April 12, 2024

A startup that defends autonomous systems from critical failure has been named the winner of the Governor’s Giant Vision Competition.

The annual event awards prize money to promising startups and student-led businesses.

This year’s Giant Vision business winner of $20,000 is Sioux Falls-based Kirkwall, founded by William Cromarty. The software defends autonomous systems from critical failure. Its algorithm enables cyberattack detection, diagnostic monitoring and preventative maintenance for unmanned aerial vehicles, Internet of Things-enabled ag tech and industrial systems.

David Owen, South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry; William Cromarty, Kirkwall;  Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden; Brad Wheeler, event chair; and Mel Ustad, SD EPSCoR

In second place, winning $10,000, was Sioux Falls-based Dakota Adventure Supply, founded by Jeff Hayward and Paxton Alsgaard. The company is dedicated to crafting not just outdoor gear but symbols of adventure, with a mission of promoting a sense of adventure and building camaraderie with others.

Brookings-based Desty LLC, founded by Alisha Vincent and Rajesh Kavasseri, won third place and $5,000. The company is dedicated to modernizing the travel agent industry, offering a one-of-a-kind service utilizing proprietary databases, algorithms and artificial intelligence. 

Volin-based Straight Up Care, founded by Melissa Dittberner, won fourth place and $3,000. Peer Specialists, a web-based platform ecosystem for substance use and mental health, features a learning management system, HIPAA-compliant, service delivery software as a service, reducing the nationwide care burden and improving addiction and mental health outcomes for clients.

Fifth place went to Sioux Falls-based AchiTalk, founded by Florian Hoxha, which won $2,000. The company is designed to simplify and enhance global recruitment and education processes through innovative AI solutions, making hiring efficient for companies and preparing students effectively for their careers. 

Brookings-based Pioneer BioTech, founded by Matthew Cole and Brock Hansen, won sixth place and $1,000. The company is developing natural products derived from microbial fermentation, providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments for crop diseases.

First place in the student competition and the winner of $5,000 was Airborne Dynamic Systems, founded by Zackery Holloway and Carson Daly of South Dakota Mines. It utilizes innovative unmanned aerial vehicle technology that combines customization and adaptability, providing clients with comprehensive aerial data solutions.

“The goal of this program is to encourage people to explore being a business owner and to create an exciting future, along with the practical issues of creating jobs and growing the GDP of South Dakota,” said David Owen, president of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

“We have worked hard to produce an event that will benefit all of the competitors. While the prize money will help the finalists, the contacts made and rigor required to be a qualifier will help all to advance their business ideas.”

2024 marks the 20th year of the Giant Vision open competition.