From Wearable Tech to Robots: Students Pitch Big Ideas at Our Shark Tank Competition

Judges listen to students David Vega, Alan Ortiz, Daylan Alcala from the OFY Duarte charter as they present their product called Pulse Vision - a device that lets visually impaired fans experience soccer in real time through vibrations.

On April 24, 2026, dozens of junior high and high school students gathered at the newly opened Redlands offices of Enchanted Education to participate in a Shark Tank-style entrepreneur competition designed to immerse students in the realities of business development, innovation, and investment strategy.

Students and staff coordinators from Options For Youth (OFY) and Opportunities For Learning (OFL) Charter Schools spent weeks preparing for the event, refining product concepts, developing marketing strategies, researching target audiences, and practicing professional-level presentations in anticipation of Pitch Day.

A total of 18 student teams from local OFY and OFL campuses located throughout Southern California pitched original business and service ideas before a panel of judges representing a wide range of professional business experience. Throughout the competition, students were challenged not only to present their concepts, but also to engage in high-pressure question-and-answer sessions and live negotiations with judges acting as potential investors.

Designed to mirror authentic entrepreneurial experiences, the competition evaluated teams in several categories including presentation quality, product innovation, customer and market understanding, and investment potential.

“We wanted to create a memorable experience for our students with a real Shark Tank style stage, music, special guests, and a celebration of their creativity,” said Dr. Charles Pak, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. “Through workshops and hands-on preparation, students built confidence, learned real life skills, and had the opportunity to share their ideas with our sharks. It was truly a special day that made our students feel proud, valued, and inspired.”

In addition to the formal pitches, Enchanted Education, a STEAM Education and Career Exploration company supporting schools and school districts in reaching their educational goals, facilitated a series of collaborative business activities that challenged student groups to solve service-based problems and redesign existing products to make them more marketable and profitable.

"Watching the students put themselves out there like that and take ownership of their ideas is going to pay off in ways they can't yet see,” said Bill Tynan, Director of Student Programming. “We love this kind of learning because it gets students engaged in the actual work and that's what we think helps them see more real possibilities for their future."

Innovative Student Concepts

Several student-created products stood out for their originality and practical application.

One team introduced Nanovex, a soft silicone posture patch designed to help individuals who spend extended periods working in front of screens. The wearable device adheres to the neck and uses vibration technology to alert users when poor posture is detected.

Another team pitched VirtYou, an innovative eyewear concept utilizing electrochromic technology to allow users to change the color of their eyeglass frames based on mood, weather, social events, or personal style preferences.

The Winning Idea: Omni-Tray Technologies

Winner of the Shark Tank competition, Valeria Betancourt, an OFY Fontana 2 student, presents her product, Omi-Tray Technologies, to the panel of judges.

The competition’s top honor went to OFY Fontana 2 student Valeria Betancourt for her business concept, Omni-Tray Technologies. The idea centered around autonomous food delivery robots designed for hotels, hospitals, and nursing care facilities. The robots would safely transport meals while maintaining proper food temperatures through built-in temperature-controlled compartments.

“Being part of the Shark Tank competition was an amazing experience because it allowed me to combine creativity with my passion for nursing and healthcare,” said Valeria. “Working with the judges also helped me grow as a young entrepreneur and gain confidence in bringing ideas within my field of study to life."

Heather Nylander, a teacher and Shark Tank team coordinator at Options For Youth, had this to say: “The judges were kind, fun, and did a great job putting the students at ease. It was awesome to see all of the Options For Youth and Opportunities For Learning students showcase their hard work, innovative inventions, and creative business presentations. I had a blast, and I’m really proud of the students for all the effort they put into their projects.”

Looking Forward

For many participating students, the event served as an introduction to the realities of entrepreneurship and business development. For others, it became an opportunity to test long-held aspirations of entering the business world with their own innovations and ideas.

“This experience gave students an authentic glimpse into what innovation and entrepreneurship really look like,” said Dr. Pak. “More importantly, it showed them that their ideas, creativity, and voices have value.”

Organizers hope to continue expanding future entrepreneurial opportunities that connect classroom learning with authentic industry experiences and career exploration.

About Options For Youth and Opportunities For Learning
Options For Youth (OFY) and Opportunities For Learning (OFL) are fully accredited, tuition-free public charter schools serving students across California. Committed to personalized learning and flexible education, OFY and OFL provide individualized instruction and adaptable scheduling to meet the unique needs of each student. Through career pathway programs, STEM opportunities, and experiential learning experiences, students gain hands-on skills that prepare them for college, career, and lifelong success. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving, OFY and OFL empower students to explore their passions, build confidence, and achieve their educational and professional goals.