High School Entrepreneurs Showcase Innovation at Bowie State Pitch Competition

The Entrepreneurship Innovation Center (EIC) at Bowie State University welcomed aspiring young entrepreneurs from across Prince George's County for its High School Pitch Competition on June 5 at the Bowie State University Student Center.

Seventeen students representing six high schools applied to participate in the competition. Following a competitive review process, five finalists representing four ventures advanced to the final round, where they presented their business ideas before a live audience and panel of judges.

The competition highlighted student-led solutions addressing challenges in health and wellness, public safety, technology and consumer services. More than 30 attendees, including students, parents, educators, alumni, entrepreneurs and community leaders, gathered to celebrate youth innovation and entrepreneurship.

First place and a $1,500 cash award went to Charles Herbert Flowers High School students Ebenezer Bayote and David Adibe for Velera Heat Therapy, an innovative wearable heated tank top designed to provide comfort and therapeutic benefits for women and athletes.

"I appreciate Bowie State University for giving us this opportunity to present our project. We're ready to keep going and push our business idea forward," said Bayote.

Abisoye Peleowo of Oxon Hill High School earned second place and a $1,000 cash award for Ghost Sight AI, a drone-based technology concept designed to help fire departments, search-and-rescue teams and emergency response agencies detect and monitor wildfires.

Runner-up honors and $500 awards were presented to Jamilla Ginyard-James of CMIT North High School for Armani Herbal Tea, a wellness-focused herbal tea business, and Joshua Torres-Madrid of Largo High School for PC Repair, a venture providing affordable computer repair and technical support services.

Each finalist delivered a three-minute pitch followed by a question-and-answer session with judges that included Bowie State alumni - including former Bulldog Pitch Competition winners - as we educators, entrepreneurs, parents and community leaders.

The event also featured a keynote address from Dr. Regina Robinson, a Bowie State alumna and entrepreneur, who encouraged students to embrace innovation, remain resilient and pursue their entrepreneurial goals with confidence.

Watch the video: Bowie State High School Pitch Competition