Two Lethbridge Polytechnic students placed in the top three at the 2026 LaunchPoint Pitch Competition held in March at the polytechnic.
Patricia Wannamaker, a first-year Criminal Justice – Policing student, pitched Park My Pet – supervised pop-up kennel stations that offer dog owners a safe alternative to leaving their pets in vehicles alone – and placed second overall.
Gavin Warmink, a first-year Business Administration – Accounting student, collaborated with University of Lethbridge biology student Kiana Jans to present Southpaws Rescue, a centralized adoption platform that helps prospective pet owners and resource organizations connect by consolidating adoption listings in southern Alberta into one platform. Their idea earned them a third-place finish.
“LaunchPoint is an exciting time for our student entrepreneurs as they get to show off their proposals to business leaders in our community,” says Joshua Leith, AgENT co-ordinator, Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “The experience they receive preparing, presenting and getting feedback on their pitches is invaluable, giving them a leg up in taking their ideas to the next level.”
For a list of winners and their pitches, visit: ulethbridge.ca/agility/launch-point-pitch-competition.