Ten High School Entrepreneurs Compete for $50,000 in Prizes and Scholarships During Pirates Pitch 2025

Ten high school entrepreneurs committed to launching their own startup or moving their nascent business to the next level will compete as finalists in Seton Hall University’s eleventh annual Pirates Pitch for High School Students competition, hosted by the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Stillman School of Business. The event will take place from 3 – 6:30 p.m. Friday, November 21, in Jubilee Hall Auditorium. The competition aligns with Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 17 – 23), the worldwide celebration of innovation and new ventures.

These future business leaders succeeded in submitting original proposals—either in 350 words or less or via a three-minute video, to join the in-person “Shark Tank”-style pitching event. They advanced from a field of 320 young entrepreneurs representing 22 U.S. states as well as international entries from Canada, Peru, Mexico, India, Singapore and the Philippines to qualify for more than $50,000 in cash awards and tuition scholarships.

At the competition, finalists will deliver a five-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session with an independent panel of faculty members and successful alumni. Members of the public and the university community are invited to attend to cheer on the contestants and for those who cannot join in person, the event will be livestreamed. All viewers will be invited to vote for the Audience Choice Award.

“I am always so impressed by the talent and business savvy demonstrated by our pitch contestants. I’ve also enjoyed, over the years, watching several of the contestants thrive in their studies and their business ventures. It’s wonderful to see so many young people taking advantage of this opportunity to build their skills and refine their startup concepts,” said Joyce A. Strawser, Ph.D., dean of the Stillman School of Business.

This year’s projects are wide-ranging, with students using their creativity to tackle global challenges—improving physical and mental health, supporting sustainability and delivering next-generation solutions. “Our participants gain valuable business experience and receive entrepreneurial advice from our judging panel so they can become innovators and change-makers in today’s complex business climate,” said Susan Scherreik, M.B.A., founding director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Stillman School.
Scherreik pointed to a recent survey by Junior Achievement USA which found that approximately three in five American teens (about 60 percent) say they are more interested in starting their own business than pursuing a traditional career path.

Distinguished Judging Panel
This year’s judging panel features Stillman business faculty and alumni entrepreneurs:
• Elizabeth McCrea, Ph.D., associate professor of management
• RoseMary Stanchak ’23 (MBA ’25), Senior Marketing & Strategy Associate at Fusion Health
• Victor Gomez ’17, (MBA ‘25) manager of Seton Hall Esports and afaculty advisor University’s Gaming Sector Club
• Nicolas Dahan, Ph.D., assistant professor of management at Seton Hall University
• Juliet Payseur, ‘13, Owner, Curated Realty
• Paul Sannitti ’13, owner and operator of BGR Burgers Grilled Right

Scholarship & Prize Details
All qualifying finalists will receive at least $4,000 in tuition scholarships to attend Seton Hall University. The top finalist will receive a $2,500 cash award and a $10,000 scholarship, the second-place winner a $1,000 cash award and a $6,000 scholarship and the Audience Choice Award winner will receive $300.

Meet the 2025 Finalists
Hans Patel, junior from River Edge, NJ (Bergen County Technical High School) — Startup Idea: TickerSphere
Hans Patel created TickerSphere, a gamified investing platform that lets users track stocks, read market news and compete in live investing challenges. The platform combines financial literacy with interactive gameplay to help young investors build confidence and make smarter decisions. TickerSphere makes learning about investing fun and accessible.

Logan Roskow, senior from Waverly, NY (Waverly High School) — Startup Idea: MoveMate
Logan Roskow’s MoveMate is a smart, modular storage and moving system featuring stackable, lockable containers with RFID or QR tracking. Users can catalog and locate items through a mobile app, simplifying moving, downsizing, or reorganizing. MoveMate merges practical technology with eco-friendly design for a safer, more efficient moving experience.

Morgan McNabb, senior from Beachwood, NJ (Toms River South High School) — Business Idea: Safeguard Band
Morgan McNabb developed Safeguard Band, a customizable allergy alert bracelet that uses a dynamic QR code linked to a digital profile. Restaurants and caregivers can access up-to-date allergy information instantly, reducing the risk of accidental exposure. The bracelet combines safety and style, offering peace of mind for individuals with food allergies.

Anna Lau, junior from Staten Island, NY (Staten Island Technical High School) — Business Idea: Snugshi
Anna Lau’s Snugshi is a heat-based plush that helps relieve menstrual cramps safely and comfortably. Its rechargeable USB-C heating system offers consistent warmth without overheating, providing both physical relief and emotional comfort. Snugshi blends wellness and thoughtful design into a discreet, supportive solution for teens.

Aarush Bolla, junior from Edison, NJ (John P. Stevens High School) — Business Idea: Upryt
Aarush Bolla created Upryt, a smart posture-support shirt with sensors that vibrate when the wearer slouches. Designed for students and professionals, Upryt promotes healthier sitting habits and reduces back strain. The wearable is comfortable, washable and integrates posture correction seamlessly into daily routines.

Jacob Organ, junior from Park Ridge, NJ (Park Ridge High School) — Business Idea: Dry Socks
Jacob Organ’s Dry Socks are triple-layer waterproof socks that keep feet warm, dry and comfortable in wet conditions. They are ideal for open-toe footwear, outdoor activities and rainy environments. Combining durability, comfort and practicality, Dry Socks solve a common everyday problem.

Monica Raina, sophomore from Syosset, NY (Jericho High School) — Business Idea: RateRight
Monica Raina’s RateRight is an AI-powered platform where kids and families can safely rate and review movies. The app empowers children to share opinions while helping parents select age-appropriate films. RateRight provides a fun, interactive space for young viewers to engage with movies meaningfully.

Lucia Montoya-Leyva, junior from Berkeley Heights, NJ (Union County Academy of Information Technology) — Business Idea: NeuroNav
Lucia Montoya-Leyva’s NeuroNav develops micro-robotic technology for targeted treatment of neurological disorders. By delivering therapies directly to affected areas of the brain, it reduces side effects and improves recovery. NeuroNav aims to enhance patient care with precise, innovative solutions for conditions like Parkinson’s and ADHD.

Justin Deng, sophomore from Morganville, NJ (High Technology High School) — Business Idea: ThermoTrack
Justin Deng created ThermoTrack, a wearable patch that changes color when the body reaches unsafe temperatures. The patch alerts athletes and coaches to prevent heat-related illnesses during sports or outdoor activities. ThermoTrack provides a simple, affordable safety solution for high-heat environments.

Samantha Farrugia, senior from Colts Neck, NJ (Saint John Vianney) — Business Idea: Shield Her
Samantha Farrugia’s Shield Her is a nail polish topcoat that detects common drink-spiking substances. When applied discreetly, it changes color if a beverage is tampered with, blending safety with style. Shield Her empowers young women to enjoy social events with confidence and protection.

Seton Hall University’s popular teen startup competition takes place during the third week in November in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, which features thousands of events around the world. The Pirates Pitch competition helps develop and showcase entrepreneurial skills aligned with the World Economic Forum’s top skills for the future—including complex problem-solving, critical thinking and emotional intelligence. It also introduces high school students to the Stillman School of Business, its Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the nationally ranked Buccino Leadership Institute (Center for Leadership Development).

The event will be live-streamed by the Digital Media Team. Use this link to access the stream.

Categories: Business, Campus Life