America’s Startup, a national collegiate startup competition from America250, is inviting students across the country to submit early-stage business ideas for the chance to gain funding, mentorship, and national recognition. The competition is designed to spotlight student innovators who are exploring new technologies, solving real problems, or imagining entirely new ventures. Applications for America’s Startup are open now and close March 31, 2026.
The competition is intentionally open to founders at the earliest stages of building a business. Students do not need a fully developed company or funding to participate. Instead, the goal is to give student entrepreneurs a platform to share bold ideas and demonstrate their potential to shape the future.
To apply, students submit a short written proposal explaining their idea and a brief pitch video outlining the opportunity and how the concept could grow. Submissions are reviewed by an investor council made up of experienced entrepreneurs and venture capital leaders, with top teams advancing to additional rounds of review and live pitching.
Thirty semifinalist teams will ultimately be invited to a live pitch experience at Draper University in San Mateo, California, where they will present their ideas and receive feedback from investors and startup leaders. Ten winning teams will each receive $25,000 in non-dilutive funding, meaning founders retain full ownership of their ideas while gaining support to move their ventures forward.
The competition is open to undergraduate students enrolled at accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools in the United States. Students can apply individually or as part of a small team, making it an accessible opportunity for anyone with an idea they want to explore.
Students interested in sharing their idea, testing their entrepreneurial thinking, or competing on a national stage are encouraged to apply.
Learn more and apply by March 31 here: https://america250.org/americas-startup/
More details at: https://america250.org/americas-startup/