Seton Hall University’s 14th Annual Pirates Pitch Startup Competition Highlights Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Seton Hall University’s Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hosts 14th Annual Pirates Pitch Startup Competition

On Wednesday, April 3, Seton Hall University’s Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship hosted its highly anticipated 14th annual Pirates Pitch Startup Competition. The event, which attracted a diverse audience of students, faculty, alumni, and community members both in person and online, showcased the university’s dedication to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship among its students.

The competition culminated with Nathaniel Bikhman, a junior majoring in finance, taking the top prize of $8,000 with his service AtendiVPN. AtendiVPN stands out in the competitive VPN market for its emphasis on privacy and speed, utilizing dedicated, self-wiping servers to provide a secure and efficient online experience. The service targets privacy-conscious individuals, particularly students and older adults vulnerable to cyber threats.

Second place and the Audience Choice Award, totaling $5,000, were awarded to DocuForge, presented by Stillman student entrepreneurs Sid Kapoor, Cameron Lloyd, and Jerry Ford. DocuForge offers an AI-powered platform that simplifies the creation of Product Requirement Documents (PRDs), facilitating communication between non-technical founders and software developers.

Katalyst, developed by Stillman seniors Michelle Lew and Miabella Espaillat, secured third place and a prize of $3,000. Katalyst is a platform designed to help recent graduates and upper-class students find internships and entry-level jobs, offering tools such as resume assistance and internship ratings.

The event kicked off with welcoming remarks from Joyce Strawser, the dean of the Stillman School of Business, and was hosted by members of the Entrepreneurship Club. Judges, including notable alumni, evaluated the pitches based on innovation, market potential, and feasibility.

Other finalists who presented their startups included NatureFill, focusing on sustainable packaging solutions; Mirjam, offering an AI platform for musicians to connect and collaborate; and Refresh Me, introducing a unique approach to personal wellness and hydration.

In addition to cash prizes, finalists have the opportunity to receive pro bono legal advice and participate in the Pirates LaunchPad summer accelerator program, which provides additional funding and mentorship to further develop their business models.

Susan Scherreik, director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, commended the participants for their innovative ideas and business acumen, stating, “Tonight’s showcase was a vivid display of the innovative spirit and business acumen of our students. Each project presented not only solves current market needs but does so with a creative and impactful approach that promises substantial future growth.”

The Pirates Pitch Startup Competition exemplifies Seton Hall University’s commitment to empowering student entrepreneurs and bringing their innovative ideas to fruition.