• 2024 Spark! Tank Pitch Contests

    Budding entrepreneurs from Parkway and Rockwood School Districts showcased their business ideas during the annual Spark! Tank pitch competition, held at Maryville University on November 20, 2024. Fourteen student-led businesses competed for startup funding, with five earning support to launch their ventures.

    Funding for the competition was made possible through generous donations from Maryville University, Waterway Carwash, and the Parkway Alumni Association.

    The grand prize winner, David Moss, a senior at Marquette High School, wowed the judges with his groundbreaking idea, Green Near Me. The innovative platform addresses the growing demand for sustainable consumption by offering consumers customized sustainability plans and connecting them with environmentally-focused businesses in their local area. With 80% of consumers eager to prioritize sustainability, Green Near Me empowers individuals to take actionable steps toward a greener future.

    Other winners included Winner's Circle Fan Gear founded by Ty Kuehl (Parkway West) and Dalton Pagel (Parkway Central); Safe Harbor founded by Laya Krishnakumar and Janu Kambli (both Parkway West); The Jug founded by Jay Vyas, Ben Nelson, and Ryan Hancock (all Marquette); and Plate Pledge founded by Winson Gao and Alex Bateman (both Parkway West). 

    Spark! Incubator provides high school students with experiential learning opportunities, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in business. 
Spark! Tank