Future Innovators Shine at the 2025 EntreX Regional Venture Showcase

On February 26, 2025, more than 200 high school students from across the mid-Atlantic gathered at Rutgers University for the 2025 EntreX Regional Venture Showcase. These aspiring entrepreneurs pitched their startup ideas to a panel of expert judges, competing for $500 and a spot to compete in Diamond Challenge finals at the prestigious 2025 Limitless World Summit.

The event, part of Horn Entrepreneurship’s EntreX program, provided students with a platform to showcase their creativity, receive valuable feedback, and connect with like-minded peers. For many, it was their first experience in a pitch competition, making it an exciting opportunity to refine their ideas and build essential entrepreneurial skills.

Congratulations to the winners: 

Social Innovation Track

Business Innovation Track

The EntreX Regional Venture Showcase featured teams from regional high schools, highlighting their dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship. Students from the following schools presented their ventures:

• Bergen Catholic High School
• Donovan Catholic High School
• Glen Rock High School
• East Orange Campus High School 
• Holmdel High School
• Immaculata High School
• Innovation Charter High School
• James Madison High School
• Lakeland Regional High School 
• Mainland Regional High School
• Marvelwood School
• Matawan Regional High School
• New Dorp High School
• New World High School
• Paterson Charter School for Science & Technology
• Perkiomen School 
• South River High School
• St. John Vianney High School 
• Toms River South High School
• Union Catholic High School

Thank you to the students from IDEA, all individuals who contributed to the success of this event, and a special appreciation to the dedicated judges for generously offering their time and expertise to make the 2025 EntreX Regional Showcase a success:

• Scott Alpizar, Managing Partner, Emerging Innovations Consulting
• Kevin Burke, Founder, Digital One
• Valery Caputi-Lopez, Head of Marketing, Kaboose.app
• Lori Dars, Associate Director, Economic Development and Innovation, Rutgers University 
• Guy Hasselman, Head of Thought Leadership, MetLife
• Michael Johnson,  President, HEAF, Inc.
• Bill Kinnelly, CEO KGA Advisors
• Mark Melillo, Chairman of the Board, Melillo Consulting
• Jayme Smaldone, Founder, Might Ventures
• Keenan Williams, COO, Stratum Growth
• Evan Zawatsky, CFO, Athletic Brewing
• Kelly Welsh, Category Manager, TikTok

We extend our sincere gratitude to sponsors Rutgers Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Academy as well as Capital One for their sponsorship and support at the EntreX Regional Venture Showcase. 

The EntreX Lab program gives students early access to entrepreneurial education with the opportunity to earn college credits. The curriculum focuses on the key skills of idea generation, creative problem solving, leadership, evidence-based decision making, resilience, teamwork and persuasive communication. Learn more about the EntreX Lab program and adopt it at your school. 

About Horn Entrepreneurship

Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., Horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.