Safety Straw, founded by Michigan State University student Jack Rushlow (’26), earned second place and the Audience Choice Award at TCNewTech hosted by 20Fathoms in Traverse City, MI.
Safety Straw, backed by MSU’s Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, is developing practical personal-safety solutions aimed at creating safer social settings. The startup focuses on tools that are easy to use, discreet, and designed to support individuals in looking out for themselves and others.
TCNewTech showcases emerging innovations from founders across Michigan, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch to a community of investors, tech professionals, and startup supporters.
During the competition, Safety Straw’s pitch stood out for its mission-driven approach, thoughtful design, and strong potential for real-world impact, earning recognition from both the judges and the audience, resulting in a dual award that will support further testing, refinement, and outreach as the team continues to grow.
About the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation: The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is the destination where students launch high-impact, entrepreneurial journeys at Michigan State University. The Burgess Institute empowers students to learn through action by providing global mentors, courses, seed funding, entrepreneurship competitions, student organizations, resources, and campus-wide co-working spaces.