Ten Teen Entrepreneurs Named Finalists for Seton Hall’s 2026 Pirates Pitch

Ten aspiring high school entrepreneurs will bring their businesses and startup ideas to the stage at Seton Hall University’s 12th 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 be held Friday, November 20, 2026, from 3-6:30 p.m. in the Jubilee Hall Auditorium on the University’s South Orange campus.

The finalists were selected from a competitive pool of 276 applicants, representing 22 U.S. states and 12 countries outside the United States. The submissions highlight the broad reach of Pirates Pitch and showcase the creativity and innovative ideas of aspiring teen entrepreneurs.

Applicants were invited to submit an original business concept in a 350-word essay or through a video pitch of up to three minutes. Some students proposed new products and services, while others described ventures they had already started. This year’s finalists reflect a broad range, with ideas spanning artificial intelligence, education, child safety, pet wellness, consumer products and local services.

At the live, “Shark Tank”-style competition, each finalist will present a five-minute pitch and answer questions from a panel of judges representing Stillman faculty, alumni entrepreneurs and student leadership. Families, friends and members of the Seton Hall community are invited to attend and a virtual livestream will also be available. Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for the Audience Choice Award.

"Each year, Pirates Pitch gives us the opportunity to see the creativity, innovation and determination of the next generation of entrepreneurs. What makes this competition special is the opportunity for students to take an idea they believe in and share it with people who can help them grow and refine that idea. We are proud to support these talented finalists as they take an important step in their entrepreneurial journeys," said Joyce A. Strawser, Ph.D., dean of the Stillman School of Business.

Distinguished Judging Panel
The 2026 judging panel features Seton Hall faculty, alumni and student leadership:

• Elizabeth McCrea, Ph.D., associate professor of management at Seton Hall University, whose research and teaching interests include entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Victor Gomez ’17 (M.B.A. ’25), Seton Hall Esports manager and assistant professor who has played an important role in developing the University’s esports program.
• RoseMary Stanchak ’23 (M.B.A. ’25), senior marketing and strategy associate at Fusion Health and a former first-place winner of the Pirates Pitch for High School Students competition.
• Juliet Payseur ’13, owner of Curated Realty and Seton Hall alumna who has been actively involved in supporting entrepreneurship initiatives at the University.
• Khalil C. Crumes, a senior at Seton Hall University’s Stillman School of Business double majoring in accounting and criminal justice, who serves as Student Government Association president and is active in campus entrepreneurship and leadership.

Scholarships and Prizes
Each finalist will receive a Seton Hall University tuition scholarship of at least $4,000, distributed over four years upon admission and enrollment. The first-place winner will earn a $2,500 cash prize and a $10,000 scholarship, while the second-place winner will receive $1,000 in cash and a $6,000 scholarship. The Audience Choice Award carries an additional $300 cash prize. In total, more than $50,000 in cash prizes and tuition scholarships will be awarded to the finalists.

Meet the 2026 Finalists

Devin Acar, from Bergen County Technical HS - Business Idea: MetaCog

Devin Acar developed MetaCog, an AI-powered study companion that uses three specialized tools to ask guiding questions, identify knowledge gaps and track student progress. Rather than simply providing answers, the platform is designed to help students strengthen their understanding and develop critical-thinking skills.

Daniel Harned, from Watchung Hills Regional HS - Business Idea: Polymath Arena

Daniel Harned is bringing a competitive twist to test preparation with Polymath Arena, an online SAT preparation platform that allows students to compete in live, head-to-head academic challenges. By combining SAT-style questions with instant feedback, leaderboards and other game-like features, the platform aims to make test preparation more engaging and interactive.

Grace Hewitt, from Toms River High School South - Business Idea: Sift

Grace Hewitt developed Sift, an app concept designed to reduce notification overload by summarizing incoming alerts. The proposed app would help users quickly catch up on important information without being interrupted by every notification.

Kenan Khudayar, from New Providence High School - Business Idea: Kenan’s Pressure Washing

Kenan Khudayar operates Kenan’s Pressure Washing, a local exterior cleaning and property maintenance business serving New Providence and surrounding communities. By combining creative marketing strategies with expanding services, Khudayar is transforming his pressure-washing side hustle into a local business.

Iksha Kota, from Garnet Valley High School - Business Idea: Bubblee

Iksha Kota proposes Bubblee, portable soap patches designed to make handwashing more convenient when away from home. The concept offers a compact alternative to traditional soap products, making them easier to carry and use on the go.

Trevor Ling, from Northern Valley Regional HS - Business Idea: Fraudora

Trevor Ling is developing Fraudora, an artificial intelligence concept designed to help older adults recognize potential scams. By focusing on a group frequently targeted by fraud, the proposed tool aims to make online interactions safer and help users navigate the digital world more confidently.

Brad Safir, from Jericho Senior High School - Business Idea: Safir Hydration

Brad Safir founded Safir Hydration, a sports drink brand focused on transparent ingredient labeling and hydration for active consumers. Made with ingredients such as electrolytes, raw honey and real fruit, the products offer an alternative to traditional sports drinks.

Natasha Titus, from Dr. Ronald E. Mcnair Academic HS - Business Idea: TetherTag

Natasha Titus proposes TetherTag, a wearable safety device designed to help prevent children, particularly those with autism, from wandering away from caregivers. Using Bluetooth technology, the device would alert caregivers when a child approaches the boundary of a designated safe area.

Rayhan Verma, from Tenafly High School - Business Idea: Taipan Value Engine

Rayhan Verma developed Taipan Value Engine, an online tool that helps buyers and sellers estimate the value of used computer keyboards. Drawing on his experience buying and reselling keyboards, the platform accounts for factors such as condition and original packaging to provide more informed pricing estimates.

Piper Zimmer, from Downingtown STEM Academy - Business Idea: MoodBark

Piper Zimmer developed the concept for MoodBark, a smart dog collar designed to monitor health indicators such as heart rate, sleep quality and body temperature. By providing regular updates through a connected mobile app, the proposed device aims to help pet owners better understand their dogs’ health and overall well-being.

Celebrating Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The competition takes place during Global Entrepreneurship Week, November 16–22, 2026, an international celebration of entrepreneurship. Pirates Pitch introduces high school students to Seton Hall’s entrepreneurial community, while providing valuable experience presenting business ideas and receiving feedback from industry professionals.

Click here to watch virtually.

Categories: Business, Community Engagement