Founder & CEO, Listing Liftoff
Registrations Open Sep. 1
2026 High School Startup Competition
A free, fully virtual competition where teams of 1–4 high schoolers develop and refine their business plans for a chance to win from a $1,250 prize pool. Compete worldwide, submit online.
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 five-month 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 February 14th
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.
Jan 31
Submission deadline
Final deadline to submit competition entries — submissions close at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Incomplete submissions are ineligible, and no delay exceptions will be made.
Feb 7
Finalists announced
The 20 strongest pitches advance. Top 50% earn Honorable Mention; every participant receives a certificate.
Feb 14
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
Potential Grants, Prizes, & Sponsorships
Up to $100 in value*
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.