Bluffton Middle School students recently put their creativity, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial thinking on display during the annual Shark Tank Competition.
As part of the project, students worked to develop their own business concepts, create business plans, and prepare professional presentations designed to convince a panel of local business leaders—serving as the competition’s “Sharks”—to invest in their ideas. Throughout the process, students learned valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, marketing, communication, financial planning, and public speaking.
To help prepare for the event, students had the unique opportunity to participate in a Zoom session with Jamie Siminoff, founder and inventor of Ring Doorbell and a well-known entrepreneur who first introduced his product on the television show Shark Tank. Siminoff shared insights about innovation, overcoming challenges, and turning ideas into successful businesses.
After presenting their business ideas to the panel of Sharks, the top five teams advanced to the final round, where they presented their businesses on stage in front of their peers and judges.
At the conclusion of the competition, Landon Byers was named the 2026 Bluffton Middle School Shark Tank Champion for his business, LB’s Laser Craft. Landon impressed the judges with his business concept, presentation skills, and entrepreneurial vision, earning the top honor among a strong field of student innovators.
The Shark Tank Competition continues to provide Bluffton students with meaningful real-world learning experiences that connect classroom learning to future career opportunities. The event highlights the creativity, confidence, and innovation that students develop through project-based learning and community partnerships.
Bluffton Exempted Village Schools would like to thank the local business leaders who served as Sharks, Jamie Siminoff for sharing his entrepreneurial journey, and all of the students who participated in making this year's competition a tremendous success. Pirate Nation is proud of the hard work, creativity, and professionalism demonstrated by every participant.