College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Steven Azzaro, inventor of Az-Tec SwingRight

 

What began as one student’s idea during a hitting slump is now a patent-pending product brought to life through the innovation ecosystem at Oklahoma State University and the support of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. 

 

Steven Azzaro, a College of Education and Human Sciences and Kinesiology Applied Health and Recreation student, recently achieved patent-pending status for the Az-Tec SwingRight, a device he designed to help athletes improve their swing mechanics and muscle memory. The device has applications for sports involving swinging equipment such as baseball, softball, golf, pickleball, tennis and cricket.  What began as a personal project has transformed into a fully developed product and startup company - designed, tested and refined with the help of CEAT’s New Product Development Center, Zink Center Innovation Hub and

ENDEAVOR Lab. 

 

After transferring to OSU, Azzaro connected with the Zink Center Innovation Hub through a Riata Center entrepreneurship event. The Hub helped him prepare his first pitches and refine his concept. Encouraged by early interest, Azzaro began working with the NPDC to conduct patent and intellectual property searches. That partnership laid the groundwork for a product development process that remained entirely Oklahoma-based. 

 

“The support from CEAT programs gave me access to technical expertise, prototyping equipment and IP guidance I simply didn’t have before,” Azzaro said. “This is a place where an idea in your head can actually take shape.” 

 

With assistance from a CEAT engineering graduate student, Azzaro created CAD models of the device, poured custom silicone molds and produced working prototypes, using tools and materials sourced through ENDEAVOR and CEAT's engineering network. As momentum grew, he was introduced to pro bono patent support through Baker Botts, one of the top patent law firms in the country. That partnership, made possible through CEAT connections, has expanded patent resources available to OSU students. 

 

The Az-Tec SwingRight is now a patent-pending product manufactured in Ponca City with support from K&C Manufacturing and the Pioneer Technology Center Incubator program. Its creation is a testament to the power of CEAT’s integrated approach to innovation and the reach of its statewide extension programs like NPDC. 

 

“This journey has been full of challenges, but it’s also been full of Cowboy resilience,” Azzaro said. “Because of OSU and CEAT, I’ve been able to build a company from the ground up, right here in Oklahoma.” 

 

Azzaro’s work highlights how CEAT continues to empower students through real-world innovation opportunities, hands-on product development and lasting industry partnerships all in service of improving lives and advancing Oklahoma’s economy.