Shoals Shift Presents 2021 Idea Audition Competition
THE SHOALS, ALA. – The finals for this year’s Idea Audition competition, presented by Shoals Shift,
took place on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.
The top winner of the 2021 Idea Audition was Jeremy Stafford, the creator of “MAIDD.” The product
is a hand-held mechanical device called the Manual Assist Infusion Delivery Device (MAIDD) that
allows a self-infusion therapy patient to administer their medication or nutrients anywhere, anytime
easily and safely, and without the need for an external power source. Current medication delivery
devices are either pre-filled elastomeric devices which do not accommodate common medication
syringes, or electric mechanical syringe pumps which require an external power source, must be
programmed, are expensive, and are not easily transportable. Stafford said “The genesis of the
MAIDD was based on direct experience as a patient having to self-administer infusion medication at
home. Many challenges and problems using the syringes were encountered, and the MAIDD was
designed specifically to overcome those challenges.”
Seven highly qualified competitors presented their ideas to a preliminary round of judges on
Monday, October 18; these presentations were gleaned down to three finalists. The competition
was held at UNA on 6th in Tuscumbia, Ala., with the three finalists presenting their ideas to a judge’s
panel consisting of Rob Jones (The Shoals EDA), Macke Mauldin (Bank Independent), Jill Andrews
(Shoals Chamber of Commerce), and Brian Morgan (University of North Alabama).
The second-place winner of the evening was “Handy Helpers911” – an idea by John Glenn to create
a remote video service that matches a homeowner experiencing difficulty with a home program
with an on-call or available specialist trained in that specific project. “Handy Helpers911 is a system
that we can utilize retired, out-of-work, and even out-of-area specialists who may want to work
remotely,” said Glenn. “Cell Saver” by Ben Starkey took home third place with an idea to implement
an on-campus cellphone, laptop, and tablet repair shop that is easily accessible to students and is
also in partnership with the college for added ease of use. Starkey hopes to incorporate the benefit
of utilizing UNA’s MANE card system as a form of payment as well.
The Shoals Idea Audition is an annual event sponsored by Innovation Sponsors Bank Independent,
UNA College of Business, and the Shoals Economic Development Authority.
For eight years, this event has taken place under the auspices of Shoals Shift, a creative effort
through the Shoals Business Incubator, the University of North Alabama, and the Shoals Chamber
of Commerce. The event is designed to foster new businesses, help entrepreneurs polish their
presentations, and introduce community leaders who might be instrumental in helping make their
ideas a reality. The top scoring ideas were awarded a $5,000 cash prize, with $2,500 and $1,000 to
second and third-place winners, respectively.
“The Idea Audition is the longest-running Shoals Shift program and we’re thrilled to be celebrating
its seventh year! It really is the epitome of what Shoals Shift has always been about: local
collaboration, fostering creativity, and offering opportunities for those that best exhibit the
entrepreneurial spirit.” – Caitlin Holland, President of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce
Shoals Shift, the creative force that developed the Idea Audition format, has other opportunities for
budding entrepreneurs to showcase their conception. Lift Off Shoals is a partnership between the
University of North Alabama College of Business, the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, and the Shoals
Business Incubator. Startups are invited to compete for funds in a regional challenge based on the
successful statewide Alabama Launchpad challenge and the winners could receive a share of
$25,000. The Launchpad event is tentatively scheduled for March 2022. More information can be
found at www.shoalsshift.com.
For more information regarding the entrepreneurship-led competitions available, please visit www.shoalsshift.com .