The Challenge · Students aged 15–18
The Young Founder Challenge
A pitch competition where you learn to build something real with AI.
Colleges and future employers are looking beyond just grades. They want students who take initiative, solve real problems, and know how to use AI with skill and judgment. The Young Founder Challenge gives students aged 15–18 a stage to show all three aspects.
Students choose a problem they care about, design a solution with AI as their co-pilot, and pitch it live to a panel of academics and entrepreneurs.
How it works
- 01
Apply
Submit a short application by December 4th, 2026. You are welcome to submit demo links or prototypes as well. The more details you give, the better the feedback will be for you.
- 02
Get selected
Get selected as one of 10 finalists.
- 03
Pitch live
3 minutes to pitch, 5 minutes of live demo, 5 minutes of Q&A with the judges.
All participants will receive
Certificate
Certificate of participation (and eligibility to win awards)
Expert feedback
Detailed feedback on your idea, commented by real industry or education experts
Program discount
Discounted price and a free 30-minute consultation if you sign up for our 4-week Entrepreneurship Program
Your own story
A project and a story that is truly theirs, something that shows initiative and potential beyond grades and test scores
Finalists also receive
Prep workshop
A 30-minute preparation workshop before the live pitch
Live feedback
Real-time feedback on your pitch from experienced founders and faculty
Networking
A post-presentation networking session with mentors in top universities and the startup ecosystem
Cash prize
A potential cash prize
At a glance
- Application deadline
- December 4, 2026
- Finals
- In person
- Finalists
- 10
- Registration fee
- $70
Questions
- Who is it for?
- Students aged 15–18. No business experience is needed, only curiosity and a problem worth solving.
- Is it supervised?
- The finals are in person and run by our team, with experienced mentors and judges involved throughout. We also pay close attention to students’ well-being, and we want this to build confidence and resilience, not pressure.
- What does it cost?
- $70 registration fee (non-refundable), paid on the website.