Student in industrial and systems engineering creates misting cooling system for docks, reaches Tiger Cage finals

Ever burn your feet on a hot wooden dock? Vincent Visser, a sophomore in industrial and systems engineering, has a solution.

His startup, Polar Docks, specializes in misting cooling systems, keeping feet safe from the heat. Industry professional judges liked the concept so much, they made Polar Docks one of six student-led teams that will compete for $105,000 in startup capital at the March 28 Tiger Cage Student Business Idea Competition finals.

“I am incredibly grateful to Auburn University for creating and hosting this exceptional experience,” said Visser. “The opportunity to participate in Tiger Cage has been invaluable. I am deeply indebted to the connections I've made and the knowledge I've gained throughout this competition. This is an experience that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on my and many others entrepreneurial and personal journey.”

Fishing dockside last summer on Lake Martin, Visser and his brother, Max, a 2024 Auburn University finance graduate, repeatedly sprayed the “unbearably hot and dry wooden planks.”

“It was such a hassle,” Visser said. “That's when we had the idea … ‘what if we could install a sprinkler system on the pier as an innovative alternative?’ We shared the idea with our dad, and soon enough, the three of us were off to Home Depot. After countless trips, we created the first prototype for Polar Docks.”

The initial system drenched everyone on the dock, but they learned from failure.

“We brainstormed and came up with a solution: misting rods built into the dock,” Visser said. “These rods release a fine mist, effectively cooling the dock without soaking everyone.”

Just like that, Polar Docks was born.

“Word spread quickly, and soon our neighbors, tired of burning their feet, were talking about Polar Docks,” he said. “It became a hit in our community. We're proud to offer a solution that makes dock life more enjoyable.”

Visser credited Auburn Engineering for growing his capacity for innovation and knowledge.

“First, the resources you are given access to is priceless, from the accomplished team at the Makerspace (Design and Innovation Center), where design can be tested and perfected, to engineering professors who are willing to help you succeed in their area of expertise. Not only does the personnel expand your horizon to different viewpoints, but the challenging schoolwork and projects are fundamental in the process of understanding critical thinking in real world scenarios that help you take different and more effective approaches to each problem that arises.” 

Designing a cooling system is one thing. Creating a business plan is another. Then there’s pitching the entire concept before judges and/or potential investors.

“When outlining my pitch, I focused on the story of our customer,” Visser said. “Nobody wants to hear about an invention unless it can help them in a touching way. So, I simply told the investors about the pain points that lake owners experience and how Polar Docks, with proven effectiveness, can alleviate these issues across the Southeast. I quickly learned the New Venture Accelerator’s executives-in-residence and potential investors were there to help, and I am extremely grateful for the vast amount of knowledge and help I was given from them.”

Visser isn’t the only Auburn Engineering student competing in the university’s most prestigious entrepreneurship competition. Liam Heary, a sophomore in computer science and software engineering, with teammate Harrison Ranier (apparel merchandising) also earned a spot in the final round with their startup, Planet of Snacks.

Other Auburn University students reaching the final round include Trusty (Eliot Wilson-Daniel, business administration), Tradition Apparel (Harrison Irby, finance), Bandit Duck Calls (Simon Worley, management) and Protector Innovations (Sophia Aulisio, accounting).

Presented by the New Venture Accelerator and Harbert College of Business, Tiger Cage provides months of coaching and mentoring to students on how to develop business plans, evolving those plans and pitching ideas before industry professional judges or potential investors.

First place will receive $30,000 in startup capital. The remaining prize breakdown is: second place $20,000, third place $15,000, fourth place $10,000, and $5,000 each for the Thomas Walter Center for Technology Management “Special Award” and two “Soar Awards” designated by judges.

The 11^th Tiger Cage final round will kick off inside Horton-Hardgrave Hall’s Broadway Event and Space Theater at 8:30 a.m. with pitches, briefly followed by question/answer sessions with judges, beginning at 9 a.m.

Awards will be announced at 2:30 p.m.