What we’re all about

Helping students and teachers to build a life of purpose since 2018.

*The “single classroom“ 2018

What began in a single classroom has grown into a national movement.

At STARTedUP, our mission is to empower students and teachers to view life through a lens of innovation and entrepreneurship, while building a life of purpose.

We believe purpose comes from engaging with real-world challenges. For teachers, we offer the Innovation Educator Fellowship, which connects educators with year-round support from like-minded peers, exclusive networking opportunities, and all the tools and resources needed to bring meaningful, real-world work into the classroom. For students, we provide opportunities to explore, experiment, and solve problems that truly matter to them—helping them discover their passions and a sense of purpose through action. Since 2018, we've engaged over 6,000 students across Indiana through initiatives like the Innovate WithIN pitch competition and the STARTedUP Alumni program.

Join us as we continue to drive a culture of innovation and purpose, shaping a future where creativity and entrepreneurship are at the heart of education.

We believe...

  • Opportunities are everywhere: Innovation isn’t confined to certain spaces—it’s about seeing possibility in every challenge.

  • Entrepreneurial thinking matters: Whether or not you start a business, everyone should know how to think like an entrepreneur—acting quickly, taking risks, and adapting.

  • Taking action beats waiting for perfection: Entrepreneurs move forward, even when things aren’t perfect. Progress happens when you take the first step.

  • Strategic networks are key: Success often comes from who you know as much as what you know. We encourage everyone to build connections that propel them forward.

  • Creating value over consuming: In a world overwhelmed with distractions, we believe in shifting from being a consumer to a creator—adding real value to the world.

  • The future belongs to problem solvers: Tomorrow's economy will thrive on people who see problems as opportunities and know how to create solutions.

Check out where it all began…

back when vlogs were popular :)