High schooler wins PNW scholarship through Innovate WithIN business pitch competition

Munster High School graduate Sayeed Mohammed will begin his college career at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) with the added benefit of a full year of tuition for 2023-24 earned by participating in the Innovate WithIN business pitch competition this summer.

PNW - Innovate WithIN is the most elite high school pitch competition in the country that allows Indiana’s high schoolers from across the state a chance to share their entrepreneurial ideas. The pitch competition is hosted by the StartedUP Foundation.

The Society of Innovators at PNW partnered in hosting the Region 4 regional competition leading to the state finals. As part of the university’s support, PNW offers scholarship incentives to students who win regional or state competitions and go on to enroll at the university. Two Northwest Indiana teams were among ten state finalists, and they shined!

Mohammed, along with fellow Munster teammates Joshua Avila and Austin Beetson, won third place and will receive $2,500 for their business. Novos developed a kit that transports users to a unique culture or location. Kits contain blends of essential oils inspired by different cultures around the world.

“Novos’ niche is to provide culture through the scents that we produce,” said Beetson. “I came here from India when I was 4 years old. It is hard for me to connect back to my culture, but this is nostalgic for me, connecting me back to my homeland,” added Mohammed. “We’re helping other people express a love for their culture,” concluded Avila.

Novos’ teacher was also recognized at this year’s state finals. Munster High School entrepreneurship teacher Krissy LaFlech was named the winner of Innovate WithIN’s 2023 Teacher of the Year Award.