Northeast Indiana

STARTedUP Challenge 2026: Region Five

Ten student teams from northeast Indiana will compete for a spot in the Challenge Finals this June. The event will bring together government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and family members to support and celebrate these young innovators.

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Event address:
1 University Ave,
Angola, IN 46703

🗓️ April 30, 2026

⏰ 9AM - 1PM EST

📍Fabiani Theatre

Hosted by:

Parking Map
- Adams
- Allen
- DeKalb
- Elkhart
- Huntington
- Kosciusko
- LaGrange
- Miami
- Noble
- Steuben
- Wabash
- Wells
- Whitley

See all 2026 Scholarship Opportunities

Meet the Finalists

FrontLine Exterior Cleaning

FrontLine Exterior Cleaning provides professional pressure washing, soft washing, and window cleaning services to keep homes clean and damage-free while donating a portion of revenue to the Veteran Endowment Fund of DeKalb County.
Owen Holt
Dekalb High School
Website
Gamefowl Tagging

Gamefowl Tagging marries NFC/RFID leg band technology with animal health data so that farmers have better access to vital information that enhances both the quality of their operations and the health of the animals.
Saul Badillo
Amp Lab
Timber and Cocoa

Timber & Cocoa brings high-quality, customizable hot chocolate to Fort Wayne’s winter events through a mobile beverage cart, giving cold-weather crowds a warm, memorable treat they can count on.
Caleb DeGood
Carroll High School
Bomber Bolt

Bomber Bolt delivers a high-strength repair solution designed to solve a persistent problem in climbing gyms - the time-intensive, inconsistent, and often repeated failure of replacing and fixing T-nut holes.
Liam Gypson
Amp Lab
Do You Know Disabilities?

Do you know disabilities aims to help teach everyone about all types of mental and physical disabilities, helping people with disabilities feel more seen and also help eliminate bullying.
Austyn Johnson & Susan Anderson
Dekalb High School
BJ's Windows & More

BJ's Windows & More is a window cleaning business based in Fort Wayne, Indiana that specializes in customer service and providing a wide range of accompanying services.
Bryson Baney & Jordan Sheppard
Amp Lab
Reese Olivia Creative

Reese Olivia Creative offers custom designs through embroidery and painting, turning personal ideas into meaningful, one-of-a-kind creations, all for His glory.
Reese Streicher
Carroll High School
Website
The Green Mender

The Green mender is an easier to use ball mark fixer that is more affordable and convenient than others.
John Grimm
Dekalb High School
BotMall

BotMall is a collection of quick, AI-powered games designed to spark fun, laughter, and real connection with the people around you.
Isaiah Clark
Amp Lab
Website
STWRD

STWRD is an app that connects hard working teens with trustworthy homeowners who need help with small jobs around the house.
Joel Montiel, Owen Bradshaw & Daniel Montiel
Concord Community High School

Agenda

Check in and take your seat!
The audience will be welcomed by a representative from Trine University and hear from the CEO of the STARTedUP Foundation, Don Wettrick.
The ten student teams will pitch their business concepts/ideas. Teams will pitch in the following order:
1. FrontLine Exterior Cleaning
2. Gamefowl Tagging
3. Timber and Cocoa
4. Bomber Bolt
5. Do You Know Disabilities?
6. BJ's Windows & More
7. Reese Olivia Creative
8. The Green Mender
9. BotMall
10. STWRD
Food will be provided to the teachers and competitors as the judges deliberate on the pitches. Nearby restaurants and Trine’s dining hall are available for all guests to grab something to eat during this time.
The top team will be recognized and invited to participate in the STARTedUP Challenge Finals!