation.

Special thanks for support provided by:
The Burton D. Morgan Foundation, The Harvard Business School Club of Northeastern Ohio and recent Participating Companies (ChromaScapeDelta Media GroupHinkleyLintern CorporationLogan ClutchR.W. Martin)

About Program: The goal of the EDGE Fellows Program is to research the up-side potential for new business opportunities for area companies. Additionally, the program provides students with a truly unique consulting experience, connecting area companies with top talent from area universities and skilled business mentors. Started in 2007, the EDGE Fellows Program has explored 98 project ideas, and several projects led to multi-million-dollar business ventures.

Interested in learning more? Contact Chris Keller.