Apply Now: America’s Startup National Competition (US)

Deadline: 08-Oct-2026

America’s Startup National Competition supports undergraduate student founders and early-stage innovators in the United States with non-dilutive funding, national exposure, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Ten finalist teams receive $25,000 each, while three overall winners receive an additional $25,000, bringing their total award to $50,000 each. America’s Startup National Competition Overview The America’s Startup National Competition is designed to identify and support promising undergraduate entrepreneurs and early-stage innovators developing business ideas with the potential to contribute to future American innovation and economic growth. The competition provides student founders with an opportunity to present their ideas to investors, business leaders, and other members of the innovation ecosystem. Unlike equity-based investment, the competition’s grant funding is non-dilutive, meaning recipients do not have to give up ownership of their business in exchange for the prize funding. Funding Available The competition will award funding to 10 finalist teams. Each of the 10 finalists receives $25,000. Three overall winners receive an additional $25,000 each. The three winners therefore receive $50,000 each in total. The funding is provided on a non-dilutive basis. Beyond the cash awards, finalists can benefit from increased visibility among investors, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders. Who Is Eligible? The competition is open to undergraduate student founders and early-stage innovators who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

Be legal residents of the United States or U.S. territories. Be current undergraduate students. Attend an accredited U.S. university, college, or trade school. Be developing a business idea or early-stage venture. Submit the required written proposal and pitch video.

Applicants may participate:

Individually, or As part of a team of up to five members. The competition is therefore suitable for both individual student entrepreneurs and multidisciplinary student teams. What Types of Ideas Can Students Submit? America’s Startup is intended for bold business ideas and early-stage innovations with the potential for meaningful growth and impact. Applicants should be able to clearly explain: What problem their venture addresses Who experiences the problem How their product, service, or technology provides a solution Why the idea is innovative Who the target customers or users are How the venture could grow Why the team is capable of executing the idea The strongest proposals should communicate both the innovation behind the idea and its commercial potential. Application Requirements Applicants must submit two key components. Written Business Proposal The written proposal should clearly present the business concept and explain its significance. Applicants should be prepared to describe: The business idea The problem being solved The proposed solution Target market or users Competitive advantage Growth potential Team capabilities Potential impact The proposal should be concise, specific, and focused on why the idea deserves national attention. Short Pitch Video Applicants must also provide a short video pitch. The video gives founders an opportunity to communicate their idea in a compelling and accessible format.

A strong pitch should quickly answer:

What is the problem? What is the solution? Who needs it? Why is the solution different? How can it grow? Why is this team positioned to succeed? How the Selection Process Works The competition uses multiple stages to identify finalists.

Step 1: Submit the Application

Eligible undergraduate students submit their written proposal and short pitch video.

Step 2: Evaluation by Business and Investment Leaders

Applications are evaluated by a council consisting of prominent investors and business leaders. The evaluation focuses on the quality and potential of the proposed venture.

Step 3: Selection of 30 Semi-Finalists

A total of 30 semi-finalist teams advance to the next stage. These teams participate in a live pitch experience in Washington, DC, scheduled for mid-December.

Step 4: Live Pitch Experience

Semi-finalists have an opportunity to present their ventures directly to evaluators and demonstrate the potential of their businesses.

Step 5: Finalist and Winner Selection

Following the live pitch process:

10 teams are selected as finalists. Each finalist receives $25,000. Three overall winners receive an additional $25,000. The three winners therefore receive $50,000 each. Why It Matters for Student Entrepreneurs Many undergraduate founders have promising ideas but limited access to capital, investors, and experienced business networks. America’s Startup addresses these barriers by combining funding, exposure, mentorship, and entrepreneurial development. The video should be clear, confident, and focused. Do not try to communicate every detail of the business. Concentrate on the strongest reasons the venture deserves attention. Show Why Your Team Can Execute Explain the skills and experience that team members bring to the venture. For teams, clearly identify each member’s role and contribution. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Describing an idea without clearly identifying the problem. Using excessive technical language. Making unsupported claims about market size. Focusing entirely on the product instead of customers. Submitting a pitch video that is difficult to follow. Failing to explain how the business can grow. Leaving team responsibilities unclear. Treating the proposal as an academic assignment rather than a startup pitch. Key Facts at a Glance

Program: America’s Startup National Competition

Target applicants: Undergraduate student founders and early-stage innovators

Applicant status: Current undergraduate students

Institution: Accredited U.S. university, college, or trade school

Team size: Individual applicants o