Star Harbor Convention Center.
Monday morning.
The main auditorium was already full long before the formal opening began.
Rows upon rows of seats stretched toward the central stage.
More than five hundred people could fit inside the hall, and today, almost every section was occupied.
School students.
University teams.
Independent founders.
Young entrepreneurs.
Experienced startup builders.
Mentors.
Faculty escorts.
And dozens of people who had traveled from different parts of Haven for one reason.
Sterling Launchpad.
At the center of the stage stood a large presentation screen, almost like the one inside a movie theater.
Sterling Foundation branding filled the background.
Soft instrumental music faded.
The lights dimmed slightly.
Then the host walked onto the stage.
Applause began immediately.
The host smiled.
"Good morning, everyone."
The auditorium responded warmly.
He waited for the sound to settle.
Then raised the microphone.
