All startups competing in the competition must register through our competitor registration form, whether you enter through a local competition or apply through the open application. Each startup should designate a team captain, who submits on behalf of the team. After submitting the form, team captains will receive an email with next steps. 

Reminder: All team members must be at least 18 years old by the February 28th, 2026 registration date to compete. For more information regarding team composition and eligibility, please review the terms & conditions here. 

The Open Application is available only to those who fit the following criteria:

• Campus directors and organizing committee members: These leadership roles are not permitted to participate in local competitions, but are still eligible to enter the competition through the open application.  
• Startups without access to a local competition: If startups are unable to access a local competition they may apply through the open application. 
  • It is not permitted for startups that could have participated in, or have already participated in, a local competition. 
  • Startups accepted through the open application cannot join a local competition.

Local competitions are the heart of our program. Thousands of student entrepreneurs around the world pitch their business ideas on campus at their university for a chance to advance to the nationals stage of the competition. Here, participants will:

• Experience real-world startup practice
• Receive self-paced learning resources
• Tap into supportive local and global networks

Explore Campus Organizer section to learn more about local competitions.