Founder & CEO, Listing Liftoff
Registrations Open Sep. 1
High School Startup Competition
A free online challenge where students compete to win a $1,250 prize pool to launch their venture. Compete worldwide, submit online.
The 2025-26 edition is now over. Congratulations to Gold Winners Euphoria from Emerson High School, USA! View Winning Team 2025 Presentation →
Compete while you learn
A global, fully virtual competition where teams of 1–4 high schoolers develop and refine their business plans for a chance to win cash and value awards.
Competition numbers1
- 1,200+
- Students Taught
- <3%
- Strongest Candidates Win Prizes
- 20
- Global Finale Spots
- $1,250+
- Total Prize Pool
- 100%
- Free to Enter
- 4
- Continents Represented
12025–2026 Competition Statistics.
The Startup Challenge
Compete worldwide, submit online
A free, entirely virtual, real-world learning experience where high schoolers work individually or in teams of up to 4 to develop a presentation pitch for their startup over a 6-week build. Participants access expert workshops, receive mentorship from world-renowned judges, and compete for cash prizes, certificates, and a place in the Live Final Round.
“Equipping students with the entrepreneurial mindset and skills to solve real-world challenges, innovate, and create lasting impact”
Season timeline
Competition runs September 1st through October 26th
Sep 1
Registration opens
Register worldwide and start building your pitch with free workshops and learning resources.
Oct 5
Learning session
Business presentation workshop led by judge Andrew Ingley to learn the fundamentals of an investor-ready slide deck.
Oct 13
Q&A seminar
Live mentorship seminar with judge Bill Fiely to pressure-test positioning before you submit.
Oct 20
Submission deadline
Final day to submit competition entries. Incomplete submissions are ineligible, and no delay exceptions will be made.
Oct 24
Finalists announced
The 20 strongest pitches advance. Top 50% earn Honorable Mention; every participant receives a certificate.
Oct 26
Live Final Round
Finalists present live virtually with judge Q&A. Podium nominations and the prize pool are awarded.
Learning sessions and seminar are not mandatory.
Register to competeCatalyzing innovation
A $1,250 prize pool
Top 20 entries advance to the Live Final Round. The top 50% of all entries earn an Honorable Mention, and every participant receives a certificate of participation plus more prizes including grants, credits, and gifts from sponsors.
gold
$750
1st Place
silver
$350
2nd Place
bronze
$150
3rd Place
Top 20 Finalists
$100+
In Grants, Credits, and Prizes*
Official rulebook summary
Rules, deliverables, and judging criteria
Format & eligibility
- Open to students in grades 9–12, currently enrolled in high school or home-schooled.
- Compete individually or in teams of up to 4 members.
- No cap on the number of teams per school.
- Each participant is limited to one submission.
- Team submissions are made by one designated member, listing all teammates.
- Incomplete or incorrectly submitted entries are ineligible for the finals.
- Contacting jury members regarding the competition is prohibited.
- The submission deadline is hard, no exceptions.
Deliverables
“Develop a clear, innovative, and impact-focused pitch presentation that demonstrates your venture's problem-solving potential, market opportunity, and scalability.”
- A pitch presentation of 2 to 20 slides.
- Submitted as a public view link via the submission form.
- APA citations encouraged for external sources.
- Entries must be authentic and non-plagiarized.
- Generative-AI tools are permitted, with responsibility for accuracy resting on the participant.
Judging criteria
Entries are scored across six factors, each weighted equally.
- 01Problem identification
- 02Market opportunity
- 03Business model
- 04Competitive advantage
- 05Visual Appeal
- 06Pitch Creativity
The jury & academic directors
Competition entries are reviewed by seasoned entrepreneurs and business professionals. Our curriculum and learning workshops are led and directed by experienced founders.
Founder & CEO, Vangst
Co-Founder & CMO, Aligned Modern Health
Managing Director, French-American Chamber of Commerce Chicago
Founder & CEO, SWEY
Co-Founder & COO, Control Z
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Ready to pitch your venture to the world?
Questions? Reach the competition team at competition@root-edfutures.com.