Founder’s Innovation Prize Finalists Chosen for AirVenture 2021

June 17, 2021 – The Founder's Innovation Prize Grand Championship judges have chosen the top five finalists to present their solutions for lowering the in-flight loss-of-control accident rate in a Shark Tank-style program during An Evening With Innovators at Theater in the Woods on Tuesday evening, July 27, during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021.

The five-year competition cycle is coming to a close this year with the Grand Championship, which aims to build on the progress made so far by focusing on the finalists and honorable mention contestants from previous years. The top five finalists selected out of this group will share the progress they have made on their innovative ideas in front of the five judges and compete for a grand prize of $50,000. The five finalists include:

Ed Wischmeyer, EAA 18879
Savannah, Georgia
"The Expanded Envelope Exercises”

Mike Vaccaro, EAA 152409, Lenard Iszak, EAA 817999, Cecil Jones, EAA 255202, Bob Baggerman, EAA 1263294, Christopher Jones, EAA 670032, Philip Starbuck, EAA 1199535, Vern Little, EAA 1372675, and Brian Chesteen, EAA 641295
Niceville, Florida
"FlyONSPEED”

Colin Michael Foale, EAA 1040911, and Ian Foale, EAA 1416766
Seabrook, Texas
"Solar Pilot Guard"

Ihab Awad, EAA 1161540
San Jose, California
"Airball"

Ray Kwong, EAA 1250962
Annapolis, Maryland
"Epic Optix"

This year's judging panel will include Charlie Precourt, space shuttle commander; Pat Anderson, professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Gregory Feith, former senior air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board; Dave Morss, renowned test pilot; and Dick VanGrunsven, CEO of Van's Aircraft.

EAA's "An Evening With Innovators — The Founder’s Innovation Prize" will take place on Tuesday, July 27, starting at 7 p.m. during AirVenture 2021. The Founder’s Innovation Prize is supported by DS SOLIDWORKS.