SharkMakers 2025–26 Season Registration – Now Open!

Previously known as Next Gen Tech 360 (NGT360)

PHU Students: Ready to Build, Innovate, and Lead?

SharkMakers is a bold evolution of the award-winning NGT360 program—built to empower students to think like innovators, create with purpose, and launch real-world solutions that drive impact.

What is SharkMakers?

SharkMakers is a five-month, hybrid youth innovation accelerator where high school students design a technology-driven business or product, validate it with real users, and pitch to industry leaders—earning scholarships, recognition, and access to top-tier opportunities.

Rooted in the 10-year success of NGT360, SharkMakers brings an upgraded curriculum, a more powerful innovation pipeline, and a national spotlight on youth entrepreneurship.

Program Benefits

• Entrepreneurship & Tech Innovation: Build a real business from idea to prototype.
• Leadership Development: Learn project management, product design, storytelling, and strategic thinking.
• Career Exposure: Work with mentors, executives, and local companies.
• Competition & Awards:
• 1st Place Team: $10,000 scholarship
• Final Pitch: Present to Kevin Harrington (Original Shark from Shark Tank)
• National Stage Opportunity: Winners will again be invited to present at major events (2025–26 location announcement coming soon).
• Alumni Network: Lifelong access to internships and career pathways within our business community.

2025–26 Season Theme

“Build for Impact: Technology That Changes Lives”

Each team will design a technology solution addressing a real-world problem—continuing the program’s celebrated commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, social impact, and future-ready innovation.

Program Structure

• 5-Month Cohort (Dec–May)
• Hybrid Learning: Asynchronous online modules + in-person workshops
• Hands-On Workshops: Hosted across Tampa Bay businesses
• Professional Mentorship: Industry experts guide each student team
• Final Pitch Night: Live stage competition with judges, investors, and media

Who Should Apply?

Motivated, curious, and creative high school students who want to:

• Build something real
• Strengthen their leadership skills
• Work with mentors and entrepreneurs
• Compete for scholarships
• Make an impact in their community

No experience required—just passion, commitment, and big ideas.

Kickoff & Workshop Locations

• Kickoff: One Urban Centre, 4830 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
• Workshops: Rotating locations across Tampa and Pinellas business partners

Registration

SharkMakers 2025–26 Student Registration – NOW OPEN

PHU’s Legacy of Excellence (NGT360 → SharkMakers)

Palm Harbor University High School has consistently been one of the top-performing schools in the program, now entering an exciting new era under the SharkMakers brand.

2024–25

• 2nd Place – Dyscover
  Sophia Hernandez , Jenna Alandary & Mathilda Jansson
• Intern Award & Hall of Fame Inductee – Lauren Churchill

2023–24

• 1st Place – New2Fit
  Ajitesh Busireddy, Leonard Seto Jr., Ryan Qu
• 3rd Place – Shelf Sense
  Andrew Barkman, Harsith Kollipara, Trevor Foster, Luke Leininger

2022–23

• 2nd Place – Logic Calendar
• 3rd Place – Ninja Tax
• Intern Award – Lauren Churchill

2021–22

• 1st Place – Hydrodisc
• Ambassador Award – Alex Kranias

2020–21

• 1st Place – Green Print

2019–20

• 1st Place – Climatrek
• 3rd Place – Team Barcc

2018–19

• 1st Place – Team Insite

PHU has also earned multiple Awards of Distinction across all years of participation.

About SharkMakers

SharkMakers is the next evolution of the Next Gen Tech 360 program, created by nonprofit Connect-IT 360. Over the last decade, the program has impacted more than 1,500 students across the Tampa Bay region, awarded over $155k in awards helping young innovators build products, and pursue meaningful futures.