During the the 2026 tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition, four of the five finalist teams came from the Greater Hazleton Area. Sharan Parikh and Rishi Patel, seniors from MMI Preparatory School, came up with PyroPath, an AI-powered smoke detection network that uses multi-sensor technology to monitor heat and smoke levels throughout a house or a building and actively calculate the safest escape routes. To recognize this achievement, we spoke with them to learn more about their journeys. 

For those who may not know you, please share your full name, the school you represent, and why you chose to participate in this year’s competition. 

Sharan Parikh: Hi, I’m Sharan Parikh from MMI Preparatory School. As I prepare to study Finance at New York University this fall, this competition felt like the perfect introduction to the kind of work I hope to pursue. It gave me a chance to apply my interests in a real-world setting, and after such a strong experience last year, I was excited to come back and push myself even further this year 

Rishi Patel: Hi, I’m Rishi Patel from MMI Preparatory School. I still remember the first time I heard about tecBRIDGE in our school cafeteria. The in-depth business competition really intrigued me as someone stuck between going into Medicine and Finance. I came back this year because the High School Business Plan Competition opened up a whole new world of business for me… and to defend my title, of course! 

How does it feel to represent the Hazleton community? 

Sharan Parikh: It’s honestly a great feeling to represent my school and the Hazleton community. I’m really thankful for all the support and guidance I’ve received, and this is a chance to show how much that’s helped me grow. 

Rishi Patel: Knowing that MMI is counting on us, and that friends and family are wishing us well, puts the pressure on. Being able to show up and show out for a whole community is an awesome opportunity. 

What does this opportunity mean to you? 

Sharan Parikh: This experience stands out to me not just for what I’ve learned, but for how much it’s helped me grow. It’s something I’ll bring with me into college, and it gives me a strong foundation to build on as I continue working toward my long-term goals. 

Rishi Patel: This opportunity isn’t just a one-time thing. It gave me knowledge through experience, along with guidance from some amazing mentors. The ideas I’ve created and the skills I’ve learned will stay with me far beyond school or college and follow me into the real world. 

Can you describe your journey to reaching this stage of the competition? 

Sharan Parikh: My journey began last year when my partner and I entered the tecBridge High School Business Plan Competition, where, with the guidance of our mentors, Mr. Lisman, Mrs. Sterenchock, and Mrs. Perez, we learned how to turn an idea into a real business, ultimately winning with our company, HealthHue. This year, we returned with a stronger mindset and a new venture, PyroPath, applying what we learned to refine our approach, grow as entrepreneurs, and advance to the finalist round again while building skills in pitching, research, and adaptability. 

Rishi Patel: I remember my first year. At every meeting I felt underprepared, and by presentation day I couldn’t shake the nerves. Even on stage, I could feel the butterflies in my stomach through the first few slides of our deck. This year, however, we came in a little overconfident and moved at a slower pace. Toward the end, we were reminded how much effort it really took to win. In that moment, my partner and I realized that if we wanted to cement ourselves and MMI in HSBPC history, we would have to work twice as hard. We had ups and downs creating HealthHue and PyroPath, but we walked away having built something we are proud of, win or lose. 

What advice would you give to students interested in joining the High School Business Plan Competition next year? 

Sharan Parikh: A great way to prepare is by reaching out to people who’ve already been through the competition and even connecting with real business owners. Hearing how past participants approached it and learning from experienced entrepreneurs gave me a clearer sense of what to expect and a different perspective on building a business. That kind of insight can really set you apart going into the competition. 

Rishi Patel: Research. Look into every nook and cranny of information you can and truly understand your role. If you take the time to do this, you will have earned something far greater than a trophy: knowledge. 

For more information about tecBRIDGE’s High School Business Plan Competition, contact  Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com.