A group of high school students from Naperville has developed and successfully pitched a self-watering planter, earning first place at a local entrepreneurship competition. The project, named Plant Pal, emerged from a process of rapid prototyping and refinement aimed at creating a compact and efficient gardening solution suitable for homes with limited space.

The team, which met frequently both during and after school, initially grappled with the planter’s size. Early prototypes were too large to fit comfortably in smaller living areas. Co-founder Solanki described the iterative process, noting they produced a new prototype roughly every week, often utilizing their teacher’s 3D printer until access became limited. To overcome this challenge, the students collaborated with a professional product designer outside their school who assisted with 3D printing each design iteration until they achieved a satisfactory model.

As the spring semester progressed, the team shifted focus from engineering to refining their business pitch. They rehearsed extensively in class and during additional practice sessions, worked on presentation materials, and sought ways to distinguish themselves from other competitors. Their efforts culminated in winning first place at the District 203 INCubatoredu Pitch Night, where judges were impressed by the innovative concept and execution. One judge reportedly described the presentation as “amazing” and was left speechless.

Beyond the competition, the team has seen continued interest in Plant Pal. According to project member Burke, the product has garnered over 300 preorders. The group also established a partnership with The Growing Place, a local gardening store in Naperville, through which customers can purchase the self-watering planter.

For the students involved, the project has provided valuable experience beyond technical development and sales. Burke reflected on how the process challenged their perceptions of teenage capability, reinforcing the idea that young entrepreneurs can successfully create and market their own business ventures.