Houston ISD students pitch businesses at NRG Arena in 'Hustle Tank' competition

May 21, 2026 - 12:27

Some Houston ISD students will take over NRG Arena Wednesday night, not for a basketball game or a concert, but to pitch businesses they built from scratch. The event, called "Hustle Tank," gives young entrepreneurs a chance to present their ideas to a panel of judges, similar to the TV show "Shark Tank." Students from several high schools across the district have spent weeks developing products, creating marketing plans, and practicing their sales pitches.

The competition is part of a broader push to teach real-world skills inside the classroom. Organizers say the goal is to help students understand what it takes to start a company, from budgeting to customer service. Each team gets a few minutes to convince the judges that their business deserves funding. Some of the ideas this year include food products, clothing lines, and tech services.

Winners will receive money to help launch or grow their ventures. For many students, this is the first time they have presented in front of a large audience. Teachers and mentors have been working with them to build confidence. The event starts at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.