the CLAW Wins Big Idea
Bradley University Big Idea Competition
Matthew Klein (left) and Devin Soldati (right).
PEORIA, IL., April 25, 2022. - Matthew Klein and Devin Soldati, Co-Founders of the CLAW™, received first place in the 2022 Bradley Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation's Big Idea Competition.
The Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovations “Big Idea Competition” is a competition for Bradley University students and alumni. All you need to compete is an idea for an innovation, product, service, or new business. Big Idea gives participants the opportunity to get creative, present their entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of judges and potential investors, and learn about launching new for-profit, not-for-profit, or social ventures.
Klein and Soldati created the CLAW™, a concrete epoxy applicator designed to ease removal of anchoring epoxy from its cartridge while installing anchor bolts into masonry. Its compact, durable design makes the CLAW™ ideal for the demanding environment of construction.
the CLAW Chief Executive Officer, Soldati, stated,
Being exposed to construction my entire life, I have seen the detrimental impact of labor-intensive jobs on the human body. While in a clinical setting, I have talked with many patients that work in the trades that have complained of arthritis in their hands; many mentioned the constant squeezing of epoxy guns being a cause of inflammation. These experiences validated that there is a dire need for a change to the current epoxy gun’s design, and I am happy to have been able to combine my anatomical and physiological knowledge with my exposure to construction to innovate this product’s design.
Leading up to the competition, Klein and Soldati worked on the project immensely. Five teams competed in the final round, which involved giving a 10 minute pitch and 5 minute question and answer session. A 20 page business plan was also developed for the competition. Many mentors were available to help throughout the process.
the CLAW Chief Marketing Officer, Klein, stated,
A huge thank you and recognition to Kevin Evans, Steve Pierz, Jane Talkington, and William McDowell. I can’t say enough great things about the willingness and expertise of these mentors; Whether an impromptu meeting, on the weekend, and even reviewing papers on a holiday, it's evident their dedication is exceptionally strong.
This innovative, yet simple solution is needed for this long-standing and frustrating problem. A change is needed in the adhesive compound applicator industry, and the CLAW™ aims to serve as a catalyst for this change.
About the CLAW:
the CLAW™ is the world’s first epoxy applicator to utilize a screwing system rather than the ratcheting mechanism in current epoxy guns, which maximizes mechanical advantage and efficiency while minimizing effort for the operator. the CLAW is a Central Illinois based LLC.