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2025 Registration:
Now Open
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Learn how to turn a problem into an opportunity, pitch your idea, and win prize money and scholarships along the way.
Deadline to register is February 7th, 2025
About Innovate WithIN
The most elite high school pitch competition in the country.
Innovate WithIN offers year-long programming that teaches students to view the world through a lens of entrepreneurship and innovation. The program culminates into a statewide pitch competition that is free and available to all Indiana high school students - offering everything from scholarships to funding, all accompanied by a detailed online toolkit that will help students come up with winning ideas and create a well thought out pitch. Innovate WithIN companion course is available for both individual and classroom use.
9,154 students have participated in Innovate WithIN since 2018
94 students attended immersion trips
Millions available in scholarship opportunities
The Process
So much more than just a pitch competition.
As students move along in the competition phase, they will have the opportunity to compete across the state, meet entrepreneurs, receive funding, and travel to Washington, D.C. All students who qualify for the Regional Competitions are invited to join the STARTedUP Alumni Association where they can grow their network, take advantage of new opportunities, and have access to resources that can allow them to launch or scale their venture.
$650,000+ awarded to students since 2018
The Competition Timeline
Dream it.
Design your business idea and practice your pitch.
It all begins with an idea. Through the STARTedUP curriculum, you will create a business plan, video pitch, and summary. Make sure to submit your application in time so you do not miss out on this life-changing experience!
Pitch it.
Pitch your idea at the Regional Competition.
After you’ve submitted your Innovate WithIN application, the top ten teams in your area will be chosen to compete at Regionals! Your team will present your pitch to a panel of local judges and the top two teams will progress onto State.
Build it.
Expand your business model at STARTedUP Bootcamp.
After Regionals, the top two teams in each area will join an eight-week bootcamp to build their business and connect with top Indiana entrepreneurs as they prepare for the nationally-recognized Innovate WithIN State Competition.
Launch it.
Compete in the State Finals for scholarships and seed funding.
After you meet with the experts and renovate your idea, you will travel to Indianapolis to share your business with the community and pitch your idea during the State Competition. Business leaders from across the nation witness these pitches!
Share it.
Travel to Washington, D.C. on an immersion trip.
Don’t let your business stop after State. All State Finalists are invited on an Immersion trip as we travel to a city buzzing with entrepreneurs and innovative thought leaders! In the past, we have gone to places like Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Tampa, and more.
Experience it.
Attend an international immersion trip through the Alumni Association.
Why stop after the Regional Competition? All regional finalists are invited to join the STARTedUP Alumni Association with opportunities for international travel, global networking, connections to internships, and so much more!
Go from idea to
Reality
With Innovate WithIN….
There are MILLIONS of dollars in scholarships and other incentives up for grabs to Indiana colleges and universities. You will be eligible to earn scholarships by just simply submitting your pitch.
You can win up to $25,000 in funding to grow your business at the State Finals.
This year, state finalists travel to Washington, D.C. and meet industry leaders, government officials, and entrepreneurs.
You will make connections with some of the most respected and highly recognized innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders.
You have access to a detailed online course that will walk you through everything you need to know to submit a winning pitch and prepare you for the competition.
You will have the potential to join an engaged Alumni Association, comprised of former Innovate WithIN regional & state competitors.
Want some inspiration?
Each year, state finalists teams make a “sizzle reel“ to showcase their pitch.
Check out the 2024 lineup