Three Crown Point High School students won first place in the 2026 PNW Big sell for their GluCare invention.
Simrah Khan led the 6-minute pitch of the wearable device that helps manage blood sugar levels in diabetics. Khan, Aseel Salameh and Emily Alahmad developed the invention as part of the PLTW Biomedical Innovations class, taught by science teacher Amanda Czyszczon.
Schools that participate in the state's Project Lead the Way network can offer the class that gives students opportunities to innovate healthcare solutions.
The team earned the contest's top prize of $10,000. The top three innovations were awarded seed funding. Low Angle presented by Kenneth Webster won second place and $3,000. The ANT Tool presented by Aaron Farrer earned third place and $1,000.
“The PNW Big Sell continues to showcase the incredible entrepreneurial talent emerging throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond,” said Alexandra Moran, assistant professor of practice in Management at PNW, in a press release. “What makes this event especially meaningful is that it not only provides seed funding but also creates a launchpad for entrepreneurs to receive feedback, build connections and gain confidence in presenting their ideas.”
Winners were chosen from 10 finalists by a panel of judges May 2 at PNW’s Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center in Hammond. The competition was hosted by the PNW College of Business.
Judges included Allyson Straka, founder and CEO of Frozen Garden; Jason A. Williams, CEO of the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest; and Landon Young, vice president of pre-seed at Elevate Ventures.
Learn more about the PNW Big Sell competition here.
