The University of Vermont (UVM) is excited to announce the 2027 Vermont Pitch Challenge, an extraordinary opportunity for high school entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and drive impactful change. This prestigious competition, inspired by the renowned ‘Shark Tank’ format, offers talented young visionaries the chance to win a full-tuition scholarship to UVM and receive crucial support for their groundbreaking ventures.   

The Vermont Pitch Challenge–now in its fourth year– is officially open for submissions from Oct 15, 2026, through Feb 15, 2027. High school students in grades 10 – 12 worldwide are invited to submit their business proposals online at no cost, focusing on ideas that make a positive impact on the world. Last year’s competition saw more than 140 teams from 15 countries and 28 U.S. states. The 2026 grand prize winners, Aarav Upadhyay and Ayden Pinto from Asbury Park and Englishtown, NJ impressed judges with their pitch for Yevla, an affordable, modular search‑and‑rescue drone kit that provides thermal imaging and two‑way communication. This year, UVM is eager to discover and support the next generation of innovators.  

 “[This] validates every hour I poured into building Yevla from the ground up,” said Upadhyay. 

 “It’s meaningful to see that the idea we’ve been building is something others believe in,” added Pinto. 

“The Vermont Pitch Challenge is such a great opportunity for students to not only showcase their innovative ideas but also to receive feedback from peers who share the same passion for innovation,” said Logan Vaughan, the lead student judge and member of the UVM Entrepreneurship Club.  

Over the past three years of competition, nearly 400 teams from across the world have submitted pitches.  

Important Dates:   

  • Application Period: Oct 15, 2026 – Feb 15, 2027 

  • Final Pitch Event: Apr 13, 2027 

 Prizes: 

  • Grand Prize: Full tuition scholarship to UVM   

  • Second the third place: $5,000 cash prize  

  • Fourth and fifth place: $1,000 cash prize  

Why Apply?   

  • Make your college application stand out   

  • Build the skills today’s employers are looking for   

  • Receive valuable feedback on your business idea   

  • Learn from entrepreneurial experts about how to build your business  

  • Challenge yourself to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond  

The 2027 Vermont Pitch Challenge is presented in partnership with the Patrick Leahy Honors College.