New York, NY, March 9, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), a global education nonprofit that activates the entrepreneurial mindset in young people, today announced Herman Remy as the winner of the 2026 NFTE Founders Forum Pitch Competition. Presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), PayPal, and Zuora, the competition marked the culmination of NFTE’s Founders Forum Incubator Program for alumni entrepreneurs. 

Three founders pitched their ventures on March 9, competing for a share of a $10,000 capital investment pool designed to help accelerate their businesses. Herman Remy secured the top award of $5,000 for his venture Walker Industries, a technology and research driven company focused on immersive computing, secure systems, and next-generation XR platforms. Amylah Charles received $3,000 for her business Curly Crownz Hair Care, a natural hair care brand evolving into immersive pop-up experiences, and Inesh Tickoo earned $2,000 for his venture Opef.AI, a secure, auditable online system of record for environmental permitting. 

“NFTE alumni are turning entrepreneurial learning into real ventures that create value in their communities,” said J.D. LaRock, president & CEO of NFTE. “The Founders Forum is about helping promising founders take the next step—refining their strategies, connecting with experienced mentors, and gaining the confidence to pursue growth. The creativity and determination we saw from this year’s cohort reinforces why investing in young entrepreneurs is so important.” 

Since January 2026, a cohort of nine NFTE alumni founders has participated in the Founders Forum Incubator Program, engaging in workshops, receiving guidance from experienced business advisors, and refining their ventures in preparation for the final pitch event. Members of this year’s cohort also included NFTE alumni Solonia Allen, Demi McKinley, Arlina Yang, Taisiya Ivanchikova, Mohammad Abuzetun, and Cameron Marshall. 

Judges for this year’s showcase included Jevon Howell, founder of ShopHowell, NFTE alumnus, and winner of the 2022 Founders Forum pitch competition; Logan Jones, founder and CEO of ticker; Jaxon Love, Director of Social Impact & Sustainability at PayPal; and Danielle Ullner, Partner and Senior Venture Builder at EY-Parthenon. NFTE alumna Vanessa Matthew—brand strategist, performance marketer, and founder of Messaging Oracle—delivered the keynote address and alumna Indiraliz Gracia Camacho emceed the event. 

“At PayPal, we believe entrepreneurship does more than teach business skills — it builds the confidence and mindset young people need to create lasting opportunities for themselves and their communities,” said Marcy Scott Lynn, Head of Social Impact and Sustainability at PayPal. “NFTE’s Founders Forum connects young entrepreneurs with mentorship, practical tools, and investors so they can take the next step to transform early ideas into scalable ventures, and we’re excited to see this year’s winners carry that forward.” 

Read the event program for the culminating pitch competition here and view the replay on our YouTube Channel.  

### 

For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter-Miller, APR, 917-281-4362, at [email protected].   

About NFTE    

Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) brings the power of entrepreneurship education to learners, educators, and decision-makers so all young people can own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE leads the global movement for equitable access to entrepreneurship education. NFTE has educated nearly 2 million learners, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit nfte.com to learn more.    

NFTE’s latest Nexus policy brief explores Advancing Whole-Child Development Through Entrepreneurship Education. Around the world, students are experiencing rising disengagement and instability as traditional academic models are struggling to meet their broader developmental needs. Entrepreneurship education offers a meaningful response by helping young people build agency, confidence, and real‑world problem‑solving skills through hands‑on, relevant learning.

Drawing on insights from Aflatoun International, NFTE educators, and Playpreneur in Pakistan, the brief shows how experiential, student‑centered approaches strengthen emotional regulation, collaboration, and purpose across diverse contexts. These global examples demonstrate that when young people learn through doing, they develop the competencies needed to navigate uncertainty and shape their futures with resilience.

Read the Full Policy Brief

New York, NY, Feb 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) celebrates the remarkable creativity of young innovators around the globe with the announcement of the 2025-2026 Imagination League winners in the 15th annual World Series of Innovation. Youth ages 5-12 competed for a chance to win $600 in prizes to support their educational endeavors. 

“This year’s Imagination League winners remind us just how early creativity, empathy, and problem-solving begin,” said Dr. J.D. LaRock, President & CEO of NFTE. “These young innovators looked at challenges like financial literacy and inclusion and responded with ideas that are thoughtful, hopeful, and rooted in real-world understanding. At NFTE, we believe that when children are given the space to imagine solutions, they begin building the mindset they’ll carry with them for life.” 

NFTE also revealed the finalists for this year’s Impact League competition for ages 13-24, with winners set to be announced on April 21, 2026, at innovation.nfte.com. 

This year’s competition engaged nearly 4,000 young people ages 5-24 from 47 countries, tapping into the creative power of youth worldwide to design bold solutions to pressing global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—from the responsible use of AI to improving health, financial security, and opportunity for all. 

Imagination League Winners (Ages 5-12) 

This year, 353 young people from around the world participated in one of two Imagination League challenges. 

Aflatoun Better Together Challenge (SDG 10) 

• First Place: Regina T. with RuediCamas (Mexico)
• Runner Up: Yumna A., Afifa F, Aisyah Z. and Khaliqa R. with Good Habit Bank (Indonesia)
• Runner Up: Abdulaziz A. and Khalid M. with Arshidni (Saudi Arabia)

EverBank Little Savers Challenge (SDG 4) 

• First Place: Adithya D. with Needometer (USA)
• Runner Up: Aria S. with Rainbow Saver (USA)
• Runner Up: Amulya P. with Little CEOs (USA) 

Impact League Finalists (Ages 13-24) 

Worldwide, there is no shortage of emerging changemakers. The teens and young adults who competed solo or on teams in this year’s Impact League are among them. Their visionary ideas spanned six challenge categories sponsored by leading global organizations. While there is still a wait until the spring announcement of winners, NFTE is proud to unveil the Top 10 Impact League finalists in each challenge: 

CBT Tech Climate Solutions Challenge (SDG 13)

• SatSafe, South Korea
• Klean Generation, USA
• SmokeCast, Canada
• EcoGrid Solutions, USA
• Gravataí Support & Shelter Assist (GSSA), Brazil
• Front Condensation Filter, South Korea
• Water Desalination, Greece
• WasteWise, India
• Espérer, Bangladesh
• AERORA, Mexico 

Comerica Bank Skills for Success Challenge (SDG 4) 

• ElevatED Network, USA
• SkillBridge, USA
• SkillXpress, Bangladesh
• Orzo, USA
• Innovation Station Kits
• UniQuest, Kazakhstan
• EduPhysics, Kazakhstan
• EduVators, Afghanistan
• Align, USA
• Wobble Academy, USA 

 EY Responsible AI Challenge (SDG 16) 

• Open Platform for Environmental Frameworks (opef.ai), USA
• Jet2Integrate, Singapore
• Sickle Scope, USA
• AdaVox, USA
• Holmes, USA
• Nuevo, India
• Dorado, USA
• SasoGPT, USA
• PatchBot, India
• PoliAccess, USA 

 EverBank Financial Success Challenge (SDG 4) 

• Misaali, Pakistan
• MoneyQuest, Taiwan
• StockQuest Jr., USA
• TeenGo, Ukraine
• Finance Translated, USA
• Baltimore Literacy Investing Monetary Platform (BLIMP), USA
• SmartSpend, India
• GreenCoin1der, China
• SheCounts, USA
• WealthSpark, USA 

 MetLife Foundation Good Health & Well-Being Challenge (SDG 3) 

• Treet, Australia
• PureInk, China
• SpinaFlex, China & Türkiye
• VitaBridge, Macau
• SuGuard, Kazakhstan
• Bright Bikers, USA
• Navis, USA
• GaitMate, USA
• TTalks, USA
• CareBot, USA  

PayPal Opportunity for All Challenge (SDG 8) 

• Buzz Cart, USA
• Bridgr, USA
• BUSI, Vietnam
• LanchLoop, UAE
• Liftoff, USA
• StockSmart, USA
• Neighborly, USA
• FairHire AI, USA
• Sindy, Russia
• Kita, USA 

###   

For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter-Miller, APR, 917-281-4362, at [email protected].  

About NFTE   

Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) brings the power of entrepreneurship education to learners, educators, and decision-makers so all young people can own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE leads the global movement for equitable access to entrepreneurship education. NFTE has educated nearly 2 million learners, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit nfte.com to learn more.   

New York, NY, Feb 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) today announced the rebranding and expansion of its flagship challenge series into the NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase (The Showcase), a reimagined, multi-day international experience set to debut during the 2026-2027 school year as the global nonprofit approaches its 40th anniversary.

This new initiative underscores NFTE’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to entrepreneurship education worldwide. By unifying local, regional, U.S. national, and international pitch challenges into a single, cohesive experience, The Showcase elevates entrepreneurial learning while fostering global connections and the exchange of impactful ideas among young innovators.

“The Showcase was developed through the contributions of a staff task force, including team members who work directly with classroom teachers and students,” said Dr. J.D. LaRock, CEO of NFTE. “This initiative represents not change for its own sake, but a deliberate and substantive enhancement of the learning experience. It offers a more sophisticated and enriching framework for young innovators—integrating U.S. and world challenges, preparing youth for international collaboration, strengthening the connection between education and industry, and inspiring solutions that make a global difference.”

In addition to high-stakes pitch challenges, The Showcase will feature a Learning Lab that provides students with opportunities to build skills, refine ideas, and engage with peers and professionals from around the world. The event will also include student and alumni business exhibits, along with intentional networking opportunities for NFTE educators and global partners.

The road to the world stage in New York City begins with local and metro-area showcases. Students from NFTE programs, including Exploring Careers, Start Up Tech, Entrepreneurship 1, and Entrepreneurship Essentials, are eligible to participate. While some students will advance through a selective pitch competition, local and metro-area showcase participation is not limited to pitching teams. All students will take part in workshops, coaching sessions, and peer learning experiences, regardless of competitive status.

Teams that advance from local and regional showcases will compete in the U.S. challenge semifinals on Nov. 18, 2026. The top U.S. team will advance to the world finals on Nov. 19, where they will compete for the 2026-2027 NFTE Showcase Champion title against winning teams from more than 20 other countries.

The Showcase represents a fresh re-envisioning of NFTE’s hallmark competitions—the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge series and the World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge—and draws on the organization’s decades of expertise in designing experiential, student-centered learning experiences.

“The new global event reflects NFTE’s vision of a world where every young person, regardless of circumstance, can pursue entrepreneurial dreams,” said Stephanie Alvarado, NFTE’s Director of Global Programs. “By spotlighting youth innovation and promoting cross-border connections, the modernized event better prepares the next generation of leaders for a sustainable future and success in the global economy.”

To learn how your school can participate in the 2026-2027 NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase, email [email protected]. For media inquiries, contact Denise Berkhalter Miller, National Director of Communications, at [email protected] or (917) 281-4362.

About NFTE   

Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) brings the power of entrepreneurship education to learners, educators, and decision-makers so all young people can own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE leads the global movement for equitable access to entrepreneurship education. NFTE has educated nearly 2 million learners, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit nfte.com to learn more. 

A defining moment was the opening of NFTE’s exhibit, Powering Dreams: The Entrepreneur’s Journey, at the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream in Washington, D.C., located just steps from the White House. The exhibit brings NFTE students’ stories and aspirations to the national spotlight, reinforcing the power of entrepreneurship education to transform lives and communities.

Advancing systems change remained a central focus. Alongside a coalition of entrepreneurship education organizations, NFTE engaged leaders on Capitol Hill to advocate for equitable access to entrepreneurship education—furthering our founder Steve Mariotti’s vision that every young person should learn how to start a business.

NFTE’s influence also reached the global stage. At the World Economic Forum, we elevated youth entrepreneurship through panels on financial literacy and LGBTQ+ visibility, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, future-ready education in today’s economy.

This year marked the second annual celebration of NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Day, which received extraordinary recognition, including a Presidential letter from the Biden Administration and official proclamations from Dallas; Miami-Dade County, Florida; Massachusetts; Texas; and Washington, D.C. What began as a call to action has quickly become a movement, uniting communities around the importance of nurturing young innovators.

Our students’ creativity and ambition were showcased through the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge and the World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, with the latter hosted at the prestigious New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In April, NFTE was honored to ring the NYSE closing bell, a milestone moment for our organization and the young entrepreneurs we serve.

I also extend my sincere thanks to Michael J. Kacsmar, who concluded his service as NFTE Board Chair at the end of FY25. A board member since 2016 and Chair since 2019, Michael’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing NFTE’s mission.

Thank you for your continued partnership and belief in the power of young people to shape their futures through entrepreneurship.

Dr. J.D. LaRock
President & Chief Executive Officer
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)

The initiative reflects the Mott Foundation’s commitment to empowering young people with hands-on learning experiences and problem-solving skills. Students can submit their ideas from now until February 27, 2026.

As the Foundation celebrates a century of giving to promote a just, equitable and sustainable society, this challenge puts a national spotlight on the next generation of visionaries.

“Every young person has the potential to make a difference,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. “C.S. Mott’s innovative spirit made the Mott Foundation possible, so we’re honoring that legacy by equipping the next generation with essential 21st century skills: leadership, creativity and ingenuity.”

The competition is open to all K-12 students up to age 18 in the United States, either working solo or in teams of up to three. Participants will move through multiple stages, gaining opportunities to further develop plans to implement their solutions.

To enter the first round, students should submit a 30- to 90-second video pitch describing their new business idea or social initiative and the problem it solves. No prior experience, advanced technology or sophisticated video editing is required. More than 1,000 prizes will be awarded for the top video submissions. Judges will then select the top 60 entrants, who will receive an additional cash prize and be invited to attend a competition in Flint, Michigan, in June 2026. The top 60 also will receive additional coaching to strengthen their business plans or social solutions and will present their pitches before judges and peers for a chance to win larger prizes.

The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is funded by the Mott Foundation and powered by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, which will administer the competition in collaboration with VentureLab, Young Entrepreneur Institute, the Afterschool Alliance and Collaborative Communications.

“Young people are the world’s most powerful innovators,” said Dr. J.D. LaRock, NFTE president and CEO. “They see opportunities where others see obstacles and imagine solutions that can reshape entire communities. That’s why we view entrepreneurship education as essential, not optional. Students gain the mindset, skills and confidence to turn bold ideas into action and drive real change.” NFTE is leading the competition and collaborating with partners across the country to invite students in every state to see themselves as capable, creative problem-solvers who will shape the future.

Over the past decade, the Mott Foundation has supported organizations, including NFTE, YEI and VentureLab, to expand entrepreneurial experiences for young people by integrating entrepreneurship education into afterschool programming. The organizations collaborated with the Mott-funded 50 State Afterschool Network to help make this possible. From 2018 to 2024, more than 900,000 students participated in entrepreneurship programs supported by the Foundation. Students, parents, educators and youth program leaders can find submission instructions, resources and other key information for the Mott Million Dollar Challenge at: mottmillion.org. The deadline to submit ideas is Feb. 27, 2026.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Caroline Asiala, Communications Officer
[email protected]

About the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Automotive pioneer Charles Stewart Mott established the private charitable foundation that bears his name in 1926 in Flint, Michigan. The Mott Foundation supports and works with organizations in our hometown of Flint and communities around the world to promote a just, equitable and sustainable society. We make grants to nonprofit organizations working in our four areas of interest: youth engagement, the Flint area, environment and civil society. In 2025, the Foundation made 396 grants totaling more than $160 million. For more information, visit mott.org.

About Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship

Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) brings the power of entrepreneurship education to learners, educators, and decision-makers so all young people can own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE leads the global movement for equitable access to entrepreneurship education. NFTE has educated nearly 2 million learners, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit nfte.com to learn more.

NFTE’s latest Nexus policy brief explores Reframing Content Creation as a Pathway to Economic Mobility. As Gen Z comes of age during a period of economic volatility and rapid technological change, many young people are turning to content creation, digital ventures, and diversified income strategies as real pathways to financial independence and career development.

This brief draws on current research and the lived experiences of NFTE students and alumni to reframe influencers and creators as entrepreneurs—individuals who build trust, manage revenue streams, diversify risk, and adapt to fast-changing markets. It highlights how NFTE programs cultivate the entrepreneurial mindset, digital literacy, financial fluency, and AI awareness young people need to not just navigate today’s economy, but to lead within it.

The brief also offers policy recommendations for expanding and modernizing entrepreneurship education, protecting young digital earners, and building AI-ready creative and technical workforce pathways.

Read the Full Policy Brief

New York, NY, Nov. 22, 2025 — Global nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) announced the winners of its 2025 World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), PayPal, and Zuora with support from Certiport, a Pearson Vue company, and UBS. Held at the Delegates Dining Room at the U.N. in New York City, this event celebrated innovation, cross-cultural collaboration, and youth-led business leadership on a global scale. 

This year’s world champion title was awarded to Carla McDonnell, representing Foróige in Ireland, for her venture Vax Chill, a compact cooling solution designed to preserve livestock vaccines and reduce wastage in rural farms. McDonnell received a $5,000 grand prize to continue developing her enterprise. 

Two other ventures earned finalist honors and $1,000 prizes each: Đỗ Đức Anh Lê and Mai Anh Lê from the Global Citizen Education Group in Vietnam with their business idea Optimal Optics, a smart eyewear startup that combines robotics, AI, and health innovation to promote better everyday wellness, and Carlos Morret from Fundación E in Mexico with his business idea Tláloc, a digital twin for water networks designed to help Mexico—and the world—save water. 

The 2025 challenge brought together 34 student entrepreneurs from 13 countries across NFTE’s Global Innovation Network, including Adrian Bautista and Evan Perez from Rhode Island, winners of NFTE’s U.S. National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge with their business Color Your Life. Over the course of three days, students participated in workshops, coaching sessions, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset and global perspective. 

“The creativity and leadership these young entrepreneurs demonstrate each year is inspiring,” said Dr. J.D. LaRock, NFTE President & CEO. “Whether they’re tackling climate challenges, reimagining healthcare, or expanding access to technology, NFTE students are proving that entrepreneurial thinking transcends borders and drives meaningful change.” 

The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of VIP judges, including Steve Ho, EY-Parthenon Americas Media and Entertainment Leader; Emilia A. Ottoo, NFTE alumna, Production Assistant at Fox Archives, author, and Hip-Hop creative; Rich Porter, Senior Director of Product Management at Venmo (PayPal); Blain Rethmeier, Acting Director of Public Affairs at Aramco Americas; Vinny Romano, Private Wealth Management Vice President at Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC; and Tien Tzuo, founder and CEO of Zuora.   

For four years, NFTE’s World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge has championed equitable access to high-quality entrepreneurship education that transcends borders, while providing young innovators with a platform to connect, learn, and showcase ideas with the power to change the world. Schools, organizations, and other prospective partners interested in joining NFTE’s global network are invited to visit nfte.com/global or reach out to us at [email protected]. 

For media inquiries, please contact Denise Miller, APR, 917-281-4362, or [email protected].  

###  

About NFTE:  
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) brings the power of entrepreneurship education to learners, educators, and decision-makers so all young people can own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE leads the global movement for equitable access to entrepreneurship education. NFTE has educated nearly 2 million learners, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit nfte.com to learn more.  

Attachments

• NFTE World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion
  Carla McDonnell (Ireland) — Vax Chill, helping protect livestock vaccines on rural farms.
  
• 2025 NFTE World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Finalists
  • Đỗ Đức Anh Lê & Mai Anh Lê (Vietnam) — Optimal Optics, smart wellness eyewear.
  • Carlos Morret (Mexico) — Tláloc, conserving water through digital twin tech.

Today, during National Entrepreneurship Month, we shine a light on Juline Abdo, a teacher at Amal Nazareth in Nazareth, Israel. Not only has she made outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship education, but Abdo also believes that teaching entrepreneurship has propelled her professional growth.

“I began my career as a special education teacher and later expanded my teaching field to include mathematics,” she said. “Today, I combine both areas, while also serving as an instructor and the coordinator of the NFTE entrepreneurship project at our school.” Abdo gained key skills by embracing this new challenge in her career.

“This experience has greatly enriched me as a teacher and as a person, reinforcing my belief in the power of students to dream, create, and make an impact, ” she said.

Abdo teaches at a school that is part of NFTE’s Global Innovation Network (GIN)—a worldwide ecosystem linking schools, NGOs, funders, licensed partners, and institutions across 29 countries, all committed to expanding access to entrepreneurship education as a powerful economic engine. In Israel, NFTE partners with Unistream, which collaborates with the Amal Network—a leading educational organization. Amal Nazareth, part of this network, implements NFTE programs through Unistream, equipping students with essential entrepreneurial skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, opportunity recognition, and communication, while opening doors to global opportunities.

For the past four years, Abdo has led student teams in developing entrepreneurial projects that address real-world needs. Her students have consistently excelled in NFTE’s national competitions, earning second and third places with ideas that combine creativity and practicality. Among their standout projects:

• An innovative salon app that allows women and girls to preview hairstyles and colors before visiting a salon.
• A smart system to reduce traffic accidents near schools, using automatic protective posts synchronized with traffic lights.
• A smart medicine box with NFC tags and an alert app, ensuring timely medication reminders.

Her approach emphasizes hands-on learning and reimagining what’s possible.

“Each year, we develop an original entrepreneurial idea born out of a real need from our surroundings. My students consistently achieve impressive results, including second and third places in the national NFTE competitions, which fills me with immense pride.”

The impact has been profound, inspiring creativity and innovation.

“They were exposed to a whole new world of entrepreneurship. They learned to think creatively, solve problems, and express themselves. They went through a meaningful process of real-life practice, from developing an idea to presenting it in front of an audience and judges — a process that was demanding but also empowering and confidence-building.”

Abdo credits her success to collaboration and support:

“Throughout this journey, I was fortunate to receive tremendous support from the Amal Network team and from my principal, Issam Sheikh Suleiman, who has always believed in me and ensured we had all the resources we needed to succeed. I also want to acknowledge my wonderful colleague, Fiyad Mahamid, who has accompanied and supported me every year.”

Abdo said helping students develop an entrepreneurial mindset has been “fascinating, challenging, and full of learning.” She reflected on being chosen for NFTE’s educator spotlight and said: “Being recognized as an outstanding teacher in the NFTE program is, to me, a tribute to our shared efforts—the spirit of entrepreneurship and the meaningful learning we nurture every day at our school.”

Stay tuned for the next NFTE Voices: Educator Spotlight featuring an educator who inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators and problem-solvers. Submit nominees to [email protected]. In the meantime, explore the NFTE Global Innovation Network (GIN).