HARRISBURG, PA — The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is proud to announce the 10 student teams selected as finalists for the 2026 launchU Student Startup Pitch Competition. Drawn from high schools, colleges, and universities across the world, this year’s finalists will deliver their pitches at the Grand Finale on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
All are welcome to tune in and cheer on the finalists.
Now in its sixth year, launchU is an annual “Shark Tank”-style competition that gives high school and undergraduate students the chance to develop, refine, and pitch a startup idea before a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and investors. What began in 2020 as an experiment among a small group of HU students has grown into a global competition, with past entrants representing teams from across the United States and around the world – including past cohorts from Turkey, Panama, and Kenya.
Each finalist team has spent the past several weeks working with CIE mentors to develop a polished investment summary and pitch presentation. At the Grand Finale, teams will have eight minutes to present their venture and an additional two minutes to field questions from the judging panel. Three winners will be selected and awarded cash prizes, with one team chosen to incubate their venture at the HU Innovation Lab.
“By participating in launchU, you’re helping to create a proving ground here in the heart of Pennsylvania, focused on bringing great ideas in business, technology, and science to market and providing resources and inspiration for inventors, entrepreneurs, and dreamers,” said Harrisburg University Interim President David A. Schankweiler. “HU was built for people just like our finalists: for people who never sit still and aren’t afraid to think big. Whether it’s wearable tech, public health, educational access, or sustainability, you’re about to see the future come to life.”
This year’s cohort represents one of launchU’s most diverse fields to date. The 10 finalist teams, selected from more than 50 applications, represent students from Pennsylvania, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, California, and Washington, and their ventures span agricultural technology, healthcare and biomaterials, accessibility, financial technology, public safety, and sustainable manufacturing.
Without further ado, the 2026 launchU finalists are:
Boston University
Averra
Averra is an agricultural technology startup developing a living, in-soil biosensing platform that delivers real-time nutrient and soil health data. By integrating synthetic biology with microfluidics and optical sensing, Averra enables farmers and land managers to make data-driven decisions that improve crop yields, reduce input waste, and support regenerative agriculture.
Canyon Crest Academy
Layn
Layn is a proactive bike safety app that transforms a teenager’s smartphone into an AI-powered safety system capable of detecting crashes and near misses. It provides parents with real-time visibility and a “Safe Ride” score while generating data to help cities improve dangerous bike infrastructure.
Commonwealth Charter Academy, Dallastown Area High School
Flexion
Flexion is an athlete-founded company that focuses on high-quality performance gear – specifically knee braces, with a plan to expand into other areas such as ankles, shoulders, wrists, and other body parts. The specialized knee brace design will assist athletes with patella inflammation and explosive overload. The elastic tension and lever system is deliberately designed to distribute harsh load force away from the knee joint. The knee brace will vary in size and strength to adapt to all athletes and prioritize comfort with its light, breathable design.
Dickinson College
SARVA
SARVA is an AI-powered, multilingual platform that modernizes ethnic grocery stores with voice-first technology for inventory management and sales analytics. It bridges technical and language barriers for immigrant-owned businesses while preserving their cultural identity.
Downingtown East High School
EcoDigest
EcoDigest is an agricultural biotechnology startup that utilizes a proprietary liquid microbe blend to accelerate the breakdown of plastics in soil. Their solution restores soil health and offers a certification program to help farmers market “purified” produce to health-conscious consumers.
Florida State University
Key Rise
Key Rise is a real estate technology platform that democratizes property investment by allowing users to purchase fractional shares of high-yield commercial assets. It simplifies the investment process with automated management and lower entry costs, making wealth-building in real estate accessible to a broader audience.
Hempfield High School
Tech Buddies
Tech Buddies is a youth-led social enterprise providing in-person, structured technology coaching for senior citizens through one-on-one mentoring and workshops. It leverages a proprietary “Mentor Toolkit” to empower student mentors to bridge the digital literacy gap in retirement communities.
McNair Academic High School
EchoPath
EchoPath is redefining accessibility with a spatial audio navigation platform that lets visually impaired users “hear” their surroundings – unlocking independent movement across complex spaces like college campuses, hospitals, and transit hubs.
Michigan State University
BioMesh X®
Michigan State University’s health material tech startup has developed BioMesh X®, the world’s first self-stabilizing surgical mesh engineered at the fiber level. This next-generation biomaterial reduces complications like mesh migration and mechanical failure to improve patient outcomes.
Washington State University
SORVY
SORVY is a sustainable manufacturing venture that upcycles invasive starfish into bio-mimetic, pH-stabilizing mineral cartridges for the aquarium industry. Their drop-in filter autonomously maintains water chemistry, replacing expensive chemical supplements and protecting coral reefs from strip-mining.
“launchU started as a way to ignite innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among students, and it’s grown into a global stage for emerging ideas,” said Jay Jayamohan, Executive Director of the CIE. “What’s most inspiring is how the experience pushes participants to grow – not just through building ventures, but by stepping up to compete. The students learn so much through that process, and they gain confidence that lasts.”
The 2026 launchU Grand Finale will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026; all are welcome to tune in via Airmeet. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the event. To learn more about launchU and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, please visit CIE.HarrisburgU.edu/launchU.
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ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link learning and research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have any questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Communications Manager for Harrisburg University, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100×1724.
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