Find the Perfect Business Competition for High School Students: 7 Opportunities to Innovate

Updated: 01.08.2025

Read time: 6 min read

A business competition for high school students gives young people the space to test ideas, solve problems and experience what it’s like to work under pressure. Whether you’re pitching a social enterprise, running a simulated firm, or reacting to a curveball case study, these contests help students sharpen their entrepreneurial instincts and work collaboratively to bring ideas to life.

The formats vary: some contests are one-off pitch events, others span several weeks with mentoring, prototypes and market research. You might work in teams, simulate real boardroom decisions, or compete in financial strategy games. But in almost all, you’ll be thinking on your feet and balancing ambition with practicality.

Competitions often involve real-world judges from business or academia, giving students a rare chance to get feedback from professionals. Some offer investment, internships or networking opportunities as prizes – but even without winning, students leave with a clearer idea of how innovation works in the real world.

Without further ado, let’s find a business competition for high school students that sparks your innovative spirit. To enter these history essay competitions, find additional tips, and find other opportunities across many other disciplines, visit succeed.immerse.education/competitions.

7 business competitions for high school students

Diamond Challenge for High School Entrepreneurs

Diamond Challenge for High School Entrepreneurs is a global competition that invites high school students to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems they are passionate about. Teams can compete in either business innovation or social innovation tracks, working to create ventures that make a positive impact. The competition provides mentorship, feedback, and networking opportunities, culminating in a summit where finalists present their ideas to judges and peers. Special topical prizes are awarded for excellence in sustainability, technology, and social justice.

Type of competition: High school entrepreneurship and innovation competition.

Prize: 1st place $12,000; 2nd place $8,000; 3rd place $4,500 in both business and social innovation tracks. Additional topical prizes (e.g., sustainability, technology, social justice).

Eligibility: High school students (typically ages 14–18) worldwide; teams of 2–4 members.

Guidelines: Teams submit a written concept, pitch video, and business model. Finalists are invited to pitch live at the summit. Entries must be original, and teams must register online.

More details can be found on the Diamond Challenge website.

U.S. National Innovator Challenge

U.S. National Innovator Challenge is an annual high school business competition that celebrates youth inventors and problem-solvers across the United States. The challenge is held virtually, making it accessible to all U.S. students. Participants can enter directly or qualify through the Independent Innovator Challenge if they lack another qualifying organization. The competition emphasizes creative problem-solving and aims to build a diverse, inclusive community of young innovators.

Type of competition: Innovation and invention competition.

Prize: Recognition, certificates, and advancement opportunities to further national and international innovation contests.

Eligibility: K–12 students residing in the United States.

Guidelines: Submit an original invention or innovation project, including documentation and a presentation. The competition is virtual, and students can enter individually or as a team.

More details can be found on the National Innovator Challenge website.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the largest career and technical student organization in the world, providing leadership development, academic competitions, and networking for high school students interested in business, entrepreneurship, and related fields. The FBLA National Leadership Conference is the culminating event, featuring competitive events in business, finance, marketing, and technology, as well as workshops and keynote speakers.

Type of competition: Business and leadership competition (multiple events at local, state, and national levels).

Prize: Trophies, scholarships, and national recognition for top performers in each event.

Eligibility: Middle and high school students (grades 6–12), primarily in the United States; membership in an FBLA chapter required.

Guidelines: Students compete in individual or team events, which may include tests, presentations, role-plays, and business plans. Advancement is through local and state competitions to the National Leadership Conference.

More details can be found on the FBLA website.

Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI)

Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI) is a global academic program and competition that challenges students to think creatively and systematically about complex future issues. Participants work in teams or as individuals to identify problems, generate solutions, and develop action plans in response to futuristic scenarios. The program aims to develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative skills.

Type of competition: Problem-solving and scenario writing competition.

Prize: Trophies, medals, and international recognition at the FPSPI International Conference.

Eligibility: Students in grades 4–12 (ages 9–18), international.

Guidelines: Students compete in team or individual divisions, responding to provided scenarios with written booklets outlining their problem-solving process. Advancement is through regional and state rounds to the international level.

More details can be found on the FPSPI website.

Immerse Education Future Innovators Scholarship

Immerse Education Future Innovators Scholarship is an international competition that offers high school students the chance to win scholarships for immersive academic summer programs at leading universities. Students submit essays or projects on future-focused topics, demonstrating their passion and vision for innovation in their chosen field.

Type of competition: Essay/project scholarship competition.

Prize: Scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition for Immerse Education summer programs at Cambridge, Oxford, and other top universities.

Eligibility: High school students aged 13–18, international.

Guidelines: Submit an essay or project on a set topic related to innovation or future impact in a chosen academic area. Entries are judged on originality, insight, and communication.

More details can be found on the Immerse Education website.

New Zealand Secondary School’s Case Competition

New Zealand Secondary School’s Case Competition is a national event where teams of secondary school students analyze and present solutions to real-world business cases. The competition develops analytical, teamwork, and presentation skills, and is supported by business professionals and academics.

Type of competition: Business case analysis and presentation competition.

Prize: Trophies, certificates, and recognition; networking opportunities with business leaders.

Eligibility: Secondary school students in New Zealand.

Guidelines: Teams analyze a business case, prepare a written report and oral presentation, and present their solutions to a panel of judges. Entries must be original and submitted by the deadline.

More details can be found on the NZSSCC website.

RISE for the World

RISE for the World is a global program and competition that identifies, supports, and connects talented young people committed to building a better world. Participants propose and develop projects with social impact, and winners receive lifelong benefits including scholarships, mentorship, and funding for their ideas.

Type of competition: Social impact project and leadership competition.

Prize: Scholarships, mentorship, funding for projects, and access to a global network of leaders and innovators.

Eligibility: Young people aged 15–17 worldwide.

Guidelines: Applicants submit a project proposal, complete online assessments, and participate in interviews. Selection is based on leadership, service, and potential for impact.

More details can be found on the RISE for the World website.

If you’re already buzzing with ideas, don’t stop here. You can explore more business competitions for high school students – from enterprise simulations to innovation labs – at succeed.immerse.education/competitions. Wherever your entrepreneurial spark leads, there’s a challenge to match it.