Middle School Entrepreneurs Pitch Their Inventions in the Tartan Tank

As part of the Middle School’s grade 8 science project unit, four teams of students presented their original problem-solving products to a group of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs last week—just like the hit TV show Shark Tank.

The Tartan Tank welcomed nine students to the Hurlbut Theater stage. The innovations they pitched stemmed from the grade 8 science projects that were completed in January. While students could do projects using the more traditional scientific method, science teacher Eric Harrington also encouraged the development of prototypes using design thinking that fulfilled a need and tapped into students’ entrepreneurial spirit.

Those entrepreneurial-based projects were considered for the Tartan Tank, an event created by Mr. Harrington that spotlights products and “pitches” them to investors. The students had 10 minutes to demonstrate their idea, explain its benefits and answer questions from the panel. Afterward, both the judges and the audience picked winners.

“Mr. Harrington’s interest in helping students see science and engineering as a vehicle to solve problems was the inspiration for this real-world competition,” said Jeneen Graham, St. Margaret’s academic dean. “It was exciting to watch our students defend their products and answer the most challenging questions about research and potential funding sources. The students are learning to engage deeply with science and engineering, to think creatively, to problem-solve, to communicate ideas effectively and to persevere in the face of challenge.”

The Tartan Tank was organized by Mr. Harrington with volunteer support from Umar Bajwa ’05 and Justin Phan ’04. Mr. Bajwa and Mr. Phan are St. Margaret’s alumni and successful entrepreneurs interested in advancing the teaching of entrepreneurial skills to students at St. Margaret’s. They worked with Mr. Harrington and the students throughout the school year to set up speakers, judge projects and help run the Tartan Tank.

“Umar and Justin’s active involvement in this project was tremendous,” Dr. Graham said. “They dedicated so much of their time despite being busy with their own businesses. They care so much about St. Margaret’s and our students, and we are very lucky to have the talent of our alumni supporting this program.”

Buzz Trap, an idea pitched by Espen Garner and Logan Wojcik, ended up winning top honors. It is a 3D-printed mosquito trap affixed to a drone that allows for testing of mosquito-borne illnesses in hard-to-access areas. Espen and Logan demonstrated the idea, explained possible future partnerships with vector control agencies and shared the long-term vision of their product.

The two won a $500 grant for further development of their product, an amount generously donated by St. Margaret’s alumni. Stride Pacers, a data-collecting running shoe sensor presented by Tommy Colglazier, Connor Eiserman and Trey Milo, was selected as the audience choice through a text-message vote and received a $100 grant courtesy of Tartan alumni.

The other ideas pitched were Purple, an app created by Daniella Karras and Lauren Mather devoted to helping children learn to budget and manage finances, and Forget Me Not, an app developed by Taylor Nock and Karen Gayed featuring customizable activities and brain exercises designed to help elderlies dealing with Alzheimer’s and other memory-affecting illnesses.

“I thought the students did a great job articulating their innovation and sharing their passion for their project,” Mr. Harrington said. “Speaking to four successful venture capitalists on stage in front of their fellow students is not easy, but these students stepped up to the challenge and really impressed me.”

 

Their ideas were judged by Sean Cowell, partner at Townsgate Media; Robin Pimentel, partner at K5 Ventures and UCLA Venture Fund; Ahmed Chaudhary, CEO of Quintus Capital; and Robert Healy, managing partner at L Squared Capital Partners.

The Tartan Tank is one of the early implementations of entrepreneurial studies on campus, which aligns closely with the school’s Strategic Plan.

 “We are so thankful for the passionate leadership of Eric Harrington in creating Tartan Tank, and the dedicated support of our loyal alumni for their help,” said Assistant Head of School for Strategic Initiatives Ryan Dahlem.  “A priority in our Strategic Plan is to increase opportunities for entrepreneurial learning experiences, and this is a tremendous example to build upon.  The creative energy and excitement of Tartan Tank foster a mindset in our students that they have the ability to develop their own ideas as innovators and gamechangers.”