Rising Entrepreneurs Take Center Stage with Creative Business Ideas
MORRIS COUNTY – The 2025 PitchNJ competition concluded on December 19, highlighting a new generation of innovative teen entrepreneurs ready to make their mark in New Jersey’s business landscape. Hosted annually by the Morris County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), the contest brings together high school students from across the state to present bold business concepts and compete for seed funding and mentorship opportunities.
This year’s finalists wowed judges with ideas spanning healthcare, technology, and wellness, demonstrating not only creativity but also the ability to identify real-world problems and devise practical solutions. Each finalist pitched their business model in a five-minute presentation, followed by a rigorous question-and-answer session with a panel of industry professionals.
The 2025 PitchNJ winners included:
- First Place: Teddy Bear Clinic – Representing Morris County School of Technology, team members Duncan Felch, Francesca Piccolo, and Gabriella Goodman developed a program aimed at reducing medical anxiety in children. Their concept involves local emergency responders conducting friendly “check-ups” on stuffed animals, creating a comforting introduction to healthcare for young patients.
- Second Place: True Move – This AI-driven platform seeks to optimize moving services, streamlining logistics and providing efficiency gains for both service providers and customers.
- Third Place: Rhythm – A wellness-focused initiative, Rhythm promotes personal health and consistency through guided routines and lifestyle tracking, reflecting the growing emphasis on holistic well-being among young innovators.
In addition to prize money, winners received personalized mentorship from seasoned business leaders, including guidance from firms specializing in executive consulting and start-up growth strategies. All participants benefited from a comprehensive Business Bootcamp, designed to sharpen public speaking, refine business models, and enhance presentation skills, ensuring they left the competition better equipped for entrepreneurial success.
The PitchNJ competition is part of a broader movement in New Jersey to cultivate youth entrepreneurship. Other notable competitions in the 2025–2026 season include Seton Hall University’s Pirates Pitch, where Samantha Farrugia earned first place for Shield Her, a nail polish topcoat that detects drink-spiking substances, and the Vermont Pitch Challenge, where Matthew McPherson from Hunterdon Central Regional High School won a full college scholarship for Boxer Breeze, a sustainable underwear brand made from bamboo fiber.
Over the past decade, initiatives like PitchNJ have played a critical role in providing young innovators with funding, mentorship, and real-world exposure, helping turn creative ideas into viable businesses. By fostering a supportive ecosystem, the MCEDC ensures that New Jersey teens not only learn entrepreneurial skills but also develop the confidence and professional experience needed to thrive in a competitive economy.
Applications for the 2026 PitchNJ competition are expected to open in the spring, continuing the program’s mission of empowering the next generation of New Jersey business leaders. Interested students and educators can explore more about the program and upcoming opportunities on the business page of Sunset Daily News.
The 2025 competition demonstrated that New Jersey’s youth are not only thinking creatively but also approaching business challenges with sophistication and social awareness. From healthcare innovations to sustainability-driven products, these young entrepreneurs are setting the stage for a future defined by ingenuity, community impact, and economic leadership.
