Your first venture.
Before your first semester.
Pitch your idea. Get real feedback from founders who can’t wait to see what you’re building.
In the Next Up Founders Prize competition, you’ll pitch to founders and innovators and get feedback to advance your ideas—and winners walk away with a piece of $100k+ in cash prizes to fund your idea. You’ll join a community that keeps supporting you after the competition, earn an official LinkedIn badge, and gain access to Northeastern’s global entrepreneurship network—with 2,600+ ventures supported and 8,000+ mentorship matches connecting founders and investors worldwide.
Whether your interests lie in engineering, health sciences, psychology, design, education, or computer science, show us how you’re pushing the boundaries of innovation and where AI fits into your build—whether that’s in the product itself, how you built it, or how you plan to launch it.
$100K+
Total cash prizes across finalists
Free at every stage
No entry fee.
3–6 hours to prepare
Built to fit around your
busy schedule.
Submit from anywhere
The entry is fully online,
open to any high school student
over 13 years of age.
A path to Northeastern
A first introduction between
you and Northeastern network.
Backed by Northeastern’s Global Entrepreneurship Network
2,600+
Ventures supported
8,000+
Mentorship matches
14
Global campuses
$900M+
Raised by IDEA venture accelerator
Who can enter
If you’re a high school student building
something, you’re eligible.
No connection to Northeastern is required to enter—this competition is open to any high school founder, anywhere.
Grade level
Any high school student over 13 years of age, grades 9–12.
Team size
Enter solo or with up to three teammates, for a maximum of four. One entry per team, no overlapping teams.
idea stage
Any stage counts—a concept, a working prototype, or an early operating venture.
school type
Public, private, charter, or home-schooled students all qualify.
geography
Open globally in any field. This isn’t limited to Northeastern applicants.
Adult advisor
Recommended, not required—a teacher, counselor, or mentor can serve as your school contact.
How to enter
Ready to get your ideas off the ground?
01
Complete the entry form
Share your name, grade level, school, contact information, and optional school advisor.
02
Confirm your eligibility
Answer four quick questions about enrollment, team eligibility, rules, and your parent or guardian consent if you’re under 18.
03
Submit a brief description of your idea
Tell us the problem you’re solving, your idea, and your AI angle. Each prompt has a word limit, with approximately 900 words total.
04
Submit your video pitch
Upload a video pitching your innovative idea featuring AI along with your written answers. Add an optional visual and sign digitally to finish.
05
Advance to the semifinals, then pitch in Boston
The virtual semifinals narrow the field. If you’re selected as a finalist, you’ll pitch in person on our Boston campus during Global Entrepreneurship Week, or finalists may choose to pitch via video.
Save the dates!
Everything from entry deadlines to the finals.
Competition opens
September 1
Entry deadline
September 30
Virtual semifinal judging
Between October 13 and 15, depending on judges’ availability
Finalists notified
November 2
Final pitch and celebration
Between November 17 and 20, depending on judges’ availability
FAQ
Eligibility and Registration
Who’s eligible to enter?
Applicants must be at least 13 years old and currently enrolled in grades 9–12 (in public, private, charter, or home school).
Can I enter if I’m under 18?
If you—or anyone on your team—are under 18, a parent or guardian will need to complete an electronic consent form before you can submit your application.
Do teams of students enter?
Students may enter solo or in teams of up to four (4) students. One entry is allowed per team, and overlapping teams are not permitted.
Can I be on multiple teams?
Overlapping teams are not permitted.
Should I/my team work with an advisor?
We recommended that you work with an advisor, but it’s not required.
Is there a registration fee?
The competition is free to enter. No purchase, payment, or fee is required at any stage.
Do I need to travel to Boston to pitch in the finale?
Finalists may pitch virtually or in person at Northeastern’s Boston campus. Finalists will receive details about the finale prior to the date.
What happens next?
After you submit your application, semifinalists will be notified. They’ll participate in a virtual semifinal pitch competition in October. Finalists will compete for prizes during Global Entrepreneurship Week in November.
Format and logistics
How long is the pitch?
Complete a 2-3 minute video pitch.
Is it in person, virtual, or hybrid?
Finalists may pitch virtually or in person at Northeastern’s Boston campus. Finalists will receive details prior to the date.
Is there a minimum or maximum team size?
Students may enter solo or in teams of up to four (4) students.
What’s the date, time, and location of the finale?
The finale will take place on our Boston campus in November. Finalists may opt to pitch virtually.
How will I know if I’m a finalist?
Finalists will be notified directly. All applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Submission requirements
What needs to be submitted before the competition?
Submissions are a short, written concept and a 2–3 minute video pitch. There’s no travel, no cost, no special equipment needed.
Should my pitch be AI-related?
Yes, use of artificial intelligence is one of the judging criteria. Every project needs to show AI playing a real role somewhere—whether that’s baked into the product itself, part of how you built it, or how you plan to get it out into the world.
Judging and prizes
What are the judging criteria?
Students will be evaluated across four key areas: Innovation and originality, use of artificial intelligence, market potential and feasibility, and communication and pitch quality.
Who are the judges?
Your judges will be leading entrepreneurs from around the world. They’re founders and investors who’ve built ventures and will give you meaningful feedback.
What are the prizes?
Cash prizes totaling $100,000 will be awarded.
Can I appeal the judges’ decision?
All decisions of the judging panel are final.