Talent Sourcer

Industry competitions spark Tufts innovation. May 21, 2026 Student creativity was on full display at two recent SharkNinja events: the Jailbreak EDU Hackathon and the SharkNinja Innovation Challenge. Even before they graduate, Tufts students are making waves in the real world. At two recent SharkNinja competitions, students ranked among the top-placing teams, demonstrating the innovative spirit that thrives at Tufts University. SharkNinja Jailbreak EDU Hackathon Brings AI to the Fore "This was my first hackathon, so I did not really know what to expect," M.S. in Engineering Management (MSEM) student Kapil Vetrivel shared. At the SharkNinja Jailbreak EDU Hackathon, he was joined by undergraduate students Jonah Porat and Nancy Yang, A26, and MSEM students Abishek Verma, Gargi Kadam, and Aditya Kumar Singh. The event is an extension of SharkNinja's annual employee hackathon where the employees suspend their regular operations to address problems set by the company. Thirty-five students joined seven multi-university teams to develop solutions for SharkNinja. After less than 48 hours of intense focus, teamwork, and development, Verma's team came in first place, and Vetriviel and Porah's team followed closely behind in second. Both teams focused on how they could use AI to support the company's growth. Verma's team designed White Space Explorer, an AI tool that blends patent data, venture capital funding information, social media, and SharkNinja's own company data to identify new areas where the company could develop products. The technology can filter for different geographic regions, funding levels, number of complaints items have gotten online, and more. If executives want to learn more about a particular category, they can engage with the chatbot embedded in the White Space Explorer tool. Vetriviel and Porah turned their attention to products the company already sells. Their project, called Point of No Return, offers a two-pronged approach to reduce the rate of product return for the company. First, their AI-based dashboard combines data scraped from the internet and social media sites with internal product return data to evaluate why customers return specific items. Second, the team created an AI-based questionnaire to guide customers to the correct product for their needs during the buying process. Although they focused on the SharkNinja vacuum line, their tools could be implemented to assess a wide range of products. Both Vetriviel and Verma joined the Master's in Engineering Management program with a goal of pivoting their careers. Through opportunities like the SharkNinja hackathon, they've put their skills to the test. "That was one of the reasons I did not go for a traditional MBA, because I did not want it to focus specifically only on the management part," Verma explained. "I wanted to understand the engineering part as well. I chose Tufts specifically because it has a legacy of engineering management courses." The pair felt prepared for the competition thanks to their graduate-level coursework. Tufts Gordon Institute's courses like Customer Discovery and AI electives in the Department of Computer Science gave them the skills they needed to contribute to the top-performing projects at the event. Speaking about the AI elective course, Verma said, "I had some basic understanding from that course of how I can quickly prototype AI, what the limitations are, and how I could overcome those limitations." This foundational knowledge made Verma a valuable member of the winning team. Tufts Team Pitches Design at SharkNinja Innovation Challenge The Tufts team that participated in the SharkNinja Innovation Challenge felt similarly about how their coursework prepared them for the competition. "Much of the formative design process was framed through a lot of the human factors stuff that I've learned in classes," M.S. in Human Factors Engineering student Sruthi Manivannan said. Working with undergraduate students Christina Roberts, Nancy Yang (both A26) and Adam Mitchel, E26, the group pitched their unique matcha machine, called Matcha Luxe, to SharkNinja, ultimately earning second place in the SharkNinja Innovation Challenge. The challenge was launched in 2025 in partnership with MassChallenge. Compared to other models, Matcha Luxe retains traditional elements such as the chasen - or bamboo whisk - to froth the matcha powder, while creating a modern and efficient experience for matcha-lovers on the go. Although using a bamboo whisk brought on additional design challenges, like making sure the whisk could be removed for easy cleaning and would remain food safe for multiple uses, the team found during their user discovery process that students enjoyed the traditional elements of the matcha-making process. They used those findings to guide their design. "That methodology was really helpful when talking to people and making sure that our product was aligned with actual users rather than just making something up," Manivannan observed. The project applied human factors to real-world product design, something that Manivannan had been looking for when she enrolled in a master's program at Tufts. "I wanted to broaden my understanding of human factors, not only to software domains, but also to physical domains," Manivannan said. "Joining the master's in human factors program was a good opportunity to learn more about how human factors can be applied to physical devices, like medical devices, or consumer goods, like Matcha Luxe." Along the way, faculty members like Elaine Chen, Cummings Professor of the Practice in Entrepreneurship and Director of the Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts, helped the group refine their pitch. "A lot of the professors are not just professors in academia full-time, but also work, so they present a kind of different view on how this stuff can be applied in a working setting," Manivannan explained. Chen's practical knowledge helped the team create a compelling pitch that stood out among their competitors. The competition may be over, but the work on Matcha Luxe is just beginning. The team plans to develop their project alongside a team at Northeastern University over the summer, with a goal of building a working prototype. Synergy Between Students and Industry Both competitions highlight the powerful exchange of ideas between universities with a strong entrepreneurial spirit like Tufts and top technology companies like SharkNinja. At the events, Tufts students had ample opportunity to receive mentorship from current employees and network with other students. As high-ranking teams, Verma, Vetrivel, and Porah presented their ideas to the SharkNinja CEO, the Chief Design Officer and the Chief Innovation Officer at Jailbreak EDU. Their interactions with SharkNinja employees and students sparked connections that have lasted long after the events. "I met the chief of staff of the CEO at the hackathon," Verma recalled. "She shared her story with me, and I feel that I have been somewhat guided towards what I need to do next," he said. Manivannan echoed, "I felt like I learned a lot from the other teams as well, just by seeing how they went through their design process." After the hackathon, Vetrivel received an offer letter to complete a co-op with the company, which he plans to begin in the fall. SharkNinja creates and delivers high performance technology to consumers worldwide. With headquarters located in Needham, Massachusetts, SharkNinja products are sold by over 180 retailers around the globe. Their products range from vacuums and blenders to beauty devices and outdoor grills. Based within Tufts University's School of Engineering, Tufts Gordon Institute (TGI) develops leaders from across the university community. With undergraduate minors and graduate programming, TGI draws students from across the university to tackle real-world challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship. Their cross-disciplinary approach enriches how students learn about applied business and incorporates technical expertise, strategic thinking, and human insight.

Ninja SLUSHi Twist quietly listed on SharkNinja website: new two-flavor Frozen Drink Maker spotted. * Originally published May 2, 2026 * Last updated May 2, 2026 SharkNinja has quietly listed the new Ninja SLUSHi Twist on its U.S. website, revealing a 144 oz smart frozen drink maker that can make two different slush drinks at the same time and twist them together into one drink. Here's what Sizzle and Sear know so far about the unannounced Ninja SLUSHi Twist FS701BR. Disclosure: Product links, including Amazon links, will take you to its affiliate partner websites. Sizzle and Sear may earn a commission on purchases. SharkNinja has quietly added a new product listing to its U.S. website, and it looks like a major addition to the SLUSHi lineup: the Ninja SLUSHi Twist. The new machine is officially listed as the Ninja SLUSHi Twist Smart Frozen Drink Maker, 144 oz, Crema, with model number FS701BR. It has not been officially announced yet, but the SharkNinja product page already includes several key details about the Ninja SLUSHi Twist, including its two-vessel design, Dual SlushAssist technology, 144 oz tank size, and ability to twist two frozen drinks together. At the time the listing was found, the Ninja SLUSHi Twist was marked out of stock, which suggests SharkNinja may be preparing for a launch. What is the Ninja SLUSHi Twist? The Ninja SLUSHi Twist is a new smart frozen drink maker designed to make two different slush drinks at the same time. That is the biggest difference between the Ninja SLUSHi Twist and previous Ninja SLUSHi models. Instead of making one batch of one drink, the Ninja SLUSHi Twist appears to function like two SLUSHi machines in one. According to the product listing, users can slush and serve two different drinks at once or twist them together for mixed frozen drink combinations. That means the Ninja SLUSHi Twist could be used for combinations like: * margarita and piña colada * blue raspberry and lemonade * cola and cherry * strawberry and mango * adult drink on one side and a kid-friendly drink on the other For entertaining, that is a meaningful upgrade. The Ninja SLUSHi Twist is not just about making more frozen drinks. It is about making more choices at the same time. Ninja SLUSHi Twist has two SLUSHi vessels. One of the clearest details on the product page is that the Ninja SLUSHi Twist is described as: "2 SLUSHi machines in 1." That wording strongly suggests the Ninja SLUSHi Twist has two separate vessels, allowing two drinks to be made at once. This is likely the feature that gives the machine its "Twist" name. The Ninja SLUSHi Twist can make two frozen drinks separately, then combine them into one twisted drink. That could be especially appealing for people who want layered or swirled frozen drinks without needing two separate machines. Ninja SLUSHi Twist uses Dual SlushAssist Technology. SharkNinja describes it as: "One button. Perfect slush. Every time. No guesswork. No manual programs." The listing also says Dual SlushAssist Technology senses ingredients in each vessel and automatically adjusts temperatures so both drinks come out properly. That matters because different drinks freeze differently. A soda slushie, milkshake, frappé, margarita, and higher-alcohol cocktail all have different sugar, dairy, water, and alcohol levels. The Ninja SLUSHi Twist appears to be designed to adjust each side independently, which could make it easier to get consistent results from two different drinks at the same time. Ninja SLUSHi Twist is faster than the original SLUSHi. The listing says: "No ice needed. Just pour, press, and slush - faster than the original Ninja SLUSHi with no watered-down flavor." Like other machines in the Ninja SLUSHi line, the Ninja SLUSHi Twist does not require ice. Instead of blending ice into the drink, it freezes the liquid directly. That should help preserve flavor and avoid watered-down frozen drinks. Ninja SLUSHi Twist Tank Size and servings. The product details also say it can make 10+ servings at once, based on 9 oz servings. That makes the Ninja SLUSHi Twist a large-capacity frozen drink maker clearly aimed at families, parties, and entertaining... Ninja SLUSHi Twist product specs. Here are the key specs currently shown for the Ninja SLUSHi Twist: | Feature | Ninja SLUSHi Twist Details | | Product name | Ninja SLUSHi Twist Smart Frozen Drink Maker | | Model | FS701BR | | Color | Crema | | Tank Size | 144 oz | | Weight | 34.52 lbs | | Warranty | 1 year | | Dimensions | 17.48 in L x 11.93 in W x 16.26 in H | At 34.52 lbs, the Ninja SLUSHi Twist is a serious countertop appliance. It is larger and heavier than a casual single-serve gadget, but that makes sense if it is effectively two SLUSHi machines in one body. What drinks can the Ninja SLUSHi Twist make? * sodas * frappes * margaritas * milkshakes * higher-alcohol recipes The higher-alcohol recipe claim is one of the more interesting details. Previous Ninja SLUSHi models can make alcoholic drinks, but alcohol content affects freezing. If the Ninja SLUSHi Twist handles higher-alcohol frozen drinks more reliably, that could be a significant upgrade for cocktail users. Ninja SLUSHi Twist vs Ninja SLUSHi FS301. The Ninja SLUSHi Twist product listing compares the new machine directly to the original Ninja SLUSHi FS301. Here is how the Ninja SLUSHi Twist appears to differ: | Feature | Ninja SLUSHi FS301 | Ninja SLUSHi Twist FS701BR | | Drink vessels | One | Two | | Makes two drinks at once | No | Yes | | Twists two drinks together | No | Yes | | Smart ingredient sensing | No | Dual SlushAssist Technology | | Higher-alcohol recipe claim | Not emphasized | Yes | | Tank Size | 88 oz | 144 oz | | Slushing speed | Original baseline | Faster than FS301 | | Color listed | Varies | Crema | The Ninja SLUSHi Twist looks less like a replacement for the FS301 and more like a premium step-up model for people who want more capacity, more flexibility, and two-drink functionality. Who is the Ninja SLUSHi Twist for? The Ninja SLUSHi Twist seems best suited for people who want frozen drinks for more than one person or more than one flavor. The Ninja SLUSHi Twist could be a strong fit for: * people who host parties * families who want two drink options at once * people who make frozen cocktails often * content creators who want eye-catching drink combinations * anyone who wants adult and kid-friendly drinks at the same time * people who already like the Ninja SLUSHi but want more flexibility The twist feature could also be especially useful for social media content. A two-flavor frozen drink swirl is more visually interesting than a single-flavor slush. What Sizzle and Sear still don't know about the Ninja SLUSHi Twist. Even though the product page gives Sizzle and Sear a lot of information, there are still several unanswered questions about the Ninja SLUSHi Twist: * Release date * Retailer availability * Exact max fill amount * Whether each vessel has independent controls * Whether the vessels are dishwasher safe * How the twist mechanism works in real use * Whether the machine is louder or quieter than previous models * Whether higher-alcohol recipes require special settings Since the Ninja SLUSHi Twist is already listed on SharkNinja's U.S. website, more details may appear soon. Bottom line: Ninja SLUSHi Twist looks like a major upgrade. The major upgrade is the ability to make two different frozen drinks at the same time and twist them together into one combined drink. Add in Dual SlushAssist Technology, faster slushing claims, a 144 oz listed tank size, and support for higher-alcohol recipes, and the Ninja SLUSHi Twist appears to be a true next-generation SLUSHi machine. For anyone who only makes one frozen drink occasionally, the original Ninja SLUSHi may still be enough. But for people who entertain, make frozen cocktails regularly, or want two flavors from one machine, the Ninja SLUSHi Twist could be the one to watch. Food articles. Comparison: Breville Joule Vs. Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro Can you use a cooling rack in the oven? ThermoWorks Square DOT Featuring New Average Air Temperature Reading Kitchen equipment reviews. Hast Knives Review: Santoku - A Modern and Sleek Design Ninja Woodfire Review: Infuse Smoke into Your Cooking! Supoon Review: An Upgrade from Le Creuset's Sauté Spoon Delicious recipes. Mango Margarita | Ninja SLUSHi Recipe Bibimbap-Inspired Grilled Cheese Sandwich Frosted Lemonade | Ninja SLUSHi Recipe