New York, NY– October 20, 2026 – The Entrepreneurs’ Organization of New York City (EO New York City) hosted its annual Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) competition on Friday, October 16, 2026. Ten student founders from across the U.S. competed for a $2,500 grand prize, the title of “New York’s Top Founder of 2026,” and the opportunity to represent New York in the U.S. National Competition in Austin, Texas, on February 4, 2027.

The competition took place at the EO House in New York City, where the 10 student founders presented a five-minute pitch for their business to a panel of judges. Selected from a strong pool of applicants from the New York City area and beyond, these founders represented the following schools: New York University, Fordham University, Baruch College, City College of New York, University of Pennsylvania, Pace University, SUNY Cortland, University of South Florida, and University of Southern California. The competing student businesses ranged from wearable neurotechnology to vegan cosmetics, maternal health products, and youth public speaking coaching.

Student founder Xiyan Zhu of NYU Stern earned first place with her business, MilkShaker, a hands-free wearable device to help address common breastfeeding challenges such as clogged milk ducts and mastitis. She will advance to represent EO New York City at the GSEA National Competition in Austin, Texas on February 4, 2027. Ghalia Aamer of the University of Pennsylvania earned second place with her business, TalkMaze, and Nicholas Skjeveland of Pace University earned third place with his business, Pace Cleans. Each student winner received a cash prize to support the growth of their business.

“We are proud to support the next generation of founders as they pursue the same path many of us took, and to offer the guidance and encouragement that helped us along the way,” said Paul Smith, President of Entrepreneurs’ Organization New York City. “We’re grateful to everyone in New York’s entrepreneurial community who helped spread the word and connected us with student founders. Your support helped bring this impressive group of entrepreneurs together, and we’re excited to have found New York’s 2026 Top Student Founder, Xiyan Zhu! We cannot wait to see what these exceptional young business leaders do next!”

Through the annual competition, GSEA and EO New York City aim to support the next generation of entrepreneurs by fostering connections between emerging founders and experienced business leaders. As a global competition for university and college students who own and operate businesses, GSEA provides opportunities for recognition and professional growth while helping early-stage businesses reach their potential. Acting as a premier partner in the NYC entrepreneurial ecosystem, EO New York City is proud to host the student founders who are building impressive businesses while earning their degrees.

For more information about Entrepreneurs' Organization and GSEA, please visit https://eonetwork.org/gsea/?scLang=en.

About EO New York City
Since 1998, EO New York City has seen respected business leaders and influencers across a broad range of industries and sectors expand their businesses for the better. Our 200+ EO NYC members collectively drive over $970 million in annual sales with more than 12,500 employees. All of us at EO New York City are passionate about what we do and why we do it. As entrepreneurs, we are ready for change, willing to ask the hard questions, and weigh calculated risks. It’s what we know. For more information, visit their website or connect on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

About GSEA
The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards is the premier global competition for university students. GSEA is designed to inspire students to stretch themselves as the future’s leading entrepreneurs and bring their businesses greater global visibility. GSEA was founded at the John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University in 1998. Since that time, GSEA strives to honor those students who achieve so much as both students simultaneously attending university full-time and running their own businesses. To maximize student experiences and give them access to a global network of mentors, resources and business connections, EO took on leadership of the GSEA in 2006. For more information visit: https://eonetwork.org/gsea/.

About Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)
Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a global, not-for-profit membership community of 20,000 leading business founders and owners, representing more than 100 countries and 220+ chapters worldwide. Founded in 1987, EO helps entrepreneurs move the world forward by unlocking their full potential through the power of trusted connections, leadership development, and premier learning opportunities that support the whole person. For more information or to get involved, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and visit our website:www.eonetwork.org

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