Orgo wins top prize as Newark’s innovation community celebrates purpose-driven startups
Newark, New Jersey – Newark Demo Day 2025, a key highlight of Newark Tech Week, convened founders, investors, and innovation leaders on October 14 at The Newark Museum of Art, positioning the city at the forefront of “technology that puts people first.” Supported by influential partners including Audible, Newark Alliance, Invest Newark, Prudential Financial, NJII, Rutgers University, HAX, NJEDA, Lair East Labs, and AlphaROC, this year’s theme the “Mindful Revolution” emphasized innovation that prioritizes human well-being, ethical development, and sustainable progress.
Twenty emerging startups from New Jersey and beyond took part in the event, with ten selected for live on-stage pitches before a panel of respected judges: Dr. Kathleen Naasz of NJIT, Joseph Oliveira of HAX, and Lauren Roberts of Forum Ventures. The competition highlighted solutions across AI, fintech, sustainability, and community-focused technologies.
The grand prize of $5,000 was awarded to Orgo, a Newark-founded startup led by female entrepreneur Zoya Lehrer. A participant in Audible’s Business Attraction program, Orgo is transforming youth sports coordination with the first shared scheduling platform built specifically for sports families. By integrating team calendars, preparation and travel time estimates, and carpool planning into a single real-world itinerary, Orgo helps families stay aligned so more young athletes can stay engaged in the game. Startups Penelope and Counter were named finalists for their impressive presentations.
“We’re honored to be recognized at Newark Demo Day,” said Lehrer. “Orgo was created to solve a daily challenge experienced by millions of sports families. Our goal is to make time more visible and collaboration simple so kids can focus on playing while parents manage life more easily.”
The celebration also spotlighted Newark’s momentum as a rising innovation hub. “Founders here are creating impactful technology that strengthens communities and delivers inclusive growth,” said Aaron Meyerson, Chief Innovation Economy Officer at Invest Newark and Newark Alliance. Event organizer Citi Medina, Founder of EqualSpace, emphasized how far Newark’s startup culture has developed — powered by collaboration, purpose, and diversity.
Newark Tech Week, launched in 2013 by Invest Newark’s Chief Business Development Officer and Director of Marketing, Emily Manz, has expanded into a five-day series with more than 2,000 participants and 18 events citywide each year. “Newark Demo Day is now a launchpad for visibility and partnership,” Manz noted. “It reflects Newark’s welcome to entrepreneurs who want to make a difference.”
Audible’s Global Head of Urban Innovation, Aisha Glover, and Prudential Financial’s Vice President of Emerging Technology and Innovation, Nina Edwards, echoed strong commitment to supporting Newark’s innovation future, celebrating the next generation of founders shaping a more vibrant, equitable city.
With purpose-driven entrepreneurship on the rise, Newark Demo Day continues to showcase how innovation and community progress can — and should — grow together.
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