PROVIDENCE – A backpack lock for urban travelers earned top marks at the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition’s seventh annual Elevator Pitch Contest Dec. 5.

The event, which was held at Johnson & Wales University’s Harborside Campus, drew 46 established and aspiring entrepreneurs who presented their business ideas to a panel of judges.

Each pitch participant had 90 seconds to present a business idea to a panel of expert judges from the Rhode Island business community, who then provided constructive feedback telling presenters what they did well and how they could improve their pitch.

David Emanuel, a senior undergraduate mechanical-engineering student at Brown University, earned the top spot for Lock’d, a system that allows urban travelers to attach their backpacks to stationary objects like hostel beds and train seats.

“With even just a little bit of funding we will fully develop a working prototype, enabling Lock’d to give travelers what they deserve: a worry-free and relaxing adventure,” said Emanuel in a statement.

A total of $1,000 in cash prizes was awarded to the top 10 presenters. •