the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Seton Hall University is set to host its tenth annual Pirates Pitch for High School Students, a thrilling competition showcasing the talents of young innovators from across the globe. This year, ten aspiring entrepreneurs will compete for a share of $50,000 in prizes and scholarships as they pitch their groundbreaking business ideas.
The event, organized by the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Stillman School of Business, will take place on Friday, November 22, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in Jubilee Hall Auditorium. The competition also aligns with Global Entrepreneurship Week, celebrated worldwide from November 18 to 24.
A Platform for Young Visionaries
The finalists including Caroline Kiernan. Ridgewood HS Class of 2027, represent the best of over 225 submissions from students in 20 U.S. states and six countries, including Canada, Mexico, and South Korea. Each participant submitted either a 350-word business proposal or a three-minute video showcasing an innovative product or service idea.
Now, the finalists will face an in-person “Shark Tank”-style competition, presenting their ideas in five-minute pitches to a panel of distinguished judges, followed by a Q&A session.
Meet the Finalists and Their Ideas
This year’s projects highlight creativity and a passion for problem-solving:
- Nifemi Adeyemi (Newark, NJ): Irahs_Collection
- Muhammad Haseeb (Wayne, NJ): Hydro DeFrost
- Caroline Kiernan (Ridgewood, NJ): Stress Less
- Ryan Kim (Fort Lee, NJ): Smat Pitch and Vivica Electronics
- Jeffery Liu (Basking Ridge, NJ): RemeMore
- Rishabh Nambiar (Fishkill, NY): Research Chat
- Eve Parrott (Livingston, NJ): Scolipoly
- Jacqueline Perez (Park Ridge, NJ): Digital Insurance and Car Registration
- Ayden Pinto (Manalapan, NJ): Eco-Smart Trash Pickup
- Grace Rhine (Toms River, NJ): Legally Chic Clothing
Celebrating Innovation and Global Impact
The competition offers more than just prizes—it provides finalists with valuable experience and mentorship. “This is an incredible opportunity for students to refine their ideas, gain business acumen, and receive feedback from seasoned professionals,” said Susan Scherreik, M.B.A., founding director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Participants will also benefit from insights shared by judges such as Elizabeth McCrea, Ph.D., associate professor of management, and RoseMary Stanchak, a previous Pirates Pitch winner who continues to excel in business.
Prizes That Empower Tomorrow’s Leaders
All finalists will receive a minimum $4,000 tuition scholarship to Seton Hall. The top prizes include:
- First Place: $2,500 cash + $10,000 tuition scholarship
- Second Place: $1,000 cash + $6,000 tuition scholarship
- Audience Choice Award: $300 cash
Join the Action
The University invites everyone to watch these budding entrepreneurs in action. Attend in person or catch the livestream, where you can cast your vote for the Audience Choice Award.
This event highlights the power of youth entrepreneurship and reflects Seton Hall’s commitment to nurturing future leaders. As Dean Joyce A. Strawser, Ph.D., noted, “It’s inspiring to see so many talented young people harness their creativity to make an impact on the world.”
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