New York – October 27, 2026 -- The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has advanced Isla Hughes of Ipswich High School in Massachusetts to the U.S. National Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase on Nov. 18, 2026, at the New York Marriott Marquis, with Nova Guide, an adaptive AI study co-pilot for students with executive function challenges.
Hughes will represent New England against top student founders nationwide
Hughes was selected as the top venture at the New England Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase from a pool of student-led businesses. NFTE credits her innovative thinking and persuasive pitch delivery.
At the national event, she will compete with top student entrepreneurs from across the country. The winner advances to the World Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase on Nov. 19, 2026, at 787 Seventh Avenue in New York City.
Corporate judges from EY US, Mass General Brigham Health Plan and Santander scored the pitches
The judging panel included Michael Azzollini, Partner at EY US; Victoria-Leigh Parisi, an NFTE alumna and Digital Product Lead at Mass General Brigham Health Plan; and Angel Burgado, VP and Community Partnership Manager at Santander.
Jennifer Green, NFTE New England's Sr. Manager, Programs, said the showcase reflects the ingenuity seen in regional classrooms and that participants are building adaptability, confidence and problem-solving skills.
EY US named Corporate Volunteer of the Year as NFTE New England recognizes contributors
NFTE New England named Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) its Corporate Volunteer of the Year. Mark Andrade received Individual Volunteer of the Year honors, and Jodie Woodruff of The MET School was named New England Teacher of the Year.
Five presenting sponsors back the regional event hosted by The Boston Foundation
The Boston Foundation hosted this year's showcase. Presenting sponsors were EY US, the G-Unity Foundation, PayPal, Santander and Zuora, with additional support from Britebound.