Texas Tech Innovation Hub and STEM CORE team up to inspire tomorrow’s business leaders.
It started with a question: What problem do you want to solve?
That spark ignited five days of discovery, design, and daring pitches as 45 students in 4th-9th grades became founders-in-training during the second annual Shark Tank Jr. summer camp, hosted by the Texas Tech Innovation Hub in partnership with STEM CORE.
From the moment they walked through the doors, campers stepped into the world of entrepreneurship. On Day 1, students took a tour of the Innovation Hub and met real startup teams working inside the building. Innovators from NemaLife greeted the young guests and even handed out custom 3D printed souvenirs, offering a glimpse into biotech entrepreneurship. Later that week, Innovation Hub tenant Tyler Chiriboga surprised campers with 3D printed shark fidget toys, a favorite takeaway from the experience.
With guidance from the camp’s four fierce “Momma Sharks”, Allison Eubanks and Morgan Farrell from STEM CORE and Ryan Bain and Kathryn Dankesreiter from the Innovation Hub, students formed teams, brainstormed ideas, and jumped headfirst into building their very first businesses. Campers chose their own teammates and passions; leading to creative and personal solutions like an expandable shoe that grows with your foot and a household chore robot to make life a little easier.
Each day brought something new: sketching prototypes, testing materials, developing business models, and learning how to tell a story that sells. By midweek, students had crafted their Business Model Canvases, practiced pitch delivery, and prepped for their big moment.
Friday’s Pitch Day turned the Innovation Hub into a high-energy, mini Shark Tank. Students presented their business ideas to a panel of local experts:
- Dr. Lauren Sullivan, Assistant Dean, TTUHSC School of Nursing
- Levi Johnson, Director of TrUE at Texas Tech
- Arie Williams, TTU Accelerator participant and founder of Check Up Sports
Each team stood confidently before the judges, answering questions and sharing their ideas with passion. Whether they built a product, pitched a service, or dreamed up tech solutions, the campers demonstrated innovation, leadership, and the kind of bold thinking that defines the Red Raider spirit.
This year’s program was made even more special thanks to the generosity of our sponsors: CampusLive, Adventure Park, Stars & Stripes Drive-In, and the TTUHSC School of Nursing, who provided giveaways and experiences that made this week unforgettable. Programs like Shark Tank Jr. are more than summer fun- they’re a powerful introduction to problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. And for these young innovators, it’s only the beginning.