Two University of Utah graduates will appear on ABC’s “Shark Tank” on Friday, April 11 at 8 p.m.Mountain time to make a pitch for their startup company, Power Practical, in hopes of receiving an investment.

With the help of the U’s Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, David Toledo and Paul Slusser developed a portable cooking pot capable of transforming heat and water into a usable power source that can charge phones or other devices using thermoelectricity.

Toledo and Slusser came up with the idea while studying materials science and engineering the U, and received valuable guidance and direction from the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute. They participated in the Foundry Utah, a business discovery center where students learn through peer workshops and faculty mentors. They also participated in the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute’s business plan competitions, where they received startup support and mentoring.

Raising close to $1 million and having shipped more than 1,000 units, the company’s growth has been overwhelming. The two U graduates are hoping to impress the investors on “Shark Tank” in hopes of receiving funding for their company.

The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute and the David Eccles School of Business are hosting a live broadcast of the Shark Tank episode in the main auditorium (Room 1110) the Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building starting at 7 p.m. Visit www.thepowerpot.com for more information.

Photo courtesy ABC/Kelsey McNeal