15 Pitch Competitions for High School Students in Texas
If you're interested in entrepreneurship, finance, or business, a pitch competition is one of the best ways to explore those interests while you're still in high school.
What do pitch competitions for high school students in Texas involve?
Texas has a growing startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and many pitch competitions reflect that through partnerships with universities, business incubators, and innovation organizations.
Why pursue a pitch competition in Texas?
Beyond the competition itself, these experiences help students understand how businesses are built from the ground up. They also provide solid experience for college applications by demonstrating initiative, creativity, and the ability to develop an idea into a structured business proposal.
For related opportunities, check out our guides on pitch competitions for high school students in New York and business competitions for high school students.
Quick Look
1 Texas-specific, free competition: the Texas High School Ideas Challenge, hosted by Texas A&M and open only to Texas residents.
Highest prize pool: Diamond Challenge, exceeding $100,000, and The Paradigm Challenge, offering prizes up to $100,000 and a trip to Los Angeles.
8 free-to-enter competitions: Technovation Girls, Diamond Challenge, Innovator Competition, The Paradigm Challenge, SAGE USA, Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition, Blue Ocean, and INCubatoredu (for enrolled students).
1 gender-specific competition: Technovation Girls, open to female, transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming students ages 8-18.
Prep support: Young Founders Lab's Pitch Competition Prep Program helps you develop your idea and pitch deck before you enter any of these competitions.
15 Pitch Competitions for High School Students in Texas
1. Texas High School Ideas Challenge
Location: Initial rounds are virtual, and the final pitch event is held in person on the campus of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Cost: Free to apply and participate
Cohort Size: Up to 40 finalist teams are selected to compete at the in-person final pitch event.
Dates: March 15, with the final pitch event held on May 19
Application Deadline: December 1 to March 15 annually
Eligibility: Any Texas resident currently enrolled in high school between the ages of 14 and 18. Applicants may enter individually or as a student-led team of up to 6 members. High school graduates and full-time college students are ineligible.
If you have a business idea but not a full business plan, the Texas High School Ideas Challenge gives you a place to develop and present it. Hosted by Texas A&M University's McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship, this pitch competition for high school students in Texas encourages creative thinking and entrepreneurial problem-solving. You will submit an online application, and selected finalists will pitch their ideas to judges drawn from a network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and university faculty. Finalists will also participate in a showcase where guests can learn about ideas and support their favorites through Crowd Fund Awards.
2. Technovation Girls
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free; educational stipends and awards are available for winners
Cohort Size: Over 100,000 girls from more than 120 countries have participated, with 15 finalist teams (5 from each age division) selected to advance to the World Summit
Dates: August 13 – October
Application Deadline: March 18 (for both student and mentor registration), with a final project submission deadline of April 20
Eligibility: Open to female, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming participants aged 8 to 18 as of August 1, working in teams of 1 to 5 members
Technovation Girls challenges you to identify a real-world problem and create a technology-based solution. Working in teams, you will build a project, follow a structured curriculum, and receive support from mentors throughout the season. You will strengthen skills in coding, entrepreneurship, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork while developing a project with social impact. All submissions enter a global judging process, with top teams advancing through quarterfinal, semifinal, and final rounds. Finalists will pitch at the Technovation World Summit, while Regional Honorees gain international recognition.
3. The Conrad Challenge
Location: Virtual; final Innovation Summit at Space Center Houston, Houston, Texas
Cost: Initial registration (Activation Stage and Lean Canvas Stage) is free; a fee of $499 per team is required to participate in the Innovation Stage and the Innovation Summit
Cohort Size: Over 4,480 students participated globally in the previous competition cycle
Dates: August 28 – April 25 (Innovation Summit runs from April 22 to April 25)
Application Deadline: October 30, for the Activation Stage, with subsequent deadlines on January 8, for the Innovation Stage, and April 2, for Summit materials
Eligibility: Students aged 13 to 18 collaborating in teams of 2 to 5 with an adult coach over the age of 18
The Conrad Challenge is a global STEM and entrepreneurship competition built around solving real-world problems. You will work with a team to design an innovation in areas such as health, energy, water, aerospace, or cybersecurity. Along the way, you will move through a structured process that includes developing a business plan, creating an Innovation Brief, producing a video, and building a public-facing website. Industry experts will review submissions and provide feedback. Top teams will earn recognition as Conrad Innovators, while finalists will advance to the Innovation Summit in Houston.
4. Diamond Challenge
Location: Virtual; the final Limitless World Summit is held in Wilmington, Delaware, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront
Cost: Free to apply and participate; offers a total prize and award pool exceeding $100,000
Cohort Size: Over 7,492 teams representing 137 countries have participated in the program
Dates: September 17 – April 24 (Limitless World Summit is held on April 23–24)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Teams of 2 to 4 high school students aged 14 to 18 at the submission deadline, with one adult advisor aged 21 or older
The Diamond Challenge invites you to develop either a business innovation or a social innovation concept and present it to experienced judges. You will work in a team, prepare a written concept narrative, create an introductory video, and advance through pitching rounds if selected. The competition offers both live and virtual pitch formats, making participation accessible from anywhere. Along the way, you will strengthen entrepreneurial thinking, communication, market research, problem-solving, and presentation skills. Finalists will compete at the Limitless World Summit and gain exposure to a global network of students, educators, and entrepreneurship leaders.
5. TYE Global Pitch Fest
Location: Virtual; hosted through TiE chapters worldwide, with Global Finals rotating internationally
Cost: Varies by local chapter; Global Summit registration fees are $599 for TiE Members and $799 for Non-Members
Cohort Size: Over 30,000 high school students from 35 global chapters have participated, with approximately 30 winning regional teams advancing to the Global Finals
Dates: Runs over a 9-month cycle (typically September to April), culminating in the Global Finals on June 11–13
Application Deadline: Varies by local TiE chapter
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9–12) participating in teams of 4 to 6 members through their local TiE Young Entrepreneurs chapter
TYE Global Pitch Fest combines entrepreneurship education with a competitive startup challenge. You will begin by learning concepts such as design thinking, customer validation, finance, marketing, and pitching. Working with a team and an experienced mentor, you will develop a business idea, build a prototype, and refine your presentation. Regional winners advance to the TYE Global Finals, where students from chapters around the world compete for cash prizes and recognition. Through this pitch competition for high school students in Texas, you will gain feedback from entrepreneurs and industry experts, attend workshops, expand your professional network, and strengthen leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through hands-on startup creation.
6. INCubatoredu High School Entrepreneurship
Location: Texas (available to participating high schools)
Cost: Free for students enrolled at participating schools; Uncharted Learning charges member schools an initial enrollment fee of $20,000 and an annual participation fee of $5,000
Cohort Size: Hundreds of high schools and over 700 student teams participate globally in Uncharted Learning programs
Dates: Full academic year (operating daily as a 45-minute high school course)
Application Deadline: Determined by individual school course enrollment and registration calendars
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9–12, recommended for grades 10–12) enrolled at a licensed member school
INCubatoredu, a pitch competition for high school students in Texas, gives you the chance to build a real business while still in high school. Working in teams, you will identify problems, develop product or service ideas, test them with customers, and refine your approach. Local entrepreneurs, industry experts, and community mentors will guide you through idea validation and business development. The program ends with a Shark Tank-style pitch event where teams present for real investment funding. If your venture gains traction, you may continue into ACCELeratoredu, a second-year experience focused on company formation, customer acquisition, and growth. Along the way, you will strengthen teamwork, resilience, problem-solving, communication, and entrepreneurial thinking.
7. Innovator Competition
Location: Online (via Zoom)
Cost: Free to apply and participate; awards cash prizes
Cohort Size: Finalist slots are limited and competitive
Dates: Week of May 11
Application Deadline: April 17
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) who are U.S. citizens residing within the U.S. or its territories
The Innovator Competition invites you to present a business, product, or startup idea and compete for seed funding. To apply, you must submit a one-page executive summary that explains your concept, target market, competitive advantage, revenue model, and plans. Finalists will pitch virtually to a panel of entrepreneurial judges through a three-minute elevator pitch followed by a Q&A session. You will receive feedback from experienced business leaders and gain experience communicating ideas under pressure. The competition requires no travel and can be completed from school with adult support.
8. FBLA High School Competitive Events - Entrepreneurship Track
Location: District, state, and national levels across the United States, including Texas
Cost: Varies by state and chapter; includes local/state dues and an NLC registration fee (approximately $175) plus associated travel, lodging, and meals.
Cohort Size: Competitive; states are limited to 4 entries per event for the National Leadership Conference
Dates: District and state qualifying timelines occur throughout the school year, culminating in the National Leadership Conference
Application Deadline: Varies with state and local leadership
Eligibility: High school FBLA members
In FBLA’s Entrepreneurship event, you will show how well you understand starting and managing a business. You will compete through an objective test and an interactive role-play scenario that places you in realistic business situations. As you prepare, you will build skills in business planning, innovation, financial management, marketing, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making. During competition, you will analyze challenges, develop solutions, and present your thinking to judges. Strong performers advance through district and state rounds and may qualify for the National Leadership Conference.
9. The Paradigm Challenge
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free to apply and participate
Cohort Size: No fewer than 100 entries are selected as finalists
Dates: Biennial cycle running from May 2 to May 1
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students aged 4 to 18 around the world, excluding residents of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and the Crimea Region
The Paradigm Challenge invites you to use kindness, creativity, and collaboration to solve real-world problems. You can submit ideas, inventions, videos, websites, apps, community projects, or other solutions focused on topics such as home fires, waste reduction, personal health, food security, and biodiversity. The competition encourages teamwork and problem-solving through a structured process that includes research, idea development, feedback, and revision. Mentors and subject-matter experts provide constructive feedback to help strengthen your work. Finalists earn recognition and cash awards, while top teams compete for prizes of up to $100,000 and a trip to Los Angeles for the awards ceremony.
10. Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Location: Online
Cost: 10,000 Japanese Yen per team (approximately $67 USD)
Cohort Size: Limited to a maximum of 3 representative teams per country in the Final Round, with a strict limit of only 1 team allowed from each high school
Dates: Preliminary Round is May 16; Final Round is June 20
Application Deadline: April 20
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 to 18 (or 19, depending on high school enrollment status) working in teams of 3 to 8 members studying within the same country
The Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge asks you to work with a team to solve a real-world problem through an innovative, science- or technology-based business idea. During the 12-hour online competition, you will research the challenge, develop a solution, create a prototype model, write a business plan, and record a three-minute presentation. Judges assess creativity, finance, marketing, and communication. The event brings together students from many countries, creating a truly international experience. If your team advances from the preliminary round, you will compete in the global finals. Winners receive trophies and certificates, while all participants receive feedback and certificates of participation.
11. DECA Competitive Events - Entrepreneurship Series
Location: Regional, state, and international DECA competitions, including Texas
Cost: Applies; awards and competitive recognition available
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Vary by chapter, association, state, and international conference schedules
Application Deadline: Varies by local DECA chapter and association
Eligibility: High school DECA members
The DECA Entrepreneurship Series tests how well you think and act like an entrepreneur. You will complete an entrepreneurship exam and participate in role-play scenarios that require quick decisions and practical business solutions. During each role-play, you will analyse opportunities, identify customer needs, evaluate markets, discuss funding options, and apply management skills. You will present your ideas to judges and respond to questions in a professional setting. Finalists will advance to an additional role-play round. Through the competition, you will strengthen communication, problem-solving, market research, leadership, and business planning skills.
12. SAGE USA National Competition
Location: Virtual
Cost: Not specified
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 2 - May 31
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: U.S. teenage entrepreneurs
At the SAGE USA National Competition, you will present a real business and compete for the chance to represent the United States at the SAGE World Cup. Your team submits a four-page annual report, delivers a 13-minute live presentation, and answers judges’ questions in a seven-minute Q&A session. Judges evaluate business operations, innovation, impact, sustainability, and presentation quality. Along the way, you will gain experience in entrepreneurship, public speaking, reporting, and decision-making. The competition connects you with mentors, business leaders, and judges while giving your venture national visibility. Top teams earn recognition and the opportunity to advance to international competition.
13. Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: March 2 to June 5
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs aged 13 and up
The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition invites you to submit either a new idea or an existing project that creates social impact and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You will begin by sharing your concept online, then complete free entrepreneurship courses that help you strengthen your business model. Your work is published for public voting, giving you visibility and feedback from a global audience. Finalists will submit videos and present their ideas to a panel of judges. Throughout the process, you will build skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, sustainability, and communication. Winners will receive certificates, recognition, expert feedback, networking opportunities, and international exposure.
14. Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free; grand cash prizes for winners
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: February 21 - May 13
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school students around the world (solo or team up with up to four friends); students must be 14-18 years old at the time of registration
The Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition challenges you to create and pitch an original business idea that opens new market opportunities. You can compete alone or with a team and submit a five-minute video pitch online. Along the way, you will learn how to identify problems, build business concepts, communicate ideas, and present solutions clearly. The competition provides pitch templates, a Blue Ocean mini-course, and feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals. You will join a global community of student innovators while competing for cash prizes and school awards. Strong submissions gain recognition and showcase your entrepreneurial thinking on an international stage.
15. FCCLA Competitive Events
Location: United States (regional, state, and national levels)
Cost: Not specified
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Vary by state and competition level each year
Application Deadline: Varies by state and event
Eligibility: FCCLA members; events available for students through grade 8, grades 9–10, grades 11–12, and postsecondary members, depending on the event level.
FCCLA Competitive Events let you apply classroom learning to real-world challenges and showcase your skills before judges. You can choose from more than 50 events, including entrepreneurship, leadership, community service, hospitality, education, and design-focused projects. Some events recognize individual work, while others involve teams. You may create business plans, address community issues, or develop projects that support families and careers. As you compete at regional, state, and national levels, you will build communication, critical thinking, leadership, and career-readiness skills. Strong performances earn recognition and help validate your work. The experience also introduces you to career pathways and industry-focused learning opportunities.
If you’re looking for an incubator program that helps you build pitching skills, consider the Young Founders Lab!
If you want mentorship from successful entrepreneurs in building your business and learning pitching skills, the Young Founders Lab is one of the strongest programs you can join in high school. It’s a 100% virtual start-up boot camp run by Harvard entrepreneurs, designed specifically for students who want to launch a company or non-profit.
In this program, you’ll get hands-on mentorship from founders and professionals from Google, Microsoft, McKinsey, and YC-backed companies, while building a venture that solves a real-world problem. You will gain hands-on experience with concepts such as pricing, market research, unit economics, and financial decision-making, skills that directly connect economics to entrepreneurship.
Multiple cohorts run throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring, so you can join whenever it fits your schedule. Financial aid is available, and the program is open to all high school students, with no prior experience required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I prepare for pitching competitions?
Most competitions score you on the same core things: a clear problem, a real solution, and a confident delivery. Young Founders Lab's Pitch Competition Prep Program walks you through developing your business idea, building a pitch deck, and refining your application materials before you submit to competitions like these.
2. Are there pitch competitions in Texas open only to Texas residents?
Yes. The Texas High School Ideas Challenge, hosted by Texas A&M's McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship, is open only to Texas residents currently enrolled in high school.
3. Which competitions are open to students internationally rather than just in Texas?
The Diamond Challenge, Conrad Challenge, Technovation Girls, and Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition are all open globally, giving you a chance to compete alongside students from dozens of countries.