High School Pitch Competition 2026
Transform Your Ideas Into Reality
March 16, 2026 (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
Pitch Your Business Idea
Join us for an exciting Shark Tank-style competition where high school students can showcase their entrepreneurial spirit. Present your innovative business ideas, compete for substantial prize money, and connect with St. John's thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Who Can Compete
Open to all high school students with big ideas! Participate individually or form a team of up to 3 members. No prior business experience required – just passion and creativity!
* All participants must be currently enrolled high school students at the time of the event.
What You'll Pitch
Any innovative business idea – from tech startups to social enterprises, from products to services. We're looking for creativity, feasibility, and potential impact.
Student Mentorship
Each registered team will be paired with a current St. John's business student mentor who will help you refine your pitch and business plan.
Real Experience
Practice your pitch in front of real audiences and industry experts. This is your chance to experience what it's like to be an entrepreneur!
Expert Judges
Present to St. John's faculty entrepreneurs and successful business leaders who will provide valuable feedback on your ideas.
Network & Connect
Build connections with fellow young entrepreneurs, business leaders, and the St. John's community. Dinner and networking reception included!
Competition Format
Our two-round format ensures every participant gets valuable experience while identifying the most promising business ideas.
Round 1: Community Pitch Round
All Teams Participate
Present your 3-minute elevator pitch to event attendees in a dynamic expo-style format. Attendees will visit each team's station and rate your pitch on:
* Innovation & Creativity
* Market Potential
* Presentation Quality
* Team Passion & Energy
Competitors may utilize poster-board (freestanding trifold, up to 36" x 36") or digital slide decks (must bring own equipment) for presentations.
The 5 highest-scoring teams advance to Round 2!
Round 2: Shark Tank Finals
Top 5 Teams
Present your 3-minute business pitch to our panel of expert judges, followed by Q&A. This is your moment to shine on the main stage!
* Full business plan presentation
* Financial projections
* Market analysis
* Growth strategy
AV equipment available for Round 2 (presentations must be preloaded on USB drive).
Winners announced immediately after deliberation!
Competition Prizes
Win seed funding to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey!
1st Place: $2,500
2nd Place: $1,500
3rd Place: $1,000
All finalists receive a certificate of achievement and feedback from our expert panel.
Competition Timeline
Registration & Team Formation
Register your team and receive your student mentor assignment.
Preparation Period
Work with your mentor to develop and refine your business plan
5:00 PM: Round 1 - Community Pitches
All teams present to attendees in expo format
6:00 PM: Dinner & Networking
Connect with fellow competitors and business leaders
7:00 PM: Round 2 - Shark Tank Finals
Top 5 teams pitch to expert judges
7:45 PM: Awards Ceremony
Winners announced and prizes awarded!
Register Your Team
Applications Due January 16, 2026
Entrepreneurship & Innovation at St. John's
St. John's University and the Tobin College of Business are at the forefront of entrepreneurship education, fostering the next generation of business leaders and innovators.
Located at the heart of Tobin College, our state-of-the-art Venture and Innovation Center is where ideas become reality.
- Startup Incubator: Supporting student ventures from concept to launch
- Mentorship Network: Connect with successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders
- Pitch Competitions: Regular opportunities to compete for seed funding
- Innovation Labs: Access to cutting-edge technology and resources
- Entrepreneurship Curriculum: Comprehensive courses in venture creation and management
- Alumni Network: Join a community of successful St. John's entrepreneurs
Our entrepreneurship program is ranked among the top in the Northeast, with specialized tracks in social entrepreneurship, tech ventures, and family business.
Students work on live business cases, consult for actual startups, and have opportunities to launch their own ventures while earning course credit.
Through our international partnerships and study abroad programs, students gain exposure to entrepreneurship ecosystems around the world.