Columbia Student Wins Mott Million Dollar Challenge
Third-grader Kailyn Brown earned $25,000 for her innovative numbing patch invention.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Kailyn Brown, a student from Columbia, South Carolina, secured a $25,000 prize in the Mott Million Dollar Challenge. She claimed the award in the kindergarten-to-fourth-grade business category for her invention, Sticky Pals with Magic Medicine.
Why it matters
The invention aims to reduce childhood anxiety surrounding medical injections by providing a numbing patch that allows needles to pass through an animal-shaped design. Brown created the product specifically because she disliked the experience of receiving medical shots.
Kailyn Brown secured a $25,000 investment for her business concept after competing against other elementary students. She prepared for her pitch by reviewing five or six pages of notes during consistent practice sessions.
The players
Kailyn Brown
She is a student from Columbia who developed an animal-shaped numbing patch to assist children during medical injections.
Elizabeth
She is a representative from VentureLab who provided business advice and mentorship to Brown during the development of her invention.
The details
The Sticky Pals with Magic Medicine product works by placing a numbing patch on the skin, featuring a character design that guides the injection needle through the mouth. Brown received professional business guidance from Elizabeth at VentureLab before presenting her final pitch to judges in Flint, Michigan.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: Article publication date.
Market Landscape
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge fosters early-stage entrepreneurship by providing capital to elementary students who identify unique consumer problems. This competition positions student innovators within a broader landscape of youth-focused business incubators.
The recognition of this invention highlights potential future advancements in pediatric medical care products that aim to reduce discomfort for children. Residents of Columbia may soon see this student-led innovation progress toward commercial production and availability.
The takeaway
Innovation can often stem from personal experiences or common daily frustrations faced by children. Finding creative solutions to small, everyday anxieties can lead to significant entrepreneurial success for young students.
Further reading
For more on local initiatives and awards, see the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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Should schools and local programs prioritize entrepreneurial training for elementary-aged children?
