by Jordan Foley, Student Public Relations Writer
As the entrepreneurial spirit spreads across Cedarville University, students from various disciplines are transforming their academic knowledge into aspiring business ventures.
Willem Vandermeij, a 2024 alumnus from Geneva, Illinois, made history by becoming the first computer engineering student to earn a minor in entrepreneurship.
By combining those disciplines, Vandermeij designed a patent-pending product called the Midian Prime, a wireless MIDI trigger controller that musicians can use to activate soundtracks, clicks and other effects.
The USB device conveniently clips onto a belt or pocket, allowing solo-artists, rappers, and worship artists to discreetly trigger soundtracks from anywhere on stage rather than relying on someone else to trigger the track for them.
During his junior year, Vandermeij was searching for a new business idea to propose at 2023’s "The Pitch," a competition based on the "Shark Tank" television series and sponsored by the Cedarville University Entrepreneurs (CUE) student organization.
While helping a friend on a university chapel band fix his broken MIDI controller, Vandermeij quickly realized that there was currently no body-worn MIDI trigger controller on the market. Current options are stationary and typically placed on the floor, making them inconvenient for solo musicians.
After weeks of developing his business idea, Vandermeij presented his innovation at "The Pitch" and won third place. This small success led Vandermeij to realize his invention had the potential to revolutionize the music industry.
With the help of his business partners and fellow 2024 engineering alumni, Krestian Robe from Athens, Ohio, Lucas Mattocks from Guy Mills, Pennsylvania, and Matthew Brugel from Detroit, Michigan, Vandermeij was able to utilize the team’s talent in computer and electrical engineering to create a product that makes life easier for musicians.
Nonetheless, the team of engineers turned entrepreneurs faced numerous challenges, such as battles to attain business certifications and continuous product modifications.
"We have faced countless trials in the early stages of starting our business," said Vandermeij. "Obstacles are an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey — what matters is having the faith and perseverance to push through."
Vandermeij and his team are currently set to complete all necessary business certifications in late December, and the Midian Prime will be available to purchase on their website in January. After almost two years of developing the Midian Prime, Vandermeij and his team will finally be able to sell their product.
For further information on the product: Midian Prime
Vandermeij proves that students are not limited by the constraints of their majors — they can leverage all their ideas to create innovations that change the world for God's glory.
Cedarville University, a Baptist institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.