Newark Demo Day Showcases Startups Committed to Mindful Innovation

On October 14, 2025, Newark hosted its annual Demo Day as part of Newark Tech Week, gathering startup founders, investors, and innovators at The Newark Museum of Art. This year's theme, the 'Mindful Revolution,' centered on technology that prioritizes human needs and sustainable practices.

Presented by notable organizations including Audible, Newark Alliance, and Prudential Financial, this year's event demonstrated Newark's growing ecosystem of purposeful entrepreneurship. As the community comes together, innovation that focuses on ethical practices and well-being is taking center stage.

Celebrating Innovation

The highlight of the event was a grand prize of $5,000 awarded to Orgo, a Newark-based startup led by entrepreneur Zoya Lehrer. The startup aims to simplify logistics for sports families through a unique shared calendar platform designed specifically for youth sports. Orgo's tool integrates crucial elements like team schedules and travel times, ensuring families can manage their busy lives more efficiently.

Zoya expressed her gratitude, stating, "We are solving real challenges faced by sports families, making collaboration seamless and supporting parents in keeping children actively engaged in sports." This emphasis on community and family well-being resonates with the event's overarching mission.

Showcase of Talent

Newark Demo Day featured 20 promising startups from New Jersey and beyond. Out of these, 10 were selected to showcase their innovations live, pitching to a panel of judges composed of industry leaders such as Dr. Kathleen Naasz from NJIT and Joseph Oliveira from HAX. Among the contenders, startups like Plain Sight, VacayIt, Clarista, and Simsi presented diverse solutions ranging from fintech to environmental sustainability.

Penelope and Counter also stood out as finalists, reflecting the strong competition and commitment to innovation. The variety of pitches reinforced the transformative potential of technology when grounded in real-world applications and community needs.

The Spirit of Newark

Aaron Meyerson, the Chief Innovation Economy Officer at Invest Newark, emphasized the strength of Newark’s innovation ecosystem. Meyerson stated, “This event not only demonstrates the creativity of our startups but also the values that drive them. It’s about recognizing talent and potential within our community.”

Citi Medina, founder of EqualSpace and producer of Newark Tech Week, echoed these sentiments. He noted the palpable energy at this year’s Demo Day, stating, “These founders exemplify that innovation thrives when it’s rooted in purpose and inclusivity.” The event's influence encourages further growth and visibility for Newark as a hub for tech-driven solutions.

A Home for Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs

Newark Tech Week, initiated in 2013 and led by Emily Manz, has evolved into a week-long celebration featuring over 2,000 participants. This iteration has solidified Newark's identity as a supportive environment for entrepreneurs aspiring to make a lasting, positive impact.

Manz commented on the significance of Demo Day, stating, “It’s a platform for collaboration and visibility, reinforcing our city's entrepreneurial spirit.”

In tandem with the excitement of Newark Demo Day, notable organizations like Audible and Prudential Financial reaffirm their long-standing commitment to fostering innovation and community engagement within Newark. Aisha Glover, Global Head of Urban Innovation at Audible remarked, “Our tech community thrives because founders understand that effective technology serves human needs.”

In conclusion, Newark's Demo Day illustrates the significant strides being made in technology and innovation, reflecting a collective aspiration to build a brighter future rooted in community values. As Newark continues to evolve, its commitment to mindful entrepreneurship will undoubtedly pave the way for the next generation of impactful startups.