This week, science and rodeo collided at the Kauffman Foundation for another 1 Million Cups event. Tikitum and Rodeo Analytics took the stage to present their startup business models, and to talk about the opportunities ahead in their niche industries.

Tikitum

This mobile science lab gives Kansas City kids a hands-on experience. Tikitum is different from other science lab models because its curriculum is designed to be fun and educational for all kids, especially those on the autism spectrum.

Tikitum’s labs teach kids about science by designing lessons around things kids are already familiar with, like holidays and events. Relating science to things kids already know about, and then engaging all their senses, allows kids to more effectively process and remember what they’re learning. This is especially beneficial for kids with autism.

The company’s founder, Olga Pitenko, came up with the business idea when she found out her own young son were on the autism spectrum.

Tikitum teaches science labs at birthday parties, and it partners with several private and charter schools in the metro. The company is hoping to work with more public school systems, and to find more science lab teachers who are comfortable working with kids with special needs and with autism.

Rodeo Analytics

Rodeo Analytics founder Alex Adams traveled to Kansas City from Lincoln, Neb., to show off his business, which offers analytics for rodeo performers.

Adams sets up a series of cameras around the rodeo venue where the client is performing. Then, Adams runs the video footage of the performance through an image-processing software that analyzes everything from turn angles to acceleration speeds. This information can help riders figure out how they’re helping (or hurting) their performances.

Adams is actually a mechanical engineer, but the business model fell into his lap when his wife and father-in-law asked Adams to help them improve their barrel racing techniques and performances.

Right now Adams makes a profit by getting the rodeo venue to set up the cameras, and then selling the resulting analytics to riders. Adams splits the revenue with the venue.

Adams said he’s still trying to figure out the best business model for his company. Rodeo Analytics has already been accepted into the Straight Shot Accelerator program for startups in Omaha this year. Adams is hopeful this program will help give a boost to the business side of the company.

Rodeo Analytics hopes to hire more employees as well. Adams is looking for a website developer to help build an online experience for customers, and someone to help with sales conversions.