Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition

Competition · Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneurs Corporation

Run by a student-founded nonprofit, this fully virtual competition asks high schoolers to pitch an original business concept in a video uploaded to YouTube, individually or in teams of up to five. Submissions are narrowed to a Top 100, then Top 30 and Top 10, with winners announced in May. It's free to enter and drew more than 23,000 student entrants in 2026.

Who can apply

GradesGrades 9–12

Min GPA—

ScopeNational

StatesAll states

FieldsEntrepreneurship · Business

EligibilityParticipants must be 14-18 years old at time of registration.

SelectivityOver 23,000 students competed in the 2026 cycle.

Logistics

Cost to youFree

Financial aidNot listed

StipendNot listed

FormatOnline

LengthRegistration open now; winners announced mid-May 2027

WhereFully online

Awards$1,000/$750/$500 top prizes, a $750 People's Choice award, and six $500 regional-winner prizes.

Applying

OpensOpen now

DueFebruary 21, 2027

You submitRegister online individually or as a team of up to 5; submit a video pitch on YouTube — no interview or in-person round is required to enter.

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