08/20/2026
Do you know a college student who is launching a business, developing new technology, or tackling a challenge in their community? America’s Startup gives them the opportunity to take their idea to the next level.
America’s Startup is a national competition that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit driving America’s future. Undergraduate and graduate students from accredited U.S. colleges and universities are invited to compete for national recognition, mentorship from leading entrepreneurs and investors, the opportunity to pitch live during Pitch Weekend in Washington, D.C., and grant funding to help accelerate their ventures.
America250 is expanding the program to welcome another nationwide class of student entrepreneurs. Last spring, ten outstanding student teams each received $25,000 in non-dilutive grant funding after presenting their ventures before an accomplished panel of investors and business leaders. This fall, the stakes are even higher: Entrants compete for a share of a $1 million total prize pool, national mentorship, an invitation to a live pitch finale in Washington, D.C., and three winning teams will receive an additional $25,000 in non-dilutive funding, bringing their total awards to $50,000 each.
Following an exciting inaugural competition that brought together hundreds of student entrepreneurs from more than 190 colleges and universities across 42 states and awarded funding to 10 winning teams, America250 is once again searching for the next generation of innovators, builders, and problem-s...
