Seton Hall University is once again opening its doors to the next generation of business innovators as the Stillman School of Business announces the 12th annual Pirates Pitch Competition. Designed for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, the event serves as a high-stakes training ground for young entrepreneurs looking to translate creative ideas into viable business models. With $50,000 in prizes and scholarships on the line, the event is set to take place on November 20, 2026, at the university’s Jubilee Hall.
## Bridging Education and Modern Entrepreneurship
In an era where the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and digital platforms is redefining the global marketplace, events like Pirates Pitch are increasingly essential. The competition focuses on core competencies identified by the World Economic Forum, such as complex problem-solving and critical thinking. By adopting a “Shark Tank” style format, the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides students with a real-world environment to hone their public speaking, pitch development, and strategic planning skills—all of which are critical for navigating the modern tech-driven economy.
Registration is currently open for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants are required to submit either a written proposal of no more than 350 words or a three-minute YouTube video pitch. The deadline for all submissions is October 20, 2026. From this pool, judges will select the top 10 finalists to present their ideas in front of a panel composed of university faculty and successful alumni entrepreneurs.
## Incentivizing Innovation Through Strategic Rewards
The competition is structured to provide both immediate financial support and long-term academic incentives. The first-place winner stands to secure a $2,500 cash prize along with a $10,000 scholarship to Seton Hall University. Second place follows with a $1,000 cash award and $6,000 in scholarship funding, while all other finalists receive a $4,000 scholarship. Additionally, the event features an “Audience Choice Award,” where attendees—both in-person and those watching the livestream—can vote for their favorite presentation.
The 2025 iteration of the contest proved that high schoolers are increasingly focused on software and hardware solutions. Last year’s top winner, Samantha Farrugia, clinched first place with her business concept, “Shield Her,” while other finalists explored tech-centric ideas like “Thermo Track” and “TickerSphere.” The international reach of the program continues to grow, with over 200 submissions received last year from across the United States and abroad.
## Accessing the Innovation Ecosystem
Participating in the Pirates Pitch is more than just a shot at a cash prize; it acts as a gateway to the Stillman School of Business and the Buccino Leadership Institute. As students prepare their five-minute pitches followed by a five-minute Q&A session with judges, they are effectively conducting a dry run of the professional investor-entrepreneur dynamic.
For those interested in the intersections of business and technology, the competition offers a rare opportunity to receive professional feedback from experienced mentors. Whether a student is focusing on a new app, a social enterprise, or a hardware invention, the event encourages them to think critically about how their projects fit into the broader tech landscape. By fostering these skills early, Seton Hall is ensuring that its entrants are well-positioned for future success in competitive university programs and the global startup ecosystem.
Interested students, teachers, and parents can find more information or submit their proposals by visiting the official Pirates Pitch portal at the Stillman School of Business website.
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