America250: Student Innovators Invited to Compete in National Startup Challenge
Undergraduate students are invited to apply for America’s Startup, a national pitch competition highlighting early-stage business ideas. Submit your proposal by March 31, 2026.
- published: 2026/03/05
- contact: Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
- email: unonews@unomaha.edu
Big ideas often start in classrooms, labs, and late-night brainstorming sessions. America’s Startup is a national collegiate startup competition designed to spotlight and support student innovators at the earliest stages of building a business. Participants submit a proposal and pitch video outlining their idea. Selected teams advance through a multi-stage review process that includes a live pitch experience.
📅 Entries are due by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on March 31, 2026.
Who Can Participate
America’s Startup is open to:
- U.S. students enrolled as undergraduates in accredited U.S. colleges, universities, or trade schools
- Founders working individually or in small teams
- Early-stage ideas, concepts, or ventures across industries
- Participants must be legal residents of the United States or U.S. territories and meet eligibility requirements outlined in the Official Contest Rules
- America’s Startup is intentionally student-centered, welcoming founders at the idea or early execution stage — not just those with polished companies or existing funding
What Winners Receive
America’s Startup will award non-dilutive grant funding to 10 winners, allowing founders to retain full ownership of their business ideas.
Winning teams receive:
- $25,000 in non-dilutive grant funding
- National recognition as America’s Startup winners
- Visibility among investors, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders
- Additional opportunities may include mentorship, educational programming, and consideration for accelerator or incubator support
Learn more and review the Official Rules
How to Apply
To apply to America’s Startup, submit a short written proposal and a brief pitch video through the online submission portal. All materials must be uploaded together in one session.
Applications may be submitted by an individual or a small team of up to five (5) participants. Each applicant or team may submit one entry only. Submissions should clearly explain your business idea, why it matters, and how it could grow. Before submitting, please review the Official Contest Rules and FAQs.
Official Contest Details
No purchase necessary. Contest runs from 12:01 A.M. Eastern Time on Feb. 15, 2026 through 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on March 31, 2026. Open to U.S. students age 13+ enrolled at an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school. Semi-finalists must travel to San Mateo, California, May 1–3, 2026. See Official Rules for full eligibility requirements, judging criteria, prize details, and restrictions. Void where prohibited.
About America250
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.