Alex Kim a semifinalist in Fairleigh Dickinson University innovation contest

2014 Apr 18

Northern Valley Regional High School Demarest Freshman, Alex Kim, of Closter, NJ, has been recognized as a semifinalist in Fairleigh Dickinson University's Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurship's 2014 New Jersey Idea Competition.

Kim's idea (developed with partner, Edward Rogan) was The Wireless AlertIng System (WAIT).

In Kim's own words: Ever been frustrated when the waiter comes to take your order too quickly or takes too long to bring the check? Ever tried to request a new spoon or fork but couldn't get the staff's attention? The Wireless AlertIng System (WAIT) is a wireless and easy-to-use system that efficiently alerts the wait staff of a restaurant or similar business of a customer in need. A central computer screen, preferably located where it is easily accessible and visible to the wait staff, will show an overlay of all tables in a restaurant. Each table will have a wireless remote that when activated, will light up its corresponding icon on the control screen. The remote could have several different options, such as "Ready to order," or "Need check." The system is easily customizable to adapt to restaurants of varying size, capacity, and traffic.

The contest is an annual competition designed to help foster an entrepreneurial mindset among all New Jersey high school students. Divided into Northern, Central, and Southern regions, more than 800 students across the state submitted more than 520 ideas this year. Each region had a winner (Northern had two), four finalists, and eight semifinalists.

Part of FDU's Silberman College of Business since 1989, the mission of the Rothman Institute for Entrepreneurship is to teach and support entrepreneurship and innovation in the academic, business and nonprofit communities. An outstanding entrepreneurship curriculum taught by an excellent faculty has helped make the academic program among the top 20 in the nation (as ranked by the Princeton Review). For more information, go to www.fdu.edu/rothman.