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Chicago, we asked for your biggest and brightest ideas for The Big Idea Awards, and you delivered.

After sifting through all the submissions and making some tough decisions, we’ve picked the 16 finalists for our third annual showcase, which will take place Oct. 13 at the Ravenswood Event Center.

There, a little more than two weeks from now, these finalists will present their Big Ideas to you in person, and you’ll get the chance to vote on-site for your favorites and have a hand in crowning the winners—one from each of the four categories: Food & Drink, Arts & Design, Technology and Community Development & Civic Involvement. The award comes with a few prizes to help the winners turn their ideas into realities. (And for your help, beverages, appetizers and more will be available at the event.)

Below, get to know more about the 16 Big Ideas that made the cut and a little bit about the personalities behind them. Then grab tickets at redeyechicago.com/bigidea. We’ll see you at the Ravenswood Event Center on Oct. 13!

RedEye’s Big Idea Awards
6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13
Ravenswood Event Center
4011 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Tickets: $25-$30, redeyechicago.com/bigidea

@redeyechicago | redeye@redeyechicago.com

FOOD & DRINK

Name: Kat Connor and Lindzi Shanks

Age: 26

Name of idea: XO Marshmallow and Monuts

Idea in one phrase: Gourmet handmade marshmallows in over 12 flavors, plus our new Monut, a donut-shaped marshmallow that fits perfectly inside your mug!

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: We have taken the simple nostalgia of sipping hot cocoa or enjoying that summertime s’more to a whole new level. Our marshmallows are as diverse as the city itself! We look forward to bringing marshmallow lovers of all ages together.

Why you’re the right people for the job: We already have an amazing product and are getting better at what we do every day. We have the excitement of people who have already tried and love our marshmallows behind us. Plus, we are working on new, exciting products.

One thing you wish for Chicago: We would like to see more peace and less violence in Chicago. We want people to come together and learn to live harmoniously. Part of what we want to do is bring people together because everyone loves marshmallows

Name: Ananda Osterhout

Age: 31

Name of idea: Crafts & Drafts

Idea in one phrase: Arts and crafts parties in bars.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: Chicagoans are always on the go. We’re all super busy. Art is fun, relaxing and even therapeutic. So is going out with friends, trying new things and having a drink. We offer all of that in one neat package!

Why you’re the right person for the job: I’m passionate about creativity and good craft beer! I love making things, and I love sharing that with people, watching someone create something they’re excited about and having a good time doing it is the best.

One thing you wish for Chicago: More craft breweries.

Name: Justin Hamer, Craig Silver

Age: 28, 27

Name of idea: Shmeal

Idea in one phrase: A neighborhood app that lets you share homemade meals for $6.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: We think it would be fun to cook for our neighbors and friends, and to have them cook for us.

Why you’re the right people for the job: We haven’t eaten since we started working on it, so we’re pretty motivated.

One thing you wish for Chicago: We’d really like Theo Epstein to use our app. Theo, we met you in a bar once, and you said you could make amazing breakfast sandwiches. Call us. BIG PICTURE: We want to build an awesome community around cheap, homemade food in Chicago.

Name: Gargi & Shivam Potdar

Age: 28 & 31

Name of idea: Good Eats!

Idea in one phrase: Always know what to order off the menu.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: We have a great restaurant scene. Chicagoans go out to eat frequently but always struggle with what to order. Good Eats will guide diners to the top 5 or 10 most popular items on the menu.

Why you’re the right people for the job: We dine out frequently and never know what to order. We have the expertise, network and work ethic to execute this idea and solve this pain point.

One thing you wish for Chicago: Transparency, compassion and accountability for all politicians and public servicemen that serve the residents of Chicago.

ARTS & DESIGN

Name: Nina D’Angier

Age: 32

Name of idea: Thanks, It Has Pockets!

Idea in one phrase: A no-sew kit that allows you to almost instantly add pockets to any skirt, dress or garment with a side seam.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: Everyone’s disappointed by purely decorative pockets, too-shallow pockets or a complete lack of pockets. This idea takes a favorite pocketless garment, ramps up the function on that form and adds a personal touch while not disturbing the designer’s aesthetic integrity.

Why you’re the right person for the job: As a practical multi-media designer, I’m neither solely focused on aesthetics or function, but on the interplay between the two. Things should work AND be beautiful. Elegant solutions are my source of pride, whether I’m working on typography, cuisine or fashion.

One thing you wish for Chicago: I wish that Chicago continues to generate and support endeavors and ideas to make our streets safer, our governments more honest, our people fed and paid fairly, our education progressive and top-notch, and our city less segregated.

Name: Shashin Patel

Age: 29

Name of the Idea: Painting to Gogh

Idea in one phrase: We ship customers all the art materials and provide step-by-step digital video tutorials on how to recreate a masterpiece.

Why this idea needs to exists in Chicago: Painting to Gogh is a brand-new innovative idea, and we want to be linked to our hometown because the city of Chicago inspired us. This idea as a whole needs to exist because it will provide people of all ages with a fun and relaxing experience!

Why you’re the right person for the job: We’re the right team for the job because our team is very diverse in terms of skill sets—everyone brings something different to the table.

One thing you wish for Chicago: We want Chicago to be known for its vibrant energy and its ideas. Two of our founders were born and raised in Chicago—the city means a lot to to our team.

Name: David Broom, aka (code name) TOKYO

Age: 38

Name of Idea: The Haute Block

Idea in one phrase: Secret underground fashion laboratory.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: There is no better place on earth to establish a secret underground fashion organization than the place that saw the rise of Al Capone. Enough said.

Why you’re the right person for the job: I was born to innovate in the shadows like a true artist. I let my designs speak for themselves without a huge social following. I let people discover my imagination. That’s how it should be.

One thing you wish for Chicago: Chicago needs to recognize the amazing fashion designers living within its borders and realize the opportunity it has as a city, to become the beacon of a true fashion revolution.

Name: Rich Alapack

Age: 38

Name of idea: We all live here

Idea in one phrase: Unite Chicagoans regardless of race and geography through public art installations and digital and community projects.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: Our city has become divided. We need to foster community development that is the opposite of our geographic segregation. We are stronger united than we are divided, and I wish to create ways for us to unite more often.

Why you’re the right person for the job: To make a major change in how people relate to each other we need to start with children. Our school programs use positive public art to remind students, teachers, parents and community members to get along and help each other succeed.

One thing you wish for Chicago: I wish Chicago would change its violent reputation, and I intend to do whatever I can to help make that change.

TECHNOLOGY

Name: Stella Ashaolu

Age: 30

Name of idea: Codemoji.com

Idea in one phrase: Helping kids learn to code using emojis.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: Codemoji.com needs to exist in Chicago. We have the third largest public school district in the U.S., ?which is? currently planning to create? a K-12 computer science program. Codemoji.com makes learning to code simple and fun for kids as young as 5.

Why you’re the right person for the job: Our team has years of experience in education and gaming engagement innovation. Members of our team have worked at Google and the NFL. We are passionate and committed to making coding accessible and engaging to elementary school students.

One thing you wish for Chicago: I wish for our Chicago schools to improve and serve all students. By providing equal access to learning coding, the most important job skill of the future, we will set students up for success.

Name: Matthew Karwacki

Age: 33

Name of idea: Bicycle Guardian

Idea in one phrase: A proximity-driven alert system that warns automobiles when cyclists are near.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: Bike commuting has increased over 150 percent in the past decade, yet cycling safety continues to use the same old technology and ideas. It is time to be proactive and help make a change.

Why you’re the right person for the job: I am an avid biker, have been in Chicago for 15 years and went to Loyola and Kellogg. Through my networks, I have the connections to make this product not only a reality, but a success.

One thing you wish for Chicago: To continue to grow dedicated on and off street bike lanes (and a Cubs World Series Championship).

Name: Bryan Glenn

Age: 29

Name of idea: DashPorter

Idea in one phrase: Pickup service for vehicles to keep people from sitting in the dealership or mechanic.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: Chicago is a huge metropolis, and convenience is always warranted. Also, with the new expectations on your schedule, there has to be compensation and flexibility.

Why you’re the right person for the job: I have been a part of a couple of startups in different categories, I have gathered a lot of contacts and my determination as an entrepreneur to have a sustainable and scalable business is larger than anyone I know. I’m hungry for this, and the team that I’ve been assembling is perfect for this business.

One thing you wish for Chicago: Chicago is my home, and I’d like to help usher in a new business and create jobs and be apart of the group that brings innovation to the world. Chicago being a true innovative capital.

Name: J Coleman

Age: 39

Name of idea: Validon Vertex Annotated Reality

Idea in one phrase: Education initiative that combines online learning, 3-D video game technology and detailed problem-solution vignettes that demonstrate scientific and engineering principles from various disciplines. “Science as a Video Game.”

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: The goal is to partner locally with universities, research facilities and corporations in Chicago [and then expand globally] to enhance educational course curricula, create new problem-solution vignettes based on proprietary databases and integrate them into the Validon Vertex virtual reality platform.

Why you’re the right person for the job: I am currently an IT professional and a dedicated futurist interested in advancing education and scientific progress.

One thing you wish for Chicago: Science literacy is declining. The methods used to teach math and science for future scientists and engineers must be improved. I created the Validon Vertex Annotated Reality software platform to rectify this dilemma. I want Chicago to be the epicenter for the promotion of science education and literacy.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

Name: Ari Krzyzek

Age: 29

Name of idea: Creative Women’s Co.

Idea in one phrase: Creative Women’s Co. is a safe place for creative women entrepreneurs in the Chicagoland area to open up safely, share stories, learn and grow with one another, network and create collaborations in an intimate, cozy setting.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: Many creative women opt out for bigger networking events because they’re not comfortable with them. Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. This idea will help them be confident building connections in an intimate setting.

Why you’re the right person for the job: I have experienced the challenges of owning my own business and the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur. I also have a broader network where I can help the community to grow and connect them to their collaboration partner.

One thing you wish for Chicago: More collaborative community for creative women entrepreneurs and women business owners in multiple industries.

Name: Rachel Kazez

Age: 26

Name of idea: All Along

Idea in one phrase: Helping people understand mental health and mental health care through approachable media, events and individualized consultation.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: Over 50 percent of people with mental health issues in the U.S. didn’t get treatment last year. If everyone is more familiar with mental health, therapy and how to access treatment, that means healthier and happier people, families and communities.

Why I’m the right person for the job: I am a licensed therapist with diverse expertise, including therapy, community outreach and teaching, with people from many walks of life. I am eager to help people feel more knowledgeable about and comfortable with mental health.

One wish for Chicago: More approachable access to information about mental health and mental health care, so that we increase the health and resilience of our communities, ourselves and our beautiful city.

Name: Casandra L Adkins

Age: 34

Name of idea: Safe Socks

Idea in one phrase: The loudest form of non-verbal communication: Parents, guardians and trusted adults will identify a pair of socks that the child, tween or teen will wear ONLY when they need to talk or be taken to a safe place, and a program that teachers use in Chicago Public Schools to help identify situations that may require intervention.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: This idea needs to exist in Chicago because Chicago is filled with children, teens and tweens who struggle with communicating difficult subject matter to the adults in their lives.

Why you’re the right person for the job: I am the right person for the job because I understand that being unable to communicate with parents, guardian or trusted adults is more than just “normal” teenage behavior, it’s a real problem.

One thing you wish for Chicago: One thing I wish for Chicago is for residents who work hard to make this city the amazing place that it is to also get recognition because there really are way more people doing great things everyday than there are who are not.

Name: Elliot Velez

Age: 24

Name of idea: Vintage Recycle Chicago

Idea in one phrase: A learning education space and store, where students and artists can create art using recycled items.

Why this idea needs to exist in Chicago: VRC needs to exist in Chicago because it will bring art back to the community. VRC wants to help students and artists to develop their skills to succeed in the art world.

Why you’re the right person for the job: I believe that I am the right person for the job because giving back to the community is something I always believed in.

One thing you wish for Chicago: I wish North Side, West Side, East Side and South Side unity together to stop violence in our city.