Arash Mahnan, PhD student in the School of Kinesiology, received a runner up award in the 2019 Walleye Tank Competition, Junior Anglers category, for his pitch about the medical device he is developing in the Human Sensorimotor Control Lab. The device is a non-invasive neuromodulation medical device for treatment of the voice disorder spasmodic dysphonia (SD). Read more about Mahnan’s device here.

Mahnan competed against ten other companies in the Junior Anglers category, reserved for those in the early stages of business development. Through his runner up award, Mahnan received feedback regarding the commercialization and development plans he presented. Additionally, his presentation at the competition connected him with potential investors.

There were two other levels of competition, Mid-level Reelers and Professionals, reserved for those who are further along in their business idea and development. Participants had 120 seconds to explain and pitch their device followed by 3 minutes of Q&A from the judging panel.

Walleye Tank is a Minnesota based life science pitch competition which provides an educational opportunity for emerging and established medical and life science companies. Hosted by the Mayo Clinic, the Walleye Tank competition focuses on removing barriers for entrepreneurs and connecting them with an audience of investors, subject matter experts, service providers, job seekers, and mentors to help accelerate their businesses.