News » Carmel Catholic Graduate Named International Startup Finalist

Carmel Catholic Graduate Named International Startup Finalist

We are proud to celebrate Carmel Catholic Class of 2026 graduate Jason Sun, who has been named a finalist in the prestigious Alibaba CoCreate 2026 Work AI Youth Challenge, an international startup competition recognizing the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs.

Jason and his collaborator, Johanna Hart, a recent graduate of Wauconda High School, co-founded Intrea, a biomedical startup focused on developing a biomimetic skincare solution that supports the skin's natural healing process and helps reduce acne-related discoloration and scarring.

The two first met while participating in a physician shadowing program at Advocate Condell Medical Center, where they discovered a shared passion for medicine, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Over the past several months, they have worked together to develop Intrea, earning recognition as one of only two U.S. teams selected among the global college-aged finalists.

This fall, they have the opportunity to advance to the global finals, where they could pitch their company before investors, mentors, and industry leaders for a share of more than $1 million in prize funding.

Jason will continue his academic journey this fall at Duke University, where he will study biomedical engineering while pursuing his long-term goal of becoming a physician.

Congratulations, Jason! Your curiosity, innovation, and commitment to improving the lives of others embody what it means to lead with purpose. The entire Carmel Catholic community is cheering you on and can't wait to see what comes next.

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