America 250: National America’s Startup competition seeks collegiate student innovators and entrepreneurs

America 250 on "America's Startup"

America 250 Chair Rosie Rios and Tim Draper join LiveNOW from FOX to talk about America's Startup. This is a unique opportunity for students, early-stage innovators & entrepreneurs to help shape  

When it comes to innovation, many successful American companies got their start in garages. Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon, are examples of taking bold ideas and turning them into a successful business and driving America’s economy.  Collegiate student innovators and entrepreneurs who have an idea have an opportunity to turn their ideas into reality with the America’s Startup competition.  

Dig deeper:

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, America250, the national, nonpartisan organization charged by Congress with leading the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is looking for the next generation of American innovators and entrepreneurs with America’s Startup, a national competition designed to spotlight the next generation of American innovators and entrepreneurs.

The fast-paced, high-stakes competition is seeking college students across the country to pitch bold ideas and early-stage ventures for a shot at funding, mentorship and national recognition. Finalists will get face time with the America’s Startup Investor Council - Rosie Rios, Chair, America250 Commission and former Treasurer of the United States and Tim Draper, Founder, Draper Associates, Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Draper University. 

What they're saying:

"I think we're going to potentially see the next Elon Musk, the next Steve Jobs or people who could go beyond what they've done. And catching students in college allows us to find some creativity we may never have gotten from just our ordinary deal flow.," said Draper.  "And I think it gives these college students an opportunity to think about what they want to do for their life. They know it's a little tough to get a job right now if you're coming out of college. You can create your own job." 

"When you think about America's story, and being a leader in innovation, what better way to think about this than to look back 250 years and, more importantly, what the next 250 years looks like," said Rios. "It's all about the pipeline. It really is kind of this great ability to know that the impossible is actually right in front of you. It is possible."  

Who can participate in America’s Startup competition?   

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.

How to enter the America’s Startup competition   

To enter, students submit a written proposal and a two-minute pitch video at America250.org.  The application deadline is March 31, 2026.   

What will the winners of the America’s Startup competition 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.