STARTedUP Challenge 2026: Region Three
East Central Indiana
Twelve student teams from east central Indiana will compete for a spot in the Challenge Finals this June. The event will bring together government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and family members to support and celebrate these young innovators.
Event address:
Campus Center Theater
420 University Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46202
🗓️ April 22, 2026
⏰ 9AM - 1PM EST
Hosted by:
-
-
Blackford
Delaware
Fayette
Franklin
Grant
Hamilton
Hancock
Henry
Howard
Jay
Johnson
Madison
Marion
Randolph
Rush
Shelby
Tipton
Union
Wayne
Meet the Finalists
-

Flood Watch
Flood watch is a hyper-local, cost-effective app that utilizes machine learning models and real-time data to provide precise, user-specific flooding alerts and community-driven reporting to mitigate urban flood risks.
Olivia Shewmaker & Rebecca Hnem
Perry Meridian High School -

MagMan
MagMan makes life so much simpler for those working in a metal fabrication shop, it allows hands free safety and higher efficiency, a magnetic watch that rests on the top of your hand.
Dylan Nunez
Purdue Polytechnic High School North -

HeavySet Co.
HeavySet’s edge brush collection enhances hair care for girls with a hair tool that has 5 functions in 1, featuring a protective cover and a compact travel version, allowing more styling with less tools.
Alicia Harvell
Walker Career Center -

Patchables
Swap the patches, not the sweatshirt; here with Patchables we bring you endless styles without endless waste
Bridget Lohmueller & Caly Evers
Oldenburg Academy -

Barkitecture
Barkitecture is a modular puzzle feeder that aims to decrease the chance of bloat and poor digestion in all shapes and sizes of dogs!
Jack Whalen, Luke Hile & Cooper Case
Noblesville High School -

Luna Bandages
Luna Bandages completely revolutionizes the bandage industry with first-of-its-kind reusable, hook and loop secured, fabric bandages that prevents and treats blisters.
Luke Padgett & Nathan Peck
Brownsburg High School -

Swift Clean
The SwishBrush is a hands-free oral care device that allows the user to effectively brush their teeth without the use of their upper body, thereby providing access to oral hygiene to those with limited mobility issues.
Elanor Eaglin & Rachel Cigolotti
Oldenburg Academy -

Tiriture
Tiriture addresses tire waste by repurposing used tires into functional furniture pieces, thoughtfully designed with a race-inspired aesthetic.
Reece Kluemper & Max Merlie
Speedway Senior High School -

Heat Check
Heat Check is an innovative sports performance company focused on solving one of football’s most overlooked problems in cold-weather performance so athletes can be judged by skill, not weather conditions.
Jayden Douglas, Kai Washington & Brennan Miller
Mckenzie Career Center -

Kapooy
Experience English learning alongside your classmates through our innovative game-based approach, which combines interactive activities, thought-provoking questions, and the unique Kapooy fun experience.
Kaydence Seymour
Speedway Senior High School -

Turf Relief Insole
Specialized insoles designed to filter out turf debris while maintaining optimal comfort and performance.
Thomas Banich
Brownsburg High School -

The Bait House
The Baithouse makes double-blades chatterbaits that are the first of their kind that’s enhances bass fishing.
Ari Theodore & Gunnar Asbery
Speedway Senior High School
Agenda
-
Check in and take your seat!
-
The audience will be welcomed by a representative from IU Indianapolis and hear from the CEO of the STARTedUP Foundation, Don Wettrick.
-
The twelve student teams will pitch their business concepts/ideas. Teams will pitch in the following order:
Flood Watch
MagMan
HeavySet Co.
Patchables
Barkitecture
Luna Bandages
Swift Clean
Tiriture
Heat Check
Kapooy
Turf Relief Insole
The Bait House
-
Food will be provided to the teachers and competitors as the judges deliberate on the pitches. Nearby restaurants are available for all guests to grab something to eat during this time.
-
The top team will be recognized and invited to participate in the STARTedUP Challenge Finals!
Meet the Judges
-

Judge 1
|||||||
-

Judge 2
|||||||
-

Judge 3
|||||||
-

Judge 4
|||||||
-

Judge 5
|||||||

