Who Can Compete?
The Vermont Pitch Challenge is open to high school students around the world in grades 10-12.
Submission Steps
Start by adding your name to our email list so we can keep you up to date about the competition.
Form a challenge team. You can compete solo, or in teams or two or three.
Get inspired by past winners and our resource library for entrepreneurial advice and tips on crafting your submission.
Download the scoring rubric (PDF) so you know exactly what our judges are looking for.
Craft your business pitch. Your pitch can be either a written proposal (maximum 5 pages), a link to a YouTube video (maximum 4 minutes) or a link to an audio recording (maximum 4 minutes). You may use an idea or project you developed for a class, but please be sure to adapt the project to meet the criteria outlined on this page.
Submit your pitch by having each member of your team fill out the Pitch Submission Form by February 15, 2026.
You’ll hear if you have been selected as a finalist by March 2026! Finalists will pitch their businesses in-person at the University of Vermont on April 7, 2026.
Competition Timeline
October 15, 2025: Submissions Open
January 2026: Live Virtual Q+A – a chance to get all your questions answered before you officially submit your pitch
February 15, 2026: Submissions Close, Judging Begins
March 2026: 5 Finalists Announced
April 7, 2026: Finalists Pitch In-Person on UVM’s Campus
For Finalists
- Finalists will be notified via email.
- Finalists must attend the in-person Vermont Pitch Challenge event and participate in planned activities in order to qualify for prizes. You'll present your pitch in-person in front of our panel of judges; winners will be announced during the in-person event.
- Receipt of grand prize is contingent upon admission to the University of Vermont. Winning the Vermont Pitch Challenge does not guarantee automatic admission to UVM. The scholarship will be accounted for when determining eligibility for financial aid, and all general UVM scholarship policies apply.