On this one I get to think like entrepreneur and grandfather at the same time, because last week’s $50K first prize winner at the University of Oregon Intercollegiate International New Venture Competition was a grandfather’s recipe for cockroach bait.

This was a surprise. It’s cockroach bait, not a website, not medical, not electronics, and not even new. Mullis Enterprises, the University of Georgia entry, was also a last-minute entry, invited to join the 19 other finalists only after the 20th finalist dropped out shortly before the finals.

Tim Berry

Tim BerryTim Berry

Tim Berry is the founder and chairman of Palo Alto Software and Bplans.com. Follow him on Twitter @Timberry.