America250 Startup Contest 2026

About

A competition designed for U.S. student innovators, offering a chance to pitch their ideas for a chance to win $25,000 in grant funding, along with opportunities for validation and networking with industry leaders.

Benefits

• 💰Financial Support
  Each of the 10 winners will receive $25,000 in non-dilutive grant funding
• 🎤Pitch Opportunity
  Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to prominent judges from Silicon Valley
• 🌐Networking Platform
  The contest provides a platform for validation and networking with industry leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to U.S. students aged 13+
• Must be enrolled at an accredited university, college, or trade school in the U.S.
• Participants can be individuals or small teams of up to five members.

Participation Commitments

• Semi-finalists must travel to San Mateo, CA, from May 1-3, 2026
• Participants must submit a written proposal and a pitch video
• Each applicant or team may submit only one entry.

Target Region

United States

Target Sector

All sectors