Mission EDC Hosts Sharyland ISD’s Inaugural INCubatoredu Pitch Competition at the CEED

MISSION, TEXAS – Sharyland ISD students took center stage on Friday, May 1, during the district’s inaugural INCubatoredu Pitch Competition, hosted at the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) in partnership with the Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC).

Sharyland ISD is the first school district in the Mission area to implement the INCubatoredu program, marking a significant step forward in expanding hands-on entrepreneurship education for local students.

Led by Mrs. Monica L. Kaufmann, Director of Career & Technical Education (CTE) for Sharyland ISD, the INCubatoredu program empowers students to develop and launch real business concepts through a year-long, hands-on entrepreneurship curriculum. Students work alongside local mentors, build business plans, and gain practical experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world application.

During the competition, student teams AIRE, Prime Patch, Planit, Mealify, and Thermobox presented original ventures, showcasing innovation, market research, and problem-solving skills developed throughout the program.

Two teams advanced for further consideration:

• AIRE, represented by Rodrigo Garza and Ignaki Martinez of Sharyland High School
• Thermobox, represented by Natalia Espinoza, Alex Flores, Ayden Flores, and Israel Briere of Sharyland Pioneer High School

All teams submitted pitch videos for the next round of evaluation, with finalists to be selected by May 22 for an opportunity to compete at the national level.

The competition was evaluated by a panel of local leaders and industry professionals, including Mission EDC staff and community partners. Judges included Brianna Casares, Programs Director at Mission EDC; Stephanie Mendiola, Business Development Director at Mission EDC; Jacqueline Bazan, Program Coordinator for Market Lab at UTRGV; Christie Gonzalez, Founder of InnerSpark Performing Arts and 2024 Ruby Red Ventures Pitch Competition winner; and Mark Hanna, commercial real estate advisor and CCIM broker. Their expertise provided students with valuable feedback and real-world insight into business development and market strategy.

“This is what it looks like when students are given the opportunity to lead, create, and think beyond the classroom,” said Teclo J. Garcia, CEO of Mission EDC. “These experiences are critical in helping students build confidence and develop the skills they’ll carry into the workforce and future business ventures.”

More than a competition, the event marked a milestone for students who spent the year building, refining, and believing in their ideas. Through the support of Sharyland ISD and its partnership with Mission EDC, the program continues to create space for student innovation to grow and thrive.

For more information on the INCubatoredu program, please visit https://www.unchartedlearning.org/blog/2026-incubatoredu-national-pitch