Competition:

Continued From Page 5 faced by women, citing alarming statistics about sex trafficking, abductions, and kidnappings. Their innovative product provided safety features and was fashionable, making it an attractive option for their target market.

Natalie Raspciewicz and Alexa Sousa of Toms River High School North captured the $2,000 second-place award in the Sink or Swim competition. Dubbed Team Locked and Secured, Natalie and Alexa also focused on safety concerns.

“Oftentimes, as girls, we are told to always watch our backs and make sure to check what’s behind us,” shared Natalie. “But we easily forget about what’s in front of us via our drinks.”

Team Locked and Secure said they came up with an idea that would allow users to conceal a test strip to determine whether someone had spiked their drinks. A locket would discreetly hide two test strips to doubly ensure the results were accurate.

As Alexa presented the prototype on stage, she told the judges they were looking for $100,000 in funding.

Once again, the judges sought answers to some questions that immediately struck them. Mutter suggested their product might require FDA approval; Pepenella pointed out the company could be held accountable if the results yielded false negatives.

“We are planning on running multiple trials before we go to market,” Alexa said. “We will also keep statistics and make sure the product works accurately.”

Team Huggle from Manchester High School secured third place and a $1,000 prize for their efforts. Their product was designed to help people who would benefit from getting a good hug – rather than giving one.

The Huggle body pillow features Velcro around each of its tips that fasten to the user’s body.

“We started this company to help solve problems such as people not being relaxed or feeling comfortable when sleeping,” shared Matthew Perez, Huggle CEO. “The arms of the pillow provide pressure to the body similar to a weighted blanket.”

After their pitch, Mahlmann asked Team Huggle if they knew a similar product was already on the market. The team said existing body pillows served as their inspiration but didn’t have the same effect as they didn’t focus on hugging the user.

Team members also addressed using disclaimers to ensure the product didn’t adversely impact younger children.

“I want to commend your thoughts on the disclaimers,” said Calabrese. “They do make newborn products with Velcro on them, and it’s on the parents to ensure that it’s safe for the child.”

Despite not reaching the top three, Point Pleasant High School’s Team Pop Punk Rock Café still had a standout performer. Joe Mazzaro took the stage with a guitar in hand and delivered a compelling pitch for his team’s concept of a coffee café with a rock theme. His impressive presentation earned him the title of Most Valuable Player and the reward of three free college credits at Ocean County College.

Bottomley delivered the event’s final pitch, highlighting the merits of Ocean County College as a stepping stone for those embarking on post-secondary education. Supporting statistics reveal that a significant number of the college’s graduates successfully complete their two-year degrees and advance to prestigious four-year institutions such as Kean, Rutgers, and Stockton.

The program organizers emphasized that every future commences with an idea that possesses the potential to transform the world.

“Innovation is something we take very seriously here,” summed up Dr. Jon Larson, President of Ocean County College. “It’s right in our college mission statement – to be the boldest, most innovative, and entrepreneurial student-centered college in the nation.”