Application Tips
A well-framed product or write-up is the foundation of your submission. Here’s how to structure it:
Clearly define the problem you’re solving. Make it specific and relatable.
Use statistics or a compelling anecdote to highlight the urgency of the issue.
Example: “70% of high school students struggle with stress management, leading to declining mental health.”
Present your product as the solution to the problem.
Highlight its uniqueness and innovation. How does it stand out from existing solutions?
Use concise and clear language to avoid jargon.
Example: “Our app, MindEase, uses gamified cognitive behavioral therapy to help students build stress resilience.”
Be specific about who will benefit from your product.
Example: “Our primary audience is high school students aged 14-18 who experience academic pressure.”
Articulate the ‘why’ behind your product:
What makes it better, faster, cheaper, or more effective?
Why will people choose your product over others?
Use this framework: “We solve [problem] for [target audience] by [unique feature/solution].”
Outline how you’ll make money:
Subscriptions, one-time purchases, partnerships, ads, etc.
Keep it simple but clear.
Example: “We will offer a freemium model with premium features priced at $5/month.”
Share metrics or goals to demonstrate your potential impact.
Example: “We aim to improve stress levels in 1 million students by 2026.”
State what you’re seeking: funding, mentorship, exposure, or partnerships.
Hook: Start with an engaging statement, statistic, or question.
Example: “Did you know that 1 in 5 students drop out of high school due to anxiety?”
Problem: Briefly explain the problem.
Solution: Introduce your product in one sentence.
Example: “MindEase is a mobile app that turns therapy into a game to help students manage stress.”
Impact: Highlight the benefits and results your solution will deliver.
Call to Action: End with what you need (e.g., “Join us in bringing mental health support to students globally.”).
Be concise: Limit your pitch to 1-2 minutes.
Show passion: Judges want to see your enthusiasm and belief in the product.
Practice, practice, practice: Memorize key points but remain natural.
Adapt to your audience: Tailor your pitch based on whether your audience is technical, business-savvy, or general.
Title Slide:
Include the project name, tagline, and your team name.
Problem Statement:
Use visuals (graphs, infographics, or photos) to convey the problem.
Solution:
Use 1-2 slides to explain how your product solves the problem.
Include screenshots, mockups, or videos of your prototype if possible.
Business Model:
Use a simple diagram or chart to show how you’ll generate revenue.
Market Opportunity:
Highlight market size, growth potential, or competitors.
Example: “The mental health app market is projected to reach $5 billion by 2025.”
Call to Action:
End with what you’re seeking and next steps.
Keep it simple: Use minimal text (bullet points, not paragraphs).
Visuals are key: Use high-quality images, icons, and charts.
Font and color: Stick to 2-3 complementary colors and ensure font size is legible (24pt or larger for main points).
Consistency: Maintain a consistent theme across all slides.
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S. (grades 9-12).
Requirements:
Create and submit a fully functional app using any coding language or platform.
Provide a 1-3 minute demonstration video showcasing the app’s features.
Submit a written explanation of the app's purpose and development process.
Additional Info: Focuses on innovation in coding and entrepreneurship. Winners are recognized in the U.S. Capitol and may be invited to Washington, D.C.
Date: January 1 (annual).
Eligibility: High school students in California interested in STEM and innovation.
Requirements:
Submit a project proposal with a focus on STEM innovation.
Include a detailed concept, prototype (if applicable), and presentation slides.
Provide supporting documents via their forms and information page.
Additional Info: Open to projects combining STEM and entrepreneurial skills.
Date: November 15 (annual).
Eligibility: High school students interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Requirements:
Submit a business idea via a written proposal (2-3 pages).
Include a pitch video (2-4 minutes) outlining the problem and your solution.
Optional: Prototype or visuals to enhance the idea.
Additional Info: Focuses on empowering students to address real-world challenges with entrepreneurial solutions.
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18.
Requirements:
A 3-5 page written concept covering the business model, target audience, and innovation.
A 5-minute pitch video.
Teams of 2-4 students with a designated team leader.
Additional Info: Offers both virtual and in-person pitch opportunities with a focus on business and social innovation.
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 worldwide.
Requirements:
Submit an innovation proposal (approximately 1,200 words).
Develop a prototype or detailed concept.
Participate in virtual mentoring and refinement rounds.
Additional Info: STEM-focused with a strong emphasis on solving global issues.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in NFTE programs.
Requirements:
Submit a business canvas or written business model.
Prepare a pitch presentation, including a possible video component.
Optional: Prototype to strengthen the idea.
Additional Info: Offers scholarships and mentorship for budding entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: High school students part of DECA chapters.
Requirements:
A written business plan (up to 10 pages).
Prototypes or models are encouraged but not required.
A live pitch or presentation during competitions.
Additional Info: Focused on marketing and practical business skills.
Eligibility: FBLA members in high school.
Requirements:
Submit a comprehensive business plan (up to 15 pages).
Prototype or product demonstration optional but beneficial.
Live presentation at competitions.
Additional Info: Focuses on strategy, financial planning, and entrepreneurship.
Eligibility: High school students worldwide.
Requirements:
Submit a 3-minute pitch video.
A written concept (1-2 pages) describing the innovative product or service.
Prototype or visual aids optional but recommended.
Additional Info: Focuses on creative and disruptive ideas.
Eligibility: High school students globally.
Requirements:
Submit a business proposal and pitch video (3-5 minutes).
Develop an elevator pitch for the competition rounds.
Prototypes encouraged to strengthen submissions.
Additional Info: Offers international networking opportunities.
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S.
Requirements:
Submit an essay describing the innovation (up to 1,000 words).
Visual presentation (poster, sketches, or diagrams).
Teams must prepare a 3-minute pitch video.
Additional Info: Encourages solutions to global issues.
Eligibility: High school and middle school students.
Requirements:
Attend weekly entrepreneurship classes (through YEA! chapters).
Develop a business plan and pitch to a panel of investors.
Prototype optional but beneficial.
Additional Info: Winners can earn funding to launch their businesses.
Example Writeups, Slides, and Videos
How To Do Outreach