Breaking down barriers for a new generation of innovators.
The STARTedUP Foundation empowers a generation of leaders with an “opportunities are everywhere” mindset, fueling innovation and hope for our communities, country and the world.
The mission of STARTedUP is to empower students and teachers to view the world through a lens of innovation and entrepreneurship while building a life of purpose.
The STARTedUP Foundation began in a classroom with one teacher inspiring students to view the world differently and, since 2018, has expanded statewide, engaging over 6000 students in the past five years. In 2018, STARTedUP and the Indiana Economic Development Corp. launched Innovate WithIN, the country’s largest and most elite high school pitch competition. Since then, STARTedUP has continued to grow the “opportunities are everywhere” mindset with the support of local, national, and global partners by hosting the Indiana Innovation Educator Fellowship and the STARTedUP Alumni program to support students and educators as we spark, develop, and accelerate innovation.
We believe…
Opportunities are everywhere.
Not everyone has to be an entrepreneur but everyone should be able to think like one.
The only difference between entrepreneurs and everyone else is that entrepreneurs don’t wait for perfection, they move now.
Strategic networks are a key to success and everyone should be empowered to build theirs. If it’s not ‘what you know but who you know,’ then get out there and know people.
In a world of social media, addictions and negativity, every person can create real value by being a producer instead of a consumer.
The future economy will rely on people that see problems as opportunities to apply their value and build solutions.
Spark change in students through innovative educators.
Indiana high school educators are selected to be part of a cohort passionate about classroom innovation with opportunities for community involvement, civic engagement and ecosystem expansion.
Develop opportunities to enhance student innovation.
Innovate WithIN is the country’s largest and most competitive high school pitch competition - empowering students to develop skills to launch entrepreneurial ideas and take it to market while being mentored by national and global change-makers.
Accelerate the future entrepreneurial workforce.
Through internships, mentorship, seed funding, global travel opportunities, and real-world programming, former Innovate WithIN regional finalists expand their network and enhance businesses with innovative mindsets that far exceed their peers.