Business Competitions for High School Students: 7 Opportunities to Innovate

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.

Harvard Student Agencies Case Competition (HSACC)

The Harvard Student Agencies Case Competition (HSACC) is a virtual business case competition run in partnership with Harvard Student Agencies, the largest student-run company in the world. Students act as consultants, solving a real business problem and pitching their strategy to judges that include startup founders and a former McKinsey consultant. No business experience is needed, since free workshops cover the basics.

Type of competition: High school business case competition.

Prize: Grand Champion $1,500 cash plus a $3,190 Ladder Internships scholarship; Runner-Up $1,000 cash plus a $2,500 scholarship; Second Runner-Up $500 cash plus a $2,000 scholarship. Additional scholarships go to Most Innovative Strategy ($1,250), Honorable Mention ($1,000), and every other finalist ($750). Everyone who submits a deck receives a certificate of participation.

Eligibility: Any student enrolled in high school as of December 31st, anywhere in the world; individual entries only (no teams).

Guidelines: Register online by October 17th ($5-$15 fee, depending on when you register). In Round 1, students submit a strategy deck of up to 10 slides as a PDF by October 31st. Shortlisted students advance to Round 2 and submit a 3-5 minute video pitch by November 22nd. AI tools can be used for research and brainstorming, but submissions that are substantially AI-generated are disqualified.

More details can be found on the HSACC 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.

TED Ideas Competition

The TED Ideas Competition is a global public speaking challenge delivered by Immerse Education in partnership with TED, offering high school participants a slightly more unusual route into business and innovation skills. Rather than focusing on business plans or financial models, the competition centres on developing and communicating original ideas clearly, a core capability for entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation.

Participants submit a one-minute video responding to a single prompt about the idea or message they would want the world to hear. The competition prioritises clarity of thinking, originality, and personal motivation over polished delivery. Selected participants may be awarded full or partial scholarships to attend TED Summer School, where they further develop their ideas through coaching, storytelling, and presentation practice.

Type of competition: Global public speaking and idea development competition with a focus on innovation and communication.

Prize: Full or partial scholarships to attend TED Summer School delivered by Immerse Education in partnership with TED.

Eligibility: High school participants aged 14–18, open to students worldwide.

Guidelines: Participants submit a one-minute video speaking directly to the camera. No slides or editing are required. Entries are judged on idea clarity, originality, and potential, with submissions made online through the official entry form.

More details can be found on the TED Ideas Competition page.

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.

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