Newton Teens Compete To Make The World A Better Place

We’ve all seen that famous show - the one where entrepreneurs pitch their best idea to a group of wealthy investors who decide whether or not to buy in or pass. The stakes are high and only the best ideas get the vital funding they need. With this as the inspiration, MassChallenge’s Newton Innovation Center, the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton, and Newton’s Department of Youth Services, teamed up to offer entrepreneurial programming to Newton youth in a fun, exciting, new way. On Tuesday December 6th twelve teens competed in the first ever Middle School Pitch Competition. The Village Bank sponsored the event and with their help $1,000 in cash prizes were distributed to the teams with the best start-up ideas!

The competition marked the conclusion of a 10 week program which brought real entrepreneurs and mentors skilled in the fields marketing, product development, and capital investment together with kids from all economic backgrounds. The kids were tasked with developing an idea that could turn into a successful business while at the same time making the world a better place. With help from their mentors they turned these ideas into products, worked through the development cycle, and honed their pitches. On the big night, the kids pitched their startup ideas to three judges, all of whom are founders of their own businesses and work at the Newton Innovation Center.

The ideas and products were astounding and the judges were impressed. From creative web platforms tailored to help connect artists, to a cultural connection center that would help ease immigrant’s transition into society, to an all-purpose electronic binder that would help students succeed in school, to a novel hair clip that even a “hair challenged” person could figure out how to use with ease, the kids put on top notch presentations and stood tall in the face of tough questions by the judges. The winning team, Elderme, developed a web platform to connect seniors with each other, with services, and others who are seeking friendship to help reduce the feelings of isolation and helplessness that are faced by so many.

Mass Challenge and the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club hope to work together on similar projects in the future, including a high school competition planned for the Spring. For more information visit www.masschallenge.org or www.newtonbgc.com.