# STARTedUP Challenge

Free statewide pitch competition for Indiana high school students (formerly Innovate WithIN): self-paced startup curriculum, regional pitch rounds, an eight-week bootcamp for finalists and a $25,000 top prize.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | STARTedUP Foundation |
| Category | business |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | Hybrid (in person + online) |
| Location | Indianapolis, IN |
| Apply | https://www.startedupfoundation.org/the-challenge |

## About this program

# STARTedUP Challenge

The STARTedUP Challenge is the STARTedUP Foundation's statewide high school pitch competition in Indiana, previously known as Innovate WithIN. Students work through a free startup curriculum at their own pace, submit a business plan and video pitch, then compete through regional rounds toward state finals - with mentorship, scholarships and funding attached at every stage.

## What You'll Do

- Create a free account and work through the STARTedUP build-and-prep curriculum
- Develop a business idea into a plan, a summary and a recorded video pitch
- Submit your pitch and compete for one of roughly 70 regional competition slots
- Pitch live to local judges at Regionals; seven regional winners plus three wildcards advance
- Complete an eight-week finalist bootcamp with weekly calls, mentors and a two-day in-person experience before the Challenge Finals

## Who Should Apply

Indiana high school students - individually or in teams of up to three. There is no entry fee and no prior business background is needed; the curriculum starts from idea generation. Teams that reach the regional stage join the STARTedUP Alumni Association with access to networking, internship connections and travel opportunities.

## Outcomes

The finals award $25,000 for first place, $5,000 for second, $2,500 for third and $1,500 for people's choice, with regional prizes of $1,000-$3,000 and scholarships offered by Butler University and Purdue University Northwest. Beyond the money, finalists get sustained mentorship and a demonstrated venture they can carry into college applications.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does STARTedUP Challenge cost?

STARTedUP Challenge is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for STARTedUP Challenge?

STARTedUP Challenge is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is STARTedUP Challenge online or in person?

STARTedUP Challenge is a hybrid program with both online and in-person components (in-person portions in Indianapolis, IN).

### How do I apply to STARTedUP Challenge?

Apply directly through STARTedUP Foundation's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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