During the 2025 tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition, half of the teams who advanced to the live presentation round were from the Greater Hazleton Area. Sharan Parikh and Rishi Patel, both of MMI Preparatory School, created HealthHue, the first biodegradable, color-changing bandage made from bamboo and hemp that uses turmeric to detect infections early, offering an eco-friendly, affordable solution for better wound care. We caught up with them to learn more about the experience so far.

Tell us what motivated you to enter the competition.

Sharan Parikh: I’ve always been passionate about business, and this competition gave me a great opportunity to challenge myself and learn more about entrepreneurship.

Rishi Patel: I’ve always been interested in finance and hope to own a business one day, so this felt like the perfect step toward that goal.

What does it mean to you to represent the Hazleton area?

SP: It’s awesome to represent Hazleton. This community has a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, and I’m proud to show what students here can accomplish.

RP: It means a lot. I’m not just representing myself – I’m also representing the teachers, family, and friends who’ve helped shape me. Their support is reflected in everything I do.

Why is this opportunity meaningful to you?

SP: It’s a chance to apply what I’ve learned, get valuable feedback from professionals, and sharpen my business skills. It feels like a big step toward achieving my future goals.

RP: This gives me a hands-on look at what running a business really involves. I’ve learned so much – from researching on my own to getting guidance from mentors – and I’m grateful for all of it.

Can you reflect on your journey so far in the competition?

SP: The process has been an incredible learning experience. From creating our idea – Bio-Reactive Bandages – to advancing as semi-finalists, we’ve learned to take feedback seriously and grow as entrepreneurs.

RP: It’s been both challenging and rewarding. Our advisors taught us about the impact of sales strategies like retail versus wholesale and helped us fine-tune our financial projections and pitch deck. Their support has been key to our team’s success.

What advice would you give to students thinking about competing next year?

SP: Start early, do your research, and seek feedback from mentors. It’s not just about having a cool idea – you need to make it work and explain it well. Stay passionate and enjoy the ride.

RP: Plan carefully and stay ahead of the game. Extra research pays off and helps avoid unnecessary stress. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel moving forward in your business journey.

For more information about tecBRIDGE’s High School Business Plan Competition, contact Jocelyn Sterenchock at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..