Madison College Entrepreneur Invents TurboTap Beer Tap

In August 1995, a University of Madison-Wisconsin engineering student named Matthew Younkle came up with an excellent idea to enhance the pouring process of draft beer. This short video, narrated by Younkle, describes his original inspiration for TurboTap, the product that was eventually created from the idea of this Madison college entrepreneur.




The TurboTap technology uses the principles of fluid mechanics to redirect the flow of beer from the tap so that it does not create excessive foam when it hits the glass or pitcher. The control mechanism in the TurboTap nozzle also allows for faster flow rate, enabling a server to dispense beer at a rate of three to four times that of a conventional tap.

In 1996, Younkle partnered with Robert Meyers to further develop his invention, and after entering it in the Schoofs competition that year, managed to win the $10,000 first place prize. Afterward, Younkle and his partners formed a business called Laminar Technologies, LLC and have since had success in marketing the invention, earning these Madtown college students favorable mentions in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, and Popular Mechanics. Today the TurboTap system is experiencing increased usage by bartenders, restaurant owners, concessionaires, and home-based beer consumers throughout the world.