About INNOSpark

INNOSpark is a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to equipping the next generation of entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to turn ideas into impact. To date, we have mentored 200+ students and hosted 2 pitch competitions.


Our Goal

Our mission is to make entrepreneurship education accessible to all students worldwide. Most students never get the chance to create something their own because the resources, mentorship, and opportunities simply aren't available to them. INNOSpark exists to close that gap. We bring entrepreneurship education directly to students through workshops, content, and competitions that turn ideas into actual projects.

INNOSpark Pitch Competition

About the Challenge

In April 2026, INNOSpark is hosting the largest student-led pitch competition in the world — a virtual event where high school students from around the world can pitch their business, nonprofit, or passion project, gain exposure to industry mentors, and compete for a $10,000 prize pool.

Whether you have a fully-built startup or just a compelling idea, this is your stage.

Who Can Participate?

High school students worldwide (all grades)

Solo founders or teams (up to 4 members)

Businesses, nonprofits, social ventures, and passion projects

Students with or without an existing startup/business

 

Cost: 100% free to enter.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVW5VZWDg4e/?igsh=N3NheWtnejFucWFk

Requirements

What to Submit

A video pitch of maximum 5 minutes in length, accompanied by an optional slide deck.

 

Your pitch should cover:

1. The Problem

  • What problem are you solving, and why does it matter?

  • Who is most affected, and how does it impact their lives today?

  • Why hasn't it been solved yet?

 

2. Your Solution & Venture

  • What is your company, nonprofit, or project?

  • Describe your product, service, or initiative

  • What makes your approach unique or different?

  • Who is your target audience, and how will you reach them?

  • What's your plan to grow or sustain this venture?

  • Any early traction, research, or interest you've received

 

3. Your Story***

  • Why does this problem matter to you personally?/How did you have this idea?

 

4. Your Ask

  • What do you want from the judges? (Feedback, mentorship, funding, connections?)

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$12,400 in prizes
1st Place
$2,220 in cash
1 winner

$1500 cash

$480 Replit Core subscription (6 months)
$240 Notion Subscription

2nd Place
$1,480 in cash
1 winner

$1000 cash

$240 Replit Core subscription (3 months)
$240 Notion Subscription

3rd Place
$900 in cash
1 winner

$500 cash

$160 Replit Core subscription (2 months)
$240 Notion Subscription

Top 15 Finalists
$320 in cash
15 winners

All finalist teams get 1 month of Replit Core subscription ($80) & 3 months of Notion Business ($240)

$3,000 Summer Company Grant (Richmond Hill)
$3,000 in cash
1 winner

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Neda Mitchell

Neda Mitchell
Director @ MaRS Discovery District

Laurie Baker

Laurie Baker
Executive Director @ Treefrog Accelerator

Megan Ruan

Megan Ruan
Partnerships @ Replit

Judging Criteria

  • Problem
    Score: 15 points Does the team identify a real, meaningful problem? Is there a clear and demonstrated need?
  • Solution & Innovation
    Score: 20 points Is the solution creative, practical, and well-matched to the problem? Does it bring a fresh or differentiated approach that goes beyond theory?
  • Impact Potential
    Score: 15 points How significant and scalable is the impact this venture could create? Does the team show a genuine understanding of who they're helping and how many people they can reach?
  • Storytelling & Narrative
    Score: 20 points Why does this problem matter to you specifically? Is there a real, personal connection to the work that makes you the right person to solve this?
  • Traction
    Score: 15 points Have you tested this in the real world? This could be customer interviews, a prototype, signups, a pilot.
  • Pitch Quality
    Score: 10 points Is the video pitch engaging, clear, and built to inspire? Does the deck tell a compelling story that makes you believe in both the idea and the team?
  • Team & Execution Potential
    Score: 5 points Does this team have the drive, hustle, and self-awareness to make this happen? Would you bet on these founders to create real change?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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