2025 tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition Local Participant – Kiyan Paknezhad
During the 2025 tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition, four of the eight teams that presented in the live presentation round were from the Greater Hazleton Area. One of our area’s participants, Kiyan Paknezhad of MMI Preparatory School created EmPower. This is an affordable, 3D-printed myoelectric prosthetic hand — called the MK1 H.A.N.D.— designed to offer full finger mobility and customizable features, making advanced prosthetics more accessible to those in need. To celebrate this accomplishment, we connected with Paknezhad to learn more about them.
For those who may not know, tell us why you’re participating in this year’s competition. My school, MMI Prep, has taught me everything I know about presenting and business—and that’s a big part of why I’m participating this year. I want to represent my school in a positive light and gain more knowledge to support next year’s tecBRIDGE competitors, especially since our school only started participating last year.
I also want to improve my skills in delivering business presentations. Most of my past experience has been with school or science presentations, which are very different. Business presentations require more finesse and a strong understanding of your audience, whereas science presentations are often just reciting information. I want to grow in critical thinking and audience engagement.
