Pirates Pitch Competition for High School Students
The 2026 Competition will be held Friday November 20 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Seton Hall University campus in South Orange, N.J. and will also be available to watch virtually. Applications will be accepted starting Monday August 31, 2026 through Wednesday October 21, 2026.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Pirates Pitch for High School Students Competition
- 1st place: Samantha Farrugia, a senior from Colts Neck, NJ, attending Saint John Vianney High
School
Business Idea: Shield Her - 2nd place: Justin Deng, a sophomore from Morganville, NJ, attending High Technology High School
Business Idea: Thermo Track - Audience Choice Award: Anna Lau, a sophomore from Staten Island, NY, attending Staten Island Technical Hish
School
Business Idea: Snugshi - Honorable Mention: Monica Raina, a sophomore from Syosset, NY, attending Jericho High School
Business Idea: RateRight
Here's How You Can Participate:
Step 1: Submit Your Idea
Submit an original business idea that, in 350 words or less, describes an innovative product or service that you would like create. Or, you can tell us about a business you've already launched! You also have the option of creating an unlisted YouTube video pitch of up to three minutes in length. Please send us the link to the video, and please do not put any restrictions on who can watch since multiple judges will review.
Be sure to answer the following questions:
- What problem does your product or service solve?
- How do you propose making money?
- Who are your customers and why will they buy your product or service?
- Who is your competition and how are you going to be better than the competition?
Eligibility: All high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Step 2: Pitch Your Idea
The 2026 Pirates Pitch for High School Students Competition will be held on Friday November 20 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Applications will be accepted starting Monday August 31, 2026 through Wednesday October 21, 2026.
Step 3: Win Prizes and Recognition!
- 1st Place Winner: $2,500 cash prize. Plus $10,000 scholarship to attend Seton Hall University ($2,500 annually)
- 2nd Place Winner: $1,000 cash prize. Plus, $6,000 scholarship to attend Seton Hall University ($1,500 annually)
- All other Finalists will receive a $4,000 scholarship to attend Seton Hall University ($1,000 annually)
- Audience Choice Award: $300. Audience members vote for their favorite student finalist. The winning finalist will be awarded the $300 Audience Choice Award.
Latest News
- Top Teen Entrepreneurs Win $50,000 in Seton Hall Pirates Pitch 2025
Teen entrepreneurs pitched innovative startup ideas in the 2025 Pirates Pitch for High School Students Competition. - Ten Teens Compete for $50K in Seton Hall Pirates Pitch
Ten young innovators from around the world pitch their startups at Seton Hall’s Pirates Pitch 2025, competing for $50,000 in prizes and scholarships during Global Entrepreneurship Week. - Incredible Opportunity for High School Entrepreneurs!
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Are you a high school student interested in starting your own business? Enter this "Shark Tank" style competition for a chance to have your idea recognized!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Stillman School of Business Pirates Pitch Competition for High School
students?
The competition teaches high school students entrepreneurship basics and idea generation
and recognizes and rewards students with outstanding entrepreneurial know-how.
Who is eligible?
Current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
How are winners selected?
An independent panel of judges reviews all entries. The finalists will be invited
to present their business idea (or discuss a business they now operate) in five minute
presentations to a panel of judges. The judges will score all finalists based on their
written submission and oral presentations to determine a 1st and 2nd place winner.
When do students and high schools receive their awards?
Winners and awards will be conferred immediately following the presentations. A check
for the cash prizes will be mailed to the first- and second-place winners. Scholarships
to Seton Hall University will be provided to students upon admission to the University.
Apply Now
Loading Pirates Pitch ...
Have Questions?
For more information and details, contact Susan Scherreik, Founding Director, Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, at [email protected].
