NYC Gazette

A team from Yeshiva University High School for Girls, known as Central, has won Yeshiva University's 2024 Innovation Challenge. This marks the first time a high school team has secured the top prize in this prestigious business competition.

The six-person team developed a "smart cane" designed to assist individuals who are blind by providing real-time navigational and onsite information. The competition took place on May 8 at the Beren Campus, where the Central team competed against other teams comprised of Yeshiva University students.

The Innovation Challenge encourages participants to collaborate on original business ideas and develop them into viable companies over several weeks. On May 8, the teams presented their concepts to a panel of judges from the business community. The Central team emerged victorious, receiving $1,600 in seed money to support their new venture.

Bracha Rutner, Head of School at Yeshiva University High School for Girls, attributed the team's success to their clear and straightforward presentation. "Their presentation was simple, clear and straightforward," Rutner said. "They were clear in what they were saying and the judges responded. We had CEOs of companies wanting our girls to apply for internships. It was an amazing experience."

The winning team members are Camryn Brunner, Sarah Galanti, Maya Goykadosh, Ma’ayan Kotkin, Emily Segall, and Hudis Schnur. They were mentored by Marci Karoll (Director of Technology), Ruth Fried (Chair of the Science Department), Bracha Rutner (Head of School), and Dean Michael Strauss (Dean of YU’s Sy Syms School of Business).

Reflecting on her students' journey, Ruth Fried stated: "The learning journey that my students went on to compete in the Innovation Challenge exemplified project-based learning at its best. My students researched the challenges faced by students who are blind, including interviewing Rabbi Michael Levy, a man who has been blind since birth. They designed a prototype of their smart Blue Cane, pitched it to business leaders, and are currently in discussion with a patent attorney to understand their next steps. I could not be prouder of this incredible group of 9th-grade students.”

The annual Innovation Challenge is sponsored by the YU Innovation Lab, Sy Syms School of Business, and the Shevet Glaubach Center for Career Strategy and Professional Development.