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:

    1. Flood Watch

    2. MagMan

    3. HeavySet Co.

    4. Patchables

    5. Barkitecture

    6. Luna Bandages

    7. Swift Clean

    8. Tiriture

    9. Heat Check

    10. Kapooy

    11. Turf Relief Insole

    12. 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

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  • Judge 2

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  • Judge 3

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  • Judge 4

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  • Judge 5

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