PRD student’s startup one of Von Allmen Center’s Bootcamp winners

The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE) in the Gatton College of Business and Economics recently announced the winning startups from the Fall 2024 Bootcamp 1.0 online Business Accelerator. Entrepreneurs from across The University of Kentucky campus and the Lexington community represented their startups in an online pitch competition, with nine winning startups taking home prize money. Product design senior Austin Hirtzel and his startup TriStacker won $1,000 as part of the competition.   

According to VACE's press release announcing the winners, "TriStacker is a sustainable toy that grows with a child from ages 0-3 years old. As a new product concept, the current prototype evolves with the child’s learning environment. TriStacker does all of this by utilizing free play—undirected play that activates the child’s imagination and is proven to be important in the development of problem-solving skills. TriStacker is a toy that grows with your child giving it the potential to become a household staple such as LEGO."

Hirtzel previously won third place and $2,000 for his startup in the Spring 2024 PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition.  

Hirtzel plans to use the funds to advance his startup to the prototyping and producing stage. For example, he recently used some of the prize money to purchase a 3D printer for the company.  
Those interested in learning more about TriStacker are encouraged to email austin.hirtzel@uky.edu.