November 10, 2024
Local News | Kendall County Now


Local News

Student entrepreneurs win $1,000 for bio-pesticide start-up

Two local high school boys formed a winning team at the Celebrating High School Innovator’s competition held on March 2 at Illinois State University, bringing home a $1,000 cash prize and scholarships.  Matias Habib, 15, of Sandwich, and Kendrick Bakel, 16, of Yorkville, presented their start-up company TerraBuster and their formula for an organic Japanese Beetle spray. Around 100 students competed at the annual event. Teams first present their ideas one-on-one to eight different judges. The top 10 scoring teams then advance to a ‘shark tank’ style competition, delivering a 3-minute pitch on stage. The TerraBuster team stunned the audience by demonstrating the safety of their beetle pesticide – by spraying it in the mouth. “It’s that safe!” they proclaimed in unison.  For more about the boys’ bio-pesticide business visit TerraBuster.com. For more on Celebrating High School Innovators visit chsinnovators.org.