Third place and a $20,000 prize went to Nashua-based KudosWall, which automates student achievements into an online portfolio and resume.

Crowd favorite Nikhil Vootkur, an eighth-grader at the Academy for Science and Design in Nashua, pitched the merits of Nashua-based KudosWall during the competition at Dyn in the Millyard.

People note their achievements and experiences on Facebook or put keepsakes in boxes stored in their attic, he said. But with KudosWall, parents, for example, can manage a child's portfolio until the kid is old enough to handle it on his own.

"At KudosWall, we believe that every student needs a resume, and that is why we've tried to make sure that every student can have one," said the teen, the company's designer and co-founder.

The basic features are free, but the company monetizes the idea by selling premium enhancements, such as templates.

Before wrapping up his five-minute presentation, the 14-year-old turned his back to the crowd and held up his smartphone to take a selfie with the audience.

"Now, before I go, I want to remember this moment forever, which is why I'm going to put it on KudosWall, so if everyone can just smile for a second, say kudos," he said. "I'm going to post it on KudosWall and just like that, it's on my portfolio."

THOMAS ROY/UNION LEADER