Competition Overview

Please follow these guidelines when submitting your pitch video!

1. Eligibility

Open to all high school students.
Students may apply individually or in teams of up to 4 members.
Each student/team may submit only one pitch.
Once registered(through clicking the Register Now button), participants will be sent the video submission link through email.
Previous competition winners are welcome to apply with a new idea.
Participants will be asked to prove originality IF their business too closely resembles past pitches.

2. Pitch Video Requirements

Length: 4-5 minutes maximum (submissions longer than 5:10 will not be accepted).
Format: Video file upload or unlisted YouTube link..
Setting: Be creative! You can record your pitch in a classroom, office, or outside — just make sure your voice is clear.
View the competition timeline on our homepage!

3. What to Include in Your Pitch

Your pitch should tell a story that captures attention and convinces the judges your idea is worth funding. Think of it as your own mini Shark Tank pitch.

Required Components:

The Problem
- What real-world problem are you solving?
- Who experiences it, and why is it important?
- Use an example or story to make it relatable.
Your Solution (The Product/Service)
- What exactly are you offering?
- How does it work? Demonstrations or visuals are highly encouraged.
Market & Customers
- Who are your target customers?
- How big is this market (total addressable market, service available market)?
- Why will they choose your solution?
Competitive Advantage & Current Competition
- Who else is already trying to solve this problem (companies, startups, or substitutes)?
- What makes your idea stand out compared to existing options? (price, convenience, design, technology, brand, etc.)
- Why would customers choose your solution over competitors?
Business Model
- How will your idea make money? (sales, subscriptions, partnerships, ads, etc.)
- If you don’t know all the details, outline your best guess — creativity matters.
Finances
- What are your estimated costs to start (materials, marketing, etc.)?
- What are your expected revenues (how much you could make per customer, or per month)?
- Be realistic, but don’t be afraid to show growth potential.
- A simple chart or number breakdown goes a long way.
Traction (Optional but Encouraged)
- Do you have sales already (even small ones)? Share them!
- Have you tested your idea with friends, family, or at school?
- Any proof that people want what you’re offering will boost your pitch.
Impact & Vision
- Beyond making money, why does your idea matter?
- Will it help your community, solve a personal challenge, or make people’s lives better?
- Share your vision of where this idea could go in the future.

4. Judging Criteria

Your pitch will be scored based on:

Clarity (20 pts): Is the idea explained simply and clearly?
Problem(10 pts): Does the business address a problem that a lot of people experience?
Creativity (20 pts): Is the solution unique or innovative?
Feasibility (20 pts): Could this realistically work with the right support and funding?
Finances (20 pts): Are the costs, revenue model, and money-making potential accurate and explained?
Delivery & Impact (20 pts): Is the pitch engaging, confident, and does it show passion/impact?

(Optional bonus: up to +5 pts for demonstrating actual sales or customer traction.)

5. Competition Process

Video Submission Round
- All students submit their video pitches online and judges will select the top 10 pitches to advance.
Finale: Live “Shark Tank–Style” Event
- Finalists pitch their idea live in front of real investors.
- Each finalist/team gets 3 minutes to pitch + 2 minutes of Q&A.
- Cash prizes awarded:
  - 1st Place: $5,000 seed funding
  - 2nd Place: $2,500 seed funding
  - 3rd Place: $1,000 seed funding