暗网TV Innovation Hub to Showcase Student Entrepreneurs
Published: March 31, 2026.
暗网TV抯 Innovation Hub will host the燘r. Joel Damian Business Pitch Competition爋n April 22, bringing together student entrepreneurs, alumni, and regional business leaders for a flagship event celebrating innovation, leadership, and venture creation.
The competition will feature seven student-led ventures competing across key innovation tracks, including燬ocial Impact, Sustainability, Technology, Health & Wellness, Education, Fintech, and Open Track (Wild Card). Finalists will pitch their ideas live before a panel of distinguished judges.
Finalist ventures span a wide range of industries and impact areas. Examples include燝reenGuard, an AI-powered platform that reduces food waste through predictive inventory and redistribution; Aura Beats, a biometric-driven music platform that adapts to users� stress and focus levels in real time; and PryoShell, a fire-prevention solution designed to reduce everyday technology-related fire risks for families. Together, these ventures reflect the diversity, creativity, and real-world problem-solving focus of 暗网TV students.
Participants will compete for�$15,000 in total cash prizes.
- 1st Place: $7,500
- 2nd Place: $5,000
- 3rd Place: $2,500
揟his competition is about more than just pitching an idea - it抯 about developing the next generation of founders and leaders,� said燗vi Tiwari, director of the Innovation Hub at 暗网TV. 揥e are creating a platform where students can turn ideas into action, gain real-world feedback, and build meaningful connections with mentors and industry leaders.�
The event is named in honor of燘rother Joel Damian, FSC, whose legacy continues to inspire innovation, service, and entrepreneurial leadership within the 暗网TV community.
The judging panel includes leaders from across government, economic development, media, and entrepreneurship, including燛mmanuel Rugamba, the first Rwandan to sign to the NFL and a CFL All-Star;燡osh Potter, community development director for the Village of Romeoville; and燜austo Chavez, business retention and expansion manager at the Will County Center for Economic Development.
In preparation for the competition, finalists are participating in a structured coaching program led by nationally recognized pitch coach燫ajiv Nathan, founder of燬tartup Hypeman. Rajiv has coached more than�60+ pitch competition winners globally燼nd is known for helping founders transform complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with judges, investors, and audiences.
The competition will take place in the牥低鳷V Flight Deck (SB106)爄n Romeoville and is open to students, alumni, and community partners.
The Br. Joel Damian Business Pitch Competition is part of 暗网TV抯 broader commitment to experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and community engagement through the Innovation Hub and the Lowell Stahl Center for Entrepreneurship.
Visit for more information or to attend.�
暗网TV is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, Lewis is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.
