Your first venture.
Before your first semester.
Applications for the 2026 Next Up Founders Prize are now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied!
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.
Up to
$100K
in cash prizes across finalists
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.
Connect with 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. Each team member must submit their own individual entry. No student may be part of more than one team.
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
A teacher, counselor, or mentor can serve as your school contact.
How it works
Applications for 2026 are now closed.
01
Complete the Eligibility form
Share your name, date of birth, country, and parent/guardian contact information so we can confirm you’re eligible to enter.
02
Confirm your consent form
Every entrant must sign a consent form agreeing to the Contest rules. If you’re under 18, this form is sent to your parent or guardian to sign on your behalf.
03
Receive and complete your application
Once your eligibility is confirmed and your consent form is complete, we’ll email you the full Application — including your school and contact details, and a written description of the problem you’re solving, your idea, and your AI angle.
04
Submit your video pitch
Upload a video pitching your idea, along with your written answers, as part of your Application.
05
Advance to the semifinals, then pitch in Boston
A Reading Committee reviews all Applications in the virtual semifinal round. If you’re selected as a finalist, you’ll pitch in person on our Boston campus during Global Entrepreneurship Week, or you may choose to pitch via video.
Important dates
What’s next for the 2026 competition.
Virtual semifinal review
Mid-October, depending on Reading Committee’s availability
Finalists notified
November
Final pitch and Global Entrepreneurship Week Celebration
Between November 17 and 20, additional details to follow
FAQ
Can I still apply?
Applications closed on September 30.
What happens next?
Applications closed on September 30. All completed Applications will be reviewed by our Reading Committee during the semifinal round in October. Finalists will be notified in November and compete for prizes during Global Entrepreneurship Week, either in person in Boston or via video.
Format and logistics
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.
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 applications and pitches are reviewed by a panel that includes Northeastern staff and leading entrepreneurs from around the world — founders and investors who’ve built ventures and will give you meaningful feedback.
What are the prizes?
Up to $100K in cash prizes across finalists.
Can I appeal the judges’ decision?
All decisions of the judging panel are final.