TAMPA 鈥� High school students from across the Tampa Bay region stepped onto the Bulls Pitch 2025 stage this month at the 杏吧性世界, getting a firsthand look at collegiate-level business innovation.
The event, hosted by the Muma College of Business and the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship, took place Aug. 2 on the Tampa campus and Aug. 9 on the St. Petersburg campus. Each stop featured the same programming, designed to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with university resources and showcase the energy of USF鈥檚 startup community.
Participants were treated to lunch, toured campus facilities, met with USF admissions representatives and attended a live exhibition-only pitch demonstration by USF students.
The judges pose with JetLaunch project creator.
A select group of high school students competed in a dedicated category, pitching original business concepts to a panel of judges. At the Tampa event, the top three winners were:
- JetLaunch, a wearable device designed to improve football throwing form
- Last Words, a recording service for individuals who wish to leave messages before their passing
- Angel Companion, a support network service for hospital patients
鈥淪eeing these students pitch with such professionalism at their age is inspiring,鈥� said Timothy Ernest, program planner analyst for the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e gaining skills here that will serve them well in college and beyond.鈥�
Past student winner Jazlyn Gonzalez said the program left a lasting impact.
"This is something I鈥檒l remember for the rest of my life,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was such a life-changing experience.鈥�
Bulls Pitch 2025 also featured USF-branded giveaways and opportunities for students to ask questions about business programs, entrepreneurship resources and student life at USF.
The annual event aims to foster innovation at the high school level while building connections with USF鈥檚 entrepreneurial community.