Competitions for teen entrepreneurs: Pitch events, business plan contests, and more

Have an idea for a business, a solution for a big problem, or a product that will improve people’s lives? You don’t have to wait until college to start. Competitions are great for testing your knowledge, gaining experience, and winning scholarships to bring your idea to life.

Check out these 20 competitions for high school innovators and future business leaders.

1. Big Idea Competition

This competition invites high school students (public, private, and home-schooled) to develop and submit a business idea. Participants must write a proposal of up to 1,075 words outlining their concept, target market, competition, and operations. Finalists present their ideas either in person or virtually via Zoom. Winners receive scholarships and cash prizes totaling over $50,000 ($1,000 for first place). Learn more

2. Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition

This global, online competition challenges high school students to create a five-minute video pitch using Blue Ocean strategy (which is essentially about creating new markets by innovating, not competing). Participants can win cash prizes between $500 and $1,000, regional recognition, and a People’s Choice award determined by public votes. Learn more

3. Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition

This competition is open to students 13+ worldwide and encourages projects addressing one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Entrants submit a short pitch and, if selected, complete entrepreneurial courses to develop their idea further. A combination of expert judging and community voting selects the winners. Prizes include mentorship, certificates, and international recognition for outstanding ideas. Learn more

4. Conrad Challenge

This STEM competition challenges student teams, ages 13–18, to tackle global problems in categories such as energy, health, aerospace, and the environment. Students refine their innovations through feedback, coaching, and teamwork in multiple phases. Finalists are invited to deliver their pitches at the Conrad Innovation Summit, where top teams earn scholarships, grants, and sponsor support to help advance their projects. Learn more

5. DECA Competitive Events

DECA offers high school students the chance to compete in events that simulate real-world business scenarios across areas like marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship. Students prepare case studies, role-plays, and written projects. Competitions begin at the local or regional level, with top performers advancing to state and national conferences where they can earn scholarships, trophies, honors, and other awards. Learn more

6. Diamond Challenge

This challenge, run by the University of Delaware, invites high school teams to submit business or social innovation ideas. Participants submit a concept narrative, introductory video, and letter of recommendation; top teams advance to in-person or virtual pitch presentations. The top three teams in both the business and social innovation categories earn nearly $50,000. Learn more

7. Future Business Leaders of America Competitive Events

FBLA hosts a wide array of competitions in areas such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Students compete through a progression of regional, state, and national events. Winners receive recognition and advancement to higher levels of competition, with cash prizes awarded to the top three individuals and teams in each event (amounts vary each year). Learn more

8. GENIUS Olympiad: Entrepreneurship

Part of the international GENIUS Olympiad, this entrepreneurship track challenges high school students to develop projects that address environmental and sustainability issues through business solutions. Entrants submit project proposals, supporting materials, and presentations. Top projects receive medals, recognition, and the opportunity to present to an international audience. Learn more

9. Harvard Crimson Business Competition

This competition invites high school teams to submit business plans addressing one of six global challenges, which Harvard student judges evaluate. Finalists present their proposals on campus, where they attend workshops and panel discussions, to gain insight into the expectations and processes of college-level business competitions. Learn more

10. Jacobson Institute Innovator Competition

This biannual competition invites high school students to showcase their creativity and innovative ideas. Individuals or teams submit an executive summary of their invention, product, or business concept. Finalists advance to the Elevator Pitch round, presenting virtually to a panel of judges. First, second, and third place winners receive $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively. Learn more

11. JA Social Innovation Challenge

Organized by Junior Achievement, this challenge encourages students to design entrepreneurial solutions to social problems in their communities. Teams develop a project and submit proposals; students must have participated in a Junior Achievement program to be eligible to compete. Finalists then present their ideas in person at the JA Future Bound national competition. Learn more

12. Modeling the Future Challenge

In this challenge, students use mathematical modeling to analyze real-world problems. In the fall, students submit a project report in response to a dataset, which requires evaluating statistics and trends, performing risk analysis, and making strategic recommendations. Top students can earn college scholarships and are invited to the Modeling the Future Symposium, where they meet actuarial professionals and explore career opportunities. Learn more

13. NFTE World Series of Innovation Impact League Challenges

This competition challenges students ages 13–24 to develop innovative solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Competitors can choose the CBT Tech Climate Solutions Challenge and the EY Responsible AI Challenge. Submissions are judged on creativity, feasibility, and impact, with top entries winning prizes up to $1,500. Learn more

14. Pirates Pitch Competition for High School Students

Hosted by Seton Hall University, this competition invites 10th-12th graders to submit concise business ideas. Chosen finalists pitch live to judges at Seton Hall’s campus. The first-place winner receives a cash award of $2,500, and all finalists earn scholarships to Seton Hall. Learn more

15. Robert H. Rines Young Inventors' Program

This regional program recognizes high school inventors in Northern New England for their original products or concepts. Participants submit documentation, drawings, or prototypes of their inventions and participate in their local YIP invention fair. Winners and nominated students advance to the Northern New England Invention Convention, with residents of Vermont competing in their own state fair. Selected winners are invited to participate in the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals and Rube Goldberg Machine Contest World Championships. Learn more

16. Seeds of Fortune Start-Up Business Plan Accelerator

High school Seeds of Fortune members can apply to this one-year program to develop their social enterprise business ideas. Participants take classes, create business plans and professional websites, attend online workshops, and receive mentorship from industry professionals. Top participants pitch their ideas to corporate judges at events in NYC and Miami and compete for up to $3,000 in seed funding. Learn more

17. Student Ideas for a Better America Award

The “Frances O. Williamson Inventions in Science Education” award recognizes high school students who develop projects or ideas aimed at improving their communities or society as a whole. Entrants submit detailed proposals, and winners receive recognition, certificates, and sometimes small cash awards to help implement their ideas. Learn more

18. Technovation Girls Competition

Technovation challenges girls around the world to develop mobile apps that solve community problems. Individuals and teams of two to five participants design, code, and pitch their apps, and finalists present at a global summit. The 15 team finalists receive a $500 educational stipend per person; the three grand prize winners receive $750 each. Learn more

19. Thiel Fellowship

This fellowship provides $200,000 over two years to students under 22 who wish to skip or leave college to pursue a startup or innovation full-time. Fellows gain mentorship, access to networks, and resources to build and scale their ventures outside traditional educational paths. Learn more

20. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition

This competition invites high school teams to develop and implement investment strategies using the Wharton Investment Simulator (WInS). Teams analyze industries and companies, build portfolios with $500,000 in virtual cash, and submit reports based on a real-world case study. Semifinalist teams present to judges virtually, and the top 10 teams advance to the Global Finale at Wharton in Philadelphia. Learn more

Curious to learn more about the business world? Check out our newest guide: Your Future in Business and Entrepreneurship.