Great Ideas 2022 Winners
Oceania & the Asian Rim Business
First Place & Runner-up
Vibez
Team members: Evan Foster, Drew Dalton, Hunter Calton
Vibez Cards revolutionizes networking with NFC-enabled business cards that instantly share your contact info, resume, or social links—straight to a smartphone. Unlike other smart cards, Vibez highlights you, not the brand, putting your name front and center. Fast, personal, and professional—Vibez makes every connection count.
Second Place
Pacific 360
Team member: Tanner Rawlins, Weerawat Meepralom, Jacob Von Niederhausern
Pacific 360 is a virtual tour agency based in Oʻahu, helping businesses and property owners build trust through immersive 3D tours. Using 360 photography and photogrammetry, we create interactive digital twins of real spaces—viewable on phones, laptops, or VR. Unlike static images, our tours offer transparency and confidence to potential clients and guests. Our vision is to expand across the Asia-Pacific region, serving resorts, brokerages, and organizations through a growing professional network.
Third Place
Ampersandia Design
Team members: Ally Pack, Logan Taggart, Claire Parsons
Ampersandia Design is a branding and design consulting agency focused on supporting young female entrepreneurs across Oceania and the Asia-Pacific. We offer tailored design and marketing solutions—from budget-friendly logos to personalized visual identity consulting. With expertise in design, marketing, and business, we empower startups to scale with clarity and confidence.
Oceania & the Asian Rim Social Venture
First Place & Grand Prize
Eden Hydroponics
Team members: Gerome Romero, Ezra Magno, Wendy Pan, Joshua Costales
Eden Hydroponics began at BYU–Hawaii and became an LLC on July 21st. We offer durable, automated hydroponics kits that make home gardening easy and affordable, even for beginners. With our tagline “Growing Made Smart,” we aim to simplify and enhance gardening through smart technology.
Second Place
USA Connect
Team member: Douglas Madruga
USA Connect is a support service for prospective international students who dream of studying in the United States. Many give up simply because they don’t know where to start or have no one to guide them. We aim to be that trusted “friend” who helps them every step of the way. Through an online course and personalized mentorship, we teach students exactly what they need to do to reach the U.S. We also partner with universities and English language schools to recommend institutions that match each student’s profile and budget. Beyond that, we offer hands-on support — from airport pickup to helping them settle during their first chaotic month in the U.S.
Third Place:
Pure Wai
Team members: Jared Stout, Dale Herrod, Mealiza Vera
Pure Wai tackles Fiji’s clean water crisis with local refilling stations that purify tap water and deliver it in reusable jugs. Inspired by a successful system in the Philippines, we offer safe, great-tasting water at just 30 cents per gallon—saving both time and money. This model is scalable and well-received by locals.
First Place
Out of Design Company
Team member: Maile Richardson
Out of Design combines art and impact through two branches: Out of Resin (pressed-flower resin rings) and Out of Ink (retro-style graphic tees). We create meaningful products and donate part of our profits to support social and environmental causes.
Second Place
La Ora Na
Team members: Tess U, Makaiah Gorman
La Ora Na means "May you have a long life" in Tahitian. Our mission is to help people live long, happy lives through natural shampoo and body lotion made from local ingredients like Tamanu oil. Inspired by Tahitian recipes, our products heal and revitalize the skin while supporting island economies. We aim to expand across Polynesia and America, promoting health and well-being as disciples of Christ.
Third Place
Le Motu Airbnb & Tour
Team member: Ailona Masoe
La Motu Airbnb & Tour offers stress-free, personalized travel in Samoa with private beachside accommodation and optional tours. We handle everything—lodging, transport, and trusted guides—so you can relax and enjoy authentic island life. Our tours highlight local culture, the Matai system, traditions, history, and nature. With family-level hospitality, we aim to create meaningful, unforgettable experiences that keep guests coming back—and bringing others with them.