VCU grad student ‘a click away’ from winning Walmart startup competition

Online pre-orders could lead to product placement in chain’s retail stores

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A Virginia Commonwealth University graduate student who is a finalist in Walmart’s “Get on the Shelf” competition could see his invention, SKRIBS – erasable, customizable wristbands – on Walmart store shelves if he wins the final round of the competition by getting the largest number of pre-orders. 

Olugbenga “Tumi” Oredein, a product innovation major in the da Vinci Center for Innovation, invented SKRIBS, wristbands that allow children to write or draw, using pens, pencils, markers or other writing tools. 

As a finalist, Oredein’s product will be sold on Walmart.com. SKRIBS must receive more pre-orders than the other four finalists’ inventions between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31, to be considered for the grand prize of marketing support and to be placed in the chain’s retail stores. SKRIBS can be pre-ordered on Walmart.com or by clicking on the “Walmart Pre-Orders” link posted on skribs.com.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have made it this far,” Oredein said. “I am humbled about the amount of support I’ve received and excited about what’s to come.”

One winner will be chosen from five product categories: Great Gadgets, Kids’ Stuff, Made in America, Live Better and Around the House. SKRIBS is entered in the Kids’ Stuff category. To date, Walmart has released the names of two other products entered in the final round – Chemo Beanies and the Elvis Presley Home Bedding Collection. The remaining products in the final round will be released at a later date. 

“Tumi's success shows how university programs, whether a degree program like our Master of Product Innovation (MPI) or a student learning experience like the VCU Venture Creation  Competition (VCC) can manifest real impact and economic benefit,” said Kenneth Kahn, Ph.D., professor of marketing and director of the da Vinci Center. “Having just launched the MPI and VCC in 2012, da Vinci Center programming is really just starting; we hope that this is the tip of the iceberg in terms of exciting student outcomes.”

SKRIBS was selected from several thousand entries. Since winning the semifinals in September, Walmart has flown Oredein to California for video shoots. The company made five video segments that showcased the winning products. Oredien’s episode aired the week of Oct. 7.

Oredien has received media attention. ABC News featured the Walmart competition on its “Made in America” segment. 

SKRIBS won last spring's da Vinci Center’s Venture Creation Competition, taking first place and $5,000 in the graduate division.

“When I was young, I loved to draw,” Oredeiin said. “I wanted to do it in the car, but I never had an avenue to write or draw when I was away from home. SKRIBS provides that opportunity. It’s a simple and fun avenue for children to be creative.”

Walmart is scheduled to select the grand prize winner in early November.