Newark’s innovation scene took center stage on October 14 at the Newark Museum of Art, as founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts gathered for Newark Demo Day, a flagship event of Newark Tech Week. This year’s showcase highlighted the theme of the “Mindful Revolution,” celebrating startups that prioritize human well-being, ethical practices, and sustainable innovation. The event was presented by Audible, Newark Alliance, Invest Newark, Prudential Financial, New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), Lair East Labs, Rutgers University, HAX, NJEDA, and AlphaROC, underscoring the city’s collaborative ecosystem for entrepreneurship. For more coverage of technology and innovation across New Jersey, Explore Technology and visit InvestNewark.org.
Hosted by Chris Witherspoon, CEO of Popviewers and NBC Entertainment contributor, Newark Demo Day featured 20 early-stage startups from New Jersey and beyond, with 10 companies selected to pitch live before a panel of industry judges including NJIT’s Dr. Kathleen Naasz, HAX’s Joseph Oliveira, and Forum Ventures’ Lauren Roberts. The pitches spanned a wide range of sectors, including fintech, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and community-focused technology.
The grand prize of $5,000 went to Orgo, a Newark-based startup founded by Zoya Lehrer. Orgo is transforming how sports families manage hectic schedules by offering the first shared calendar platform built specifically for youth sports logistics. Integrating team schedules, prep and travel times, and carpools into a single interface, Orgo empowers families to stay organized, on time, and fully connected. Lehrer, reflecting on the win, emphasized that Orgo was born from real-world challenges faced by sports families and aims to support parents so more children can stay engaged in athletics longer.
Penelope and Counter were also named finalists for their standout presentations, demonstrating innovative solutions in workforce development and financial technology. Other live pitching startups included Plain Sight, VacayIt, Clarista, Simsi, Seismi, OppyAI, and Pitrade, each tackling pressing challenges in sustainability, AI, and community engagement. Several ventures, such as Seismi and Pitrade, exemplified the event’s commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious technology, offering solutions for sustainable supply chains and waste management.
Speakers throughout the event highlighted the unique growth of Newark’s innovation ecosystem. Aaron Meyerson, Chief Innovation Economy Officer at Invest Newark, praised the event for showcasing the talent and potential of New Jersey tech companies, while Citi Medina, Founder of EqualSpace, emphasized how startups grounded in purpose and inclusion are shaping the city’s future. Emily Manz, Invest Newark’s Chief Business Development Officer and founder of Newark Tech Week, noted that Demo Day has become a critical platform for collaboration, visibility, and entrepreneurial growth within Newark.
Corporate supporters highlighted their commitment to fostering innovation in the city. Aisha Glover, Global Head of Urban Innovation at Audible, lauded the event for promoting technology that strengthens communities, while Nina Edwards, VP of Emerging Technology and Innovation at Prudential Financial, underscored Prudential’s dedication to Newark’s economic and technological development.
Newark Tech Week, founded in 2013, has evolved into a five-day celebration of technology and culture, drawing more than 2,000 participants and hosting 18 events citywide in 2025. Newark Demo Day serves as a cornerstone of the week, giving startups the opportunity to gain visibility, secure funding, and connect with mentors and collaborators in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
This year’s event demonstrated that Newark’s tech ecosystem is not only growing in scale but also in impact, highlighting ventures that put people and sustainability first. By fostering startups like Orgo, Pitrade, and Seismi, Newark continues to establish itself as a hub for technology that serves both communities and the broader economy.
Invest Newark, the city’s economic development corporation, plays a pivotal role in cultivating this innovation ecosystem, supporting small businesses, improving digital infrastructure, and facilitating real estate development. Through initiatives like Newark Demo Day, the organization continues to champion equity, sustainability, and opportunity, positioning Newark as a leading city for entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of technology.
For more on the latest tech innovations and startup news across New Jersey, Explore Technology and visit InvestNewark.org.
