Six Pennsylvania Students Shine in National Mott Million Dollar Challenge Finals

Pennsylvania Students to Compete at National Finals

In an impressive showcase of creativity and innovation, six talented students from Pennsylvania have earned their spots as semifinalists in the Mott Million Dollar Challenge. This esteemed national pitch competition, which aims to encourage entrepreneurship among K-12 students, is set to take place in downtown Flint, Michigan on June 15-16, 2026.

Out of more than 5,300 submissions from students across all 50 states and Washington D.C., only 60 semifinalists have risen to the top. The Pennsylvania students will have the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas that tackle various societal issues directly to a panel of judges.

Meet the Semifinalists and Their Projects

1. LightoPro AI Learning Buddy on Your Desk
- Student: Antarikxa Das
- Grade: 2nd Grade, Marshall Elementary School
- Pitch: This project features an AI-powered desktop assistant designed to enhance learning. By using a camera and projector, it can provide real-time, step-by-step guidance to students, facilitating independent learning.

2. Advancing Bridges with Piezoelectric Technology
- Students: Miles Cheng and Vasudev Nambulli
- Grade: 6th Grade, South Fayette Middle School
- Pitch: This smart infrastructure solution employs self-powered piezoelectric sensors that monitor bridge stress and vibrations, enabling early detection of structural issues, ensuring better safety.

3. Operation Agua Aqua Anchor
- Students: Anushiya Ramakrishnan and Laalitya Sagi
- Grade: 7th Grade, South Fayette Middle School
- Pitch: Aimed at combating water pollution, this nonprofit initiative implements sensor-activated shoreline systems to collect trash before it can reach the ocean, thereby protecting marine environments.

4. Verity
- Student: Elena Pappas
- Grade: 10th Grade, Germantown Friends School
- Pitch: This innovative student wellness app predicts stress levels based on academic and lifestyle patterns, offering personalized recommendations to help mitigate burnout and promote mental well-being.

Each of these remarkable projects will not only compete for recognition and funding but also contribute to the important discussions around sustainability, technology in education, and student wellness, showcasing the potential of the younger generation to innovate solutions to contemporary challenges.

Event Details and Expectations

As semifinalists, each of the participating teams will be awarded $5,000, with the possibility of securing additional funding throughout the competition. The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is part of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation's centennial celebration and aims to highlight the value of entrepreneurship education. The Challenge is administered in collaboration with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and other educational partners.

The event promises to be a thrilling experience where young minds will present their innovative ideas before a live audience, fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship among the next generation.

To learn more about the Mott Million Dollar Challenge and to explore the ideas of all 60 semifinalists, visit Mott Million.