Building the next generation of
High Tech founders.
We connect engineering students with the resources, mentorship, and capital to turn required research into real world startups.
Batch 1 (Spring 2026)
Acceptance Rate
Selection prefered to those who have done hobby projects, design things and for builders
Why HTSI?
High Technology High School is a school full of entrepreneurs. However, the gap between academic research and viable business is often too wide for students to cross alone.
HTSI is the bridge. We provide the infrastructure to take the ideas developed in the Research Class—a requirement for all students—and interview them for viability, scalability, and impact.
Selected teams receive guidance, workspace, and access to our alumni network.
Equity Taken
You keep 100% ownership of your company and IP.
For Students, By Students
A completely student-run initiative supported by faculty and alumni.
The Process
From Research Paper and Project to Product Launch.
Application & Interview
Submit your research proposal. Selected applicants undergo a comprehensive and thorough interview process to test technical feasibility and market understanding.
Incubation
Weekly meetings, mentor sessions, and build sprints. You focus on building; we focus on removing obstacles and providing guidance.
Launch
The program concludes with a showcase where you present your working prototype and business model to the HTSI community with support from members from the UN, FAANG, top startups and beyond.
Mentors
Our mentors include HTHS alumni, industry engineers, and successful founders. Click to learn more.
Ethan Yip
Co-founder @ Celestify | VC in Residence @ Lvlup ($300M AUM)
About
Helping founders turn ideas into traction and teams into systems that scale. Ethan brings a unique blend of venture capital insight and hands-on operational experience to HTSI.
Experience:
- Co-founder of Celestify
- Venture Capitalist in Residence @ Lvlup
- Former Venture + Ops @ Ultra (YC W24)
- Former @ CRDO & Constellation Technologies
- Mentor @ Nova Accelerator & High Tech Startup Incubator
"Along the way I've worn a lot of hats... from early startup operator to coding instructor to 50 kids. These experiences and skills shape how I think about analyzing and designing systems that actually work."
View LinkedIn Profile →
Ayden Pinto
Student Leader | Finance & Operations Specialist
About
Ayden is a proven student leader who excels at building communities, securing partnerships, and managing financial operations. His experience spans from wellness initiatives to competitive robotics, always focused on making opportunities accessible and impactful for students.
Leadership:
- President @ HTHS Wellness Club – Organized weekly yoga & stress-management sessions, recruited 30+ active members, launched annual "Wellness Challenge" during finals
- Chief Financial Officer @ NJ MEC Competition – Led team securing sponsorships from major tech companies, managed operations and social media, made robotics affordable and accessible
- President @ HTHS Finance Club – Teaches micro and macroeconomic courses, founded monthly Finance Club Newsletter, leads guest speakers and competitions
- President @ Manalapan Teen CERT – Leads community emergency preparedness through clothing drives, fundraisers, and First Aid classes
Ayden brings a systems-thinking approach to student organizations, combining financial acumen with a passion for creating meaningful experiences for his peers.
View LinkedIn Profile →
Henry Griffith
Co-Founder @ Coffee Pod Recycling Co.
About
Henry combines entrepreneurial leadership with hands-on engineering experience to promote sustainable solutions. As a student at High Tech, he demonstrates how technical skills and business acumen can address real-world environmental challenges.
Experience:
- Co-Founder & Managing Partner @ Coffee Pod Recycling Co. – Leveraging finance and engineering to create sustainable recycling solutions
- Engineering Intern @ Groome Industrial Service Group – Gained practical, hands-on engineering experience in industrial applications
- Euro Challenge Team A Leader @ HTHS – Demonstrated collaborative and analytical skills in competitive economics
- Director-designate of Events @ HTHS Finance Club
- Princeton University James Madison Program Summer Seminar – Focused on American Constitutionalism
Passionate about innovation, Henry employs practical engineering, financial, and strategic thinking to build solutions that create measurable environmental and social impact.
View LinkedIn Profile →Frequently Asked Questions
Apply to HTSI
The next batch begins in Fall 2026.