High School
Future Entrepreneur Competition
We are looking for the next entrepreneur. This competition is open to teenagers at all stages of startup-development. It does not matter if you are just beginning to explore an idea, recently launched an MVP, or already driving millions in revenue, we still want to hear from you. Finalists will be provided coaching from experienced entrepreneurs and winners will be awarded cash prizes to support the growth of their startups.

Are you an entrepreneur?

Do you have an idea?

Are you ready to change the world?

We want to invest in your future.

We want to empower you.

Get Updates

Complete the form to get regular updates about the AwardX competition.

Win $5,000!

1st Place Wins

  • $5,000 Cash
  • $2,500 LaunchX Summer Program Scholarship
  • AwardX Trophy
  • LinkedIn Badges

All Finalists

  • $1,000 LaunchX Summer Program Scholarship
  • LinkedIn Badges

HOW IT WORKS

Submissions must be for companies or company pitches by high school students. Your company or pitch will be reviewed against our rubric.

The submission fee per team to participate is FREE
1. Submit the qualifier by Nov 1

Answer the 3 key questions to be pre-qualified.

2. Complete the next round by Nov 7

If chosen, you will be asked to complete a second round where you will be asked more in depth questions.

3. Winners Announced Nov 13

Our judges will announce the finalists and winner on November 13.

Submit Now

If you haven't already registered for an account, register here.

3 Minute Pitch Video

Your video must be 3 minutes or less, anything over will be cut from the video and not considered. Your company or business idea will be judged on the following aspects.

Customer Needs

Requirements

  • The problem should be well-articulated, demonstrating a deep understanding of a significant and specific market need.
  • The solution should be practical, feasible, and innovative, directly addressing the identified problem in a unique way.
  • The value proposition should clearly communicate unique benefits and differentiate the solution from competitors.
Revenue vs Cost

Requirements

  • There should be detailed market analysis with evidence supporting the size, growth trends, and opportunity in the market.
  • The revenue model should outline how the business will generate sustainable income, with clear and realistic financial projections.
  • There should be a thorough analysis of key competitors, with clear explanations of the business's unique selling points and competitive advantages.
Scalability

Requirements

  • There should be a clear plan for scaling the business, including strategies for market expansion, resource allocation, and scaling operations effectively.
  • The operational plan should outline necessary resources, technology, and detailed steps for successful implementation.
  • The financial plan should be comprehensive, with realistic financial projections, detailed cost estimates, and potential revenue streams.

Submissions will be judged out of a score of 30 total – up to 3 points for each criteria with an additional 3 points for presentation.‍

Thank you to our incredible sponsors

Adam Choe

Tundra Ventures

Founder
Venture

Adam Choe has experience in corporate, academic, and startup settings, with a focus on healthcare, medical devices, and venture capital.

Adam is a 2x former academic research fellow from the University of Minnesota, holds 5 patents and bootstrapped his own digital health startup for five years.

He’s hands-on with commercialization and market strategy, helping early-stage companies grow. Adam also runs a podcast called “The Founder's Cut,” where he talks to founders about their journeys. Adam serves on two non-profit boards, Children's Cancer Research Fund and Glen Nelson Center.

View Linkedin

Adie Akuffo-Afful

BGV

Founder
Venture

Adie Akuffo-Afful is an experienced operator within for profit and non-profit startup settings, with a focus on impact, b2b tools, marketplace and defense tech.

Adie is a the current Snr. Strategic Partnerships Manager at BGV (Black Girl Ventures), and is a Partner at Ruminate Studios an early stage dev. studio focused on the development of economic mobility innovations for the new economy. He has in-depth awareness of what it takes to grow a company to the 10's of millions and is an advocate for early-stage startups.

View Linkedin

Susan Liao

Startups for All

Founder
Venture

Susan Liao (she/her) has a mission to make the future of foundership inclusive and accessible to all. She is an experienced equity-centered startup advisor, coach and facilitator who works at the intersection of digital innovation, social entrepreneurship, non-profit impact strategy, and for-profit business strategy. In her 20+ years in tech, Susan has led product in a variety of industries and tech platforms, including AI & machine learning, cybersecurity, edTech, e-commerce and payments, healthcare, and global law enforcement.

Susan has coached over 60 first-time founders through her ventures, Startups for All and Leaders Like Us LLC, which serve to help purpose-driven founders, knowledge workers, and social entrepreneurs from underrepresented populations clarify their NorthStar purpose and achieve measurable social change. Susan grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and holds a BSE in Computer Science from Princeton University. She currently resides in Portland, Oregon, with her two dog sport pups, Lila and Momo.

View Linkedin
More judges will be announced soon.
Check back for more info.

Let's answer some FAQ's

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions
How many winners will there be?
When will the results be announced?
Who can participate?
Can I submit an idea for a company?
How can I become a sponsor?

More questions? Let us know

Our team will be happy answer any questions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Get Updates

Complete the form to get regular updates about the AwardX competition.