America250 Backs College Entrepreneurs with Re-Opening of "America's Startup" National Competition

2026-08-17 · Washington, D.C.

America's Startup is a national competition for undergraduate student founders, organized by America250. Applications open August 17 through October 8, 2026, with a $1 million total prize pool, mentorship, and a live pitch weekend in Washington, D.C. Top entries get exposure to investors and NVIDIA's Inception program. The competition includes 30 semifinalist teams pitching live, 10 finalists receiving $25,000 each, and 3 grand prize winners earning $50,000 each.

Organizer: America250

Register

At a glance

Tickets
Free
Format
Applications consist of a written proposal and a short pitch video. Top 100 entries are shared with the Investors Council for optional equity investments and receive an NVIDIA Inception invitation. 30 semifinalist teams pitch live in Washington, D.C., with networking and mentorship. 10 finalists rec
Who can apply
Open to legal residents of the U.S. 13+, who are current undergraduate students at an accredited university, college or trade school in the U.S. Applicants may compete individually or in teams of up to five participants.
Prizes
Total prize pool of $1 million: up to $50,000 non-dilutive grant per team; 10 finalists receive $25,000 each, 3 grand prize winners earn an additional $25,000 for $50,000 total.
Attendance
Top 100 entries shared with Investors Council; 30 semifinalist teams invited to Pitch Weekend.
Sectors
Agnostic

Agenda

  1. August 17 – October 8, 2026 · Application Window — Submissions close at 7:59 p.m. EDT on October 8, 2026.
  2. October – November 2026 · National Review — Submissions evaluated using national scoring rubric focused on innovation, feasibility, market potential, and team strength.
  3. Mid-December 2026 · Pitch Weekend in Washington, D.C. — 30 semifinalist teams travel to Washington, D.C., for a live pitch experience before leading investors and business executives.

Speakers, judges and hosts

  • Adhira Tippur — Co-Founder, Kairos Health (Speaker)
  • Joe Montana — Co-Founder, Liquid 2 Ventures (Speaker)
  • Rosie Rios — Chair, America250 (Speaker)
  • Sarah Friar — CFO, OpenAI (Speaker)
  • Steve Wozniak — Co-Founder, Apple (Speaker)
  • Tim Draper — Venture Capitalist (Speaker)

Sponsors and partners

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