In the heartland of South Dakota, innovation is thriving as the state’s Governor’s Giant Vision Competition unfolds, showcasing the pioneering spirit of its people. As residents come together to celebrate brilliant ideas, the competition once again puts South Dakota on the map as a hub for creative and transformative projects, spotlighting two standout contenders hailing from Aberdeen.
Northern State University, an institution integral to the cultural and educational landscape of South Dakota, proudly houses one of the finalists in the Student Division. Diana Haile, a budding entrepreneur, has captured the judges’ attention with her cutting-edge business concept, Yuth, Inc. Her venture aims to revolutionize the way educational institutions integrate and prioritize mental health, utilizing the latest in artificial intelligence technology to bridge the gap between education and emotional well-being.

Diana Haile
Yuth, Inc. promises to make emotional health as fundamental to schools as the ABCs, providing early detection of stressors and personalized interventions. The initiative is positioned to empower institutions to proactively support students’ mental resilience, ensuring that the youth in South Dakota and beyond can thrive both academically and emotionally.
In the Open Division, Tiffany Hoeft’s groundbreaking business, Minds Matter, takes center stage. Her enterprise is dedicated to combating dementia and promoting cognitive health in South Dakota’s rural communities. Operating since May 2023, Minds Matter has brought much-needed dementia care to the Aberdeen area, allowing residents to receive comprehensive evaluations and therapy close to home, without the need to travel long distances for vital support.

Tiffany Hoeft
“It’s truly exciting to have this opportunity to showcase the incredible innovation and creativity happening right here in Northeast South Dakota,” shares Tiffany Hoeft. “I hope this achievement inspires others in our community to pursue their own business ideas. I’m deeply grateful for the support and programming provided by the Northern Innovation and Startup Center, especially Bea Smith and Sal Villegas, as well as Kelly Weaver from GrowSD—they gave me the encouragement and confidence I needed to enter this competition and believe in my business vision.”
The South Dakota Governor’s Giant Vision Competition, an annual event designed to foster entrepreneurship and innovative thinking across the state, draws visionaries together to compete for significant cash prizes that can turn their blueprints into reality. Scheduled for February, this event not only rewards creativity but also emphasizes the collaborative spirit of South Dakotans, with organizations like the Northern Innovation and Startup Center and GrowSD playing pivotal roles in nurturing these talents.

Northern State University
The support extended by Northern Innovation and Startup Center and GrowSD has been instrumental for Diana Haile and Tiffany Hoeft, as they prepared for their journey through the competition. As institutions rooted in the local community, they provide more than just resources—they foster a network of peers and experts, offering mentorship and a robust platform for budding entrepreneurs to make their mark.
As South Dakota’s entrepreneurial horizon expands, initiatives like Yuth, Inc. and Minds Matter are not just businesses; they symbolize the state’s commitment to addressing significant challenges through practical and innovative solutions. The visionary efforts of these finalists underscore the values at the heart of South Dakota’s communities: resilience, innovation, and support for one another.
As the competition approaches, all eyes are on Aberdeen, and by extension, South Dakota, as it continues to encourage its residents to think big and reinvent the future with bold ideas. For those interested in attending or learning more about this dynamic event, details can be found on the official South Dakota Governor’s Giant Vision Competition website.
This year’s finalists have set a new benchmark in tackling critical societal issues with creative entrepreneurial solutions. The anticipation builds as South Dakota awaits February’s competition, eager to see which visionary will take home the prize and continue to inspire the state’s future innovators.