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Are you a high school student with an entrepreneurial mindset? Whether you have a startup idea, a passion for business, or a desire to develop leadership skills, participating in entrepreneurship competitions can be a game-changer. These competitions provide a platform to pitch ideas, gain mentorship, win funding, and connect with like-minded innovators. Here are the top 10 entrepreneurship competitions tailored for high school students:
1. Diamond Challenge for High School Entrepreneurs
Hosted by the University of Delaware, the Diamond Challenge is a globally recognized entrepreneurship competition for high school students. It features two tracks: Business Innovation and Social Innovation. Participants develop a business model, create a pitch, and receive mentorship from experienced professionals. Finalists compete for cash prizes that can be used to launch their startups. The program fosters creative thinking, teamwork, and business acumen while providing exposure to a global network of entrepreneurs.
Location: International (Virtual & In-Person Finals)
Program Dates: September – April
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
2. National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (NFTE)
Organized by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), this competition provides students with the opportunity to develop and pitch innovative business ideas. Participants receive expert mentorship, refine their business strategies, and compete at regional levels before moving on to the national stage. Finalists present their ventures to a panel of investors and business leaders for a chance to win cash prizes and scholarships. This competition is ideal for students who want hands-on experience in business planning and presentation skills.
Location: United States
Program Dates: Regional rounds in spring, National Finals in October
Eligibility: High school students in NFTE programs
3. Blue Ocean High School Entrepreneur Pitch Competition
Inspired by the "Blue Ocean Strategy," this virtual competition challenges students to create innovative business ideas that go beyond traditional markets. Instead of competing in existing industries, students develop products or services that carve out new market space. Participants submit a recorded pitch, which is evaluated by business experts. This competition is ideal for students who want to push the boundaries of traditional entrepreneurship with creative, disruptive solutions.
Location: Online (Global)
Program Dates: Submissions open in the fall, winners announced in spring
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
4. Teen Investment & Business Challenge (TIBC)
The Teen Investment & Business Challenge provides students with hands-on experience in business planning, financial literacy, and strategic thinking. Participants create business proposals and receive investment guidance from industry professionals. The competition emphasizes problem-solving and innovation, encouraging students to develop sustainable business solutions. Winners receive funding to support their entrepreneurial ventures, making this competition a great opportunity for students interested in finance and business leadership.
Location: United States
Program Dates: Annual event in summer
Eligibility: High school students
5. MIT LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program
MIT LaunchX is an immersive summer program designed to help students launch real startups. Participants form teams, identify problems, and develop business solutions while receiving mentorship from MIT faculty and successful entrepreneurs. The program includes intensive workshops, guest speakers, and pitch competitions where students present to investors. This highly selective program fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, equipping students with practical skills needed to turn their ideas into real-world businesses.
Location: Online & In-Person (MIT, Cambridge, MA)
Program Dates: Summer
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
6. Harvard Innovation Challenge for High School Students
This competition, hosted by Harvard University, challenges students to develop solutions to pressing global issues. It fosters entrepreneurial thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Participants work in teams to design innovative business models addressing real-world challenges. They pitch their ideas to a panel of experts, gaining invaluable feedback and networking opportunities. Finalists compete for cash prizes and mentorship from industry leaders, making it an excellent opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Location: Online & In-Person (Harvard University, USA)
Program Dates: Spring
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
7. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
Hosted by the Wharton School of Business, this competition allows students to learn about investment strategies, risk management, and financial decision-making. Teams create and manage a virtual portfolio, competing against peers from around the world. The competition emphasizes teamwork, financial literacy, and critical thinking. Participants present their investment strategies to a panel of Wharton professionals, gaining valuable feedback and real-world financial experience.
Location: International
Program Dates: Fall – Spring
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
8. The Conrad Challenge
The Conrad Challenge is a multidisciplinary competition that encourages students to tackle global challenges through innovative business solutions. Participants develop business plans addressing issues in areas like health, energy, and cybersecurity. Finalists present their ideas at NASA’s Space Center, gaining exposure to top investors and industry experts. Winning teams receive funding, scholarships, and networking opportunities, making this a fantastic platform for aspiring innovators.
Location: International (NASA Space Center for Finals)
Program Dates: September – April
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
9. Girls With Impact Entrepreneurship Academy
This program is designed to empower young women by providing business training, leadership development, and networking opportunities. Participants create business plans, refine their pitching skills, and receive mentorship from successful female entrepreneurs. The program equips participants with entrepreneurial knowledge, confidence, and real-world experience. This is an ideal competition for high school girls interested in business, innovation, and leadership.
Location: Online
Program Dates: Year-round sessions
Eligibility: Female high school students
10. High School Startup Incubator (HSSI)
HSSI is a startup incubator for high school students, providing mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities. Participants work on developing real startups, refining their ideas, and preparing pitches for investors. The competition focuses on practical experience, allowing students to build businesses from the ground up. This is an excellent opportunity for students serious about entrepreneurship and business development.
Location: United States
Program Dates: Summer
Eligibility: High school students
Participating in these entrepreneurship competitions provides invaluable experience, networking opportunities, and potential funding for your startup ideas. Whether you aspire to be the next great innovator or want to gain business skills, these competitions will challenge and inspire you to think big.
For more extracurricular opportunities, visit Extracurriculars.com.
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