From a pool of 56 impressive student teams from around the world, five earned the chance to pitch their start up businesses to a panel of investors for funding at the 2022 INCubatoredu National Student Pitch Event in Chicago.
The five competing teams at the 2022 INCubatoredu National Pitch:
MatchedUp, Lakota West High School, OH, Teacher: Kevin Keen, Mentor: Ronnie Pate
Nusic, Alamo Heights High School, TX, Teacher: Cathy Klumpp. Mentor: Nathan Sharp
PharmAssist, Westlake High School, TX, Teachers: Jeff Nixon & Lindsey Stokes, Mentor: Gary Anderson
SimplyNav, Lake Forest High School, IL, Teacher: Phil LaScala & Joe Pulio, Mentor: Corey Holmer
TuffToy, The Harker School, CA, Teacher: Michael Acheatel, Mentor: Thomas Deng
Our panel of esteemed judges:
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Michael Miles, Co-Founder Uncharted Learning, Private Equity Investor
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Connor Boundy, Business Development Manager, Fusion Risk Management, Co-Founder & CEO, TMR Technology
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Stefanie Jenkins, Partner, Expansion Gaming & Management, Investor and Advisor
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Neal Sales-Griffin, Managing Director, Techstars Chicago, Venture Partner at MATH Venture Partners
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Khai Yang, President of Corporate Incubator ERG, Allstate, Digital Transformation Strategist, Community Change Catalyst
The finalists delivered top-notch presentations. Karl Fruecht, emcee and co-Founder of Uncharted Learning, said, "Some of you will get funded, and those who didn't...prove us wrong!" Michael Miles offered, "every one of you has an investable business, and you'll need to make multiple pitches...you'll learn to hear 'no' or 'not yet,' or 'come back when you get more traction,' and that's real, and that's ok. Use that as inspiration."
CONGRATULATIONS to the 2022 winners:
TuffToy received $20,000 to continue the development of their solution, build inventory and sell!
PharmAssist secured $10,000 in funding, and in keeping with the INCubatoredu focus on providing authentic experiences for students - this funding was offered contingent upon earning up to the same amount.
$20,000 to TuffToy
The Harker School, San Jose, CA
Dog toys tear too often, leave a mess, and do not provide our dogs with the entertainment they deserve. TuffToy, the first dog toy with an interchangeable plush exterior and a durable, scented inner core. "We paw-mise satisfaction for you and your furry friends!"
$10,000 to PharmAssist
Westlake High School, Eanes ISD, Austin, TX
PharmAssist is a medication manager app that offers its users the most personalized platform. With a unique profile, users access personalized interaction checkers, and other functionality, to feel confident and safe while taking medicine.
Special Thanks
These students benefit from committed teachers and INCubatoredu volunteers who offer time and talent to support this student journey. Thank you to your investment in our future leaders!
