Five student entrepreneur teams earned a place in the 2026 INCubatoredu National Pitch Competition after advancing from a field of 70 submissions from student ventures nationwide. Held during Uncharted Learning's National Summit in Chicago, the competition gave finalists the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of entrepreneurs for $20,000 in startup funding.
Five teams competed at the 2026 INCubatoredu National Pitch:
Fika Matcha LLC - The Harker School; Teacher: Michael Acheatal
Plant Pal - Naperville Central High School; Teacher: Brad Neubauer
SunnyPals LLC - Vista Ridge High School; Teacher: Dana Jones
Turf Warrior - Kempsville High School; Teacher: Julia Dieter
VisionBridge - Westlake High School; Teacher: Jeff Nixon
Panel of Judges:
Michael Miles, Co-Founder Uncharted Learning, Private Equity Investor
Steven Galanis, Co-Founder & CEO of Cameo
Mark Lacker, John W. Altman Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship, Miami University
Maria Odiamar Racho, Founder and Managing Partner, Kapwa Capital
Sherrise Trotz, Founder and CEO of Pink Sage Inc and Club XXXI
CONGRATULATIONS to the 2026 winner:
$20,000 to Fika Matcha!
Fika blends matcha with functional superfoods & dried fruit for sustainable energy, focus, & relaxation, grossing $6.5K+ & 2 retailers in 4 months.
Thank You
Behind every student business is a network of educators, volunteer mentors, and entrepreneurs who invest their time, experience, and encouragement. Their support helps students gain the confidence, skills, and real-world connections that prepare them for what's next.
