Alumni

Student inventor competes

A recent graduate of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston is competing for one of the three winning spots, decided by popular vote, in Walmart’s “Get on the Shelf” competition.

If Verdin Jerome makes it to the top three, his product will be sold in Walmart’s online store and be given free marketing support. The grand-prize winner could also possibly see their product carried in Walmart’s stores.

Jerome said he found the competition when a friend posted a link about it on LinkedIn.

The Company Jerome co-founder, Vaeren, is submitting the Vaeren Ausion Surround Sound Floor Lamp.

The featured lamp has an adjustable speaker stand built in that conceals standard sized speakers underneath the lampshade; the speakers cannot be seen, even with lamp’s light on.

“It’s a regular floor lamp, but I redesigned the inside so there is space for standard speakers,” Jerome said.

“It’s not made for large speakers.”

Jerome said the concealment of surround sound speakers was inspired by a friend’s need for more space.

“I have a friend graduate from NYU film school and he always playing around with his surround sound speakers, due to space,” he said.

“He could put two speakers on either side of his sofa, to take up less space.”

Walmart has not said if they will control the rights to the winning entry or not.

The first round of voting began March 7 and will end Tuesday, when the top ten will move on to the second round of voting.

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