Young entrepreneurs spend weekend sharing, learning

Maybe someday emergency helicopters will be able to land using laser technology. If so, you might just chalk it up to Cape Girardeau ingenuity.

Nearly 50 people participated in the first Google Startup Weekend in Cape Girardeau earlier this month.

Participants in the exercise pitched 14 ideas in front of a large crowd, then the six best ideas were divided into six teams to determine the winner of the 54-hour program.

The winning idea was the Landing Zone Acquisition/Designation, a device using laser technology to provide a clearly marked landing area for helicopters, according to a news release.

Second place went to a "Go! Run" app designed to connect social runners who are traveling or looking for running partners or groups; and third place went to a mobile web community designed to connect women through online book clubs, videos and forums, according to the release. Winners received award packages valued at more than $3,000, including an annual membership at Codefi, digital media and targeted web advertising services, and the chance to pitch to the 1ST50K Startup competition committee in June, the release stated.

The Google startup workshop was no doubt a valuable hands-on learning experience. During the event, established entrepreneurs shared advice on how to pitch ideas and ways to increase their chances at having a successful enterprise.

Congratulations to everyone who took the time over a weekend to share ideas and improve. It's great seeing innovation nurtured in Cape Girardeau.