Veteran Innovators Shine in Louisiana Pitch Showdown

A Navy veteran just made waves in the business world. Demilade Oloyede, the CEO of AquaGuard, took home first prize at the Veteran Energy and Manufacturing Pitch Competition. This event, held in Louisiana, is all about pushing energy innovation and helping businesses grow. Oloyede's company, AquaGuard, is making water filtration systems smarter. Their tech catches harmful stuff like heavy metals early on. The best part? It's easy to add to existing systems, saving time and money. Since starting in 2024, AquaGuard has already made big moves. They're now working with major companies like P. F. Changs and LA Fitness, racking up over $1 million in sales last year.Winning this competition means Oloyede gets mentorship and investment opportunities. Plus, she snagged a cool Glock watch. Her goal? To expand into public infrastructure, like the Department of War. She's hoping this win will open doors and bring in sponsors. But Oloyede wasn't the only veteran making strides. Daryl Roy, an Army veteran, came in second with his company, Senti Fiber. They've developed a unique material to check the strength of composite materials. These materials are used in big stuff like aircraft and spacecraft. This competition is a big deal for veterans turning their ideas into reality. It's not just about the prize money or the recognition. It's about creating opportunities and driving innovation. Both Oloyede and Roy are proof that veterans bring valuable skills and fresh ideas to the table.