Local high school and Macomb Community College students compete in college’s pitch competition: Macomb Innovates: The Next Big Thing

Six high school teams from Armada, Dakota and Lake Shore high schools, and three Macomb Community College students participated in Macomb Innovates: The Next Big Thing, on April 22. The annual pitch competition is held by the college’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), and, this year, challenged the thirteen finalists to present clever, simple or game-changing solutions that could improve everyday life before a panel of judges representing education, business and the community.

According to Tanya Balcom, faculty-in-residence, CIE, the competition gives students an opportunity to develop confidence, creativity and real-world skills.

“This event is about students doing something they’ve never done before,” said Balcom. “When given an opportunity and a little guidance, students step outside their comfort zones, gain confidence, learn how to accept feedback and truly discover what they’re capable of accomplishing.”

Emma Buckland, a senior from Armada High School, earned first place in the high school division for her idea, Snap Stand, a portable, adjustable and collapsible phone stand designed to make hands-free photography easier. The voice-controlled stand pairs with an app that offers AI-powered photo editing capabilities, allowing users to capture better group photos without touching their device. Buckland noted her idea addresses common frustrations with existing products on the market, such as high cost, weight, instability or being only partially collapsible.

“My idea came from something very real in my own life,” said Buckland. “When my family travels, it’s hard to get a photo where everyone fits. I wanted to create something simple that actually solves that problem.”

In the college division, Kayley Zanotti, 29, of Shelby Township, who is studying accounting, was awarded first place for her concept, What’s for Dinner, an AI-powered app designed to simplify meal planning and eliminate the daily guessing game of deciding what to cook. Users take a photo of their refrigerator contents, and the app compares the available ingredients with potential recipes, accounting for noted dietary restrictions and allergies. A premium version would allow users to save meals, access cooking instructions and assist with grocery ordering.

“I honestly started this as an experiment,” Zanotti said. “But going through the process helped me realize this could actually be a useful, real-world solution.”

Ellen Lux, director, workforce and continuing education, business and IT, at Macomb Community College, said the event gives students an opportunity to apply their ideas outside of a traditional classroom setting.

“Macomb Innovates allows students to bring ideas they’ve been developing and present them in a real-world environment,” said Lux “It gives students exposure and experience that they wouldn’t otherwise have.” 

All high school student participants received a $500 scholarship award from the Macomb Community College Foundation that can be applied to tuition, fees and books at the college. The high school competitors also took home individual Rising Star trophies designed by the college’s Media and Communications Arts program. Zanotti, the winner of the college division, was awarded a $1,000 prize from the Macomb Community College Foundation.

The event also featured an interactive exhibitor showcase with displays highlighting student-led projects, including robotic dogs programmed in the college’s makerspace, an ice sculpture from culinary arts and a student‑run hot dog cart.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media Contact: Katlyn Holtvluwer, holtvluwerk281@macomb.edu, 586.349.8737