The Seattle chapter of the TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing its fifth global championship title in three years at the 2026 TYE Global Pitch Competition. The event took place from June 11-13, with over 35 teams from 27 chapters competing simultaneously in Bellevue, Washington, and Kerala, India.
The winning team, DuggAI, comprised of Skyline High School students Ashish Naik, Shaurya Duggal, and Kruthik Ankam, was awarded a $3,000 prize for their innovative AI solution that streamlines software development processes. Meanwhile, Team Hydrobin, representing Interlake High School, claimed third place and received $1,000 for their eco-friendly initiative aimed at converting ocean-bound plastic into reusable packaging.
This year’s competition underscores TYE's commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills among high school students, with support from over 25 sponsors and a dedicated group of 22 mentors from the local tech community. TYE has been providing students with valuable business-building experience for more than two decades, expanding its reach to over 40 cities globally.