A Galesburg-based toy company recently emerged as the winner of a $20,000 grand prize during a “Shark Tank”-like business plan pitch contest.
Lux Blox LLC of Galesburg was one of four finalists which competed in the Bank Tank pitch contest sponsored by Fortress Bank on Thursday in Davenport, Iowa.
Lux Blox is an award-winning, innovative construction toy. Owners Heather and Mike Acerra took the stage Thursday to pitch their vision for the company — specifically the furthering of its robotics product line.
In addition to Lux Blox, the other three finalists were from Peoria.
Businesses were asked to submit a Power Point-like pitch deck and business plan in advance of the completion.
“The grant is for our business, and we highlighted the fact that we’ve been successful in the market,” Heather Acerra said. “So we basically told them we wanted to use the grant money to offset the cost of launching a Lux Blox robotics class.”
The Acerras say Lux Blox plans to develop a robotics kit for both consumers and for schools.
The $20,000 will be used to for prototyping the robotics line, and potentially software development or licensing.
Mike Acerra said Lux Blox is looking to launch its robotics line sometime in 2025.
“Our brand is already very strong in pre-robotics,” Mike Acerra said. “We’re already in lots of schools because Lux Blox teaches mechanical principles.
“By motorizing and programming it, we’re basically just extending our foot print the we already have in schools.”
He added, “We’re just very proud to be able to represent Galesburg.”
