Youth Business Venture Competition (YBVC) 2026
The Youth Business Venture Competition (YBVC) is a global pitch event for rising 9th graders through college seniors, offering a platform to present startup ideas to industry leaders and investors. Held at Stanford CoDa Center, this full-day competition provides participants with valuable feedback, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Winners receive cash prizes, mentorship, and access to startup resources, making it an exceptional launchpad for young entrepreneurs. Applications are free and open worldwide, with early and regular decision deadlines.
- Who
- Grades 8–12
- Where
- Domestic (USA)
- 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
What happens when you ask
- 1
You ask
Make a free account, then tell us what you'd like to know.
- 2
We reply to you
Someone on our team writes back to you directly.
- 3
You decide
If it looks like a good fit, we can set up a free call or help you sign up. Asking is free.
About This Program
This competition runs every year. This page shows the 2026 round. Ask us about the next one.
A Global Stage for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The Youth Business Venture Competition (YBVC) is a global student startup pitch competition where aspiring entrepreneurs present innovative business ideas to a panel of industry leaders, investors, and experienced entrepreneurs. Hosted at Stanford University, YBVC provides students with the opportunity to showcase their ventures, receive professional feedback, and connect with a growing entrepreneurial network.
📍 Location: Stanford University
📅 Competition Date: August 15, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PDT
🌍 Who Can Apply?
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Rising 9th graders through college seniors
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Teams of 1–4 students
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Open to students worldwide
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Free to apply and attend if accepted
💡 Why Participate?
Turn your business idea into reality by:
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Pitching your venture to industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs
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Receiving honest, actionable feedback from experienced judges
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Networking with founders, mentors, and professionals
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Competing for $9,000 in cash prizes
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Earning certificates, trophies, and recognition for outstanding performance
🏆 Competition Awards
🥇 First Place
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$5,000 cash prize
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Trophy
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Certificate
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Access to a professional network of judges, investors, and industry leaders
🥈 Second Place
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$3,000 cash prize
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Trophy
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Certificate
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Access to a professional network of judges, investors, and industry leaders
🥉 Third Place
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$1,000 cash prize
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Trophy
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Certificate
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Access to a professional network of judges, investors, and industry leaders
⭐ Additional Recognition
Top 15
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Invitation to compete in the in-person finals at Stanford University
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Official acceptance certificate
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Trophy
Top 30
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Waitlist recognition
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Certificate acknowledging outstanding performance
Top 50
- Certificate recognizing exceptional ideas and execution
Additional honors include:
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Two Special Recognition Awards
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One Judge-Selected Distinction
📅 Important Dates
Early Decision (ED)
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Applications Open: April 10, 2026
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Application Deadline: May 18, 2026 (11:59 PM PDT)
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Decisions Released: June 1, 2026
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Acceptance Confirmation Deadline: June 8, 2026
Regular Decision (RD)
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Applications Open: April 10, 2026
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Application Deadline: July 20, 2026 (11:59 PM PDT)
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Decisions Released: July 30, 2026
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Acceptance Confirmation Deadline: August 6, 2026
📦 Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
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Team information (1–4 members)
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A 14-word summary of the business idea
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Problem and solution description
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Pitch deck (5–10 slides, PDF, maximum 10 MB)
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3-minute pitch video introducing the team and business idea
🎤 Judging Criteria
Teams are evaluated using a standardized rubric based on:
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Idea & Problem Definition – Clearly identifying a meaningful problem and proposing a relevant solution.
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Solution & Business Model – Demonstrating how the venture works and how it can operate or scale.
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Execution & Preparation – Delivering a polished, organized, and well-prepared presentation.
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Market & Impact – Showing customer understanding, market opportunity, and real-world potential.
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Communication & Q&A – Presenting clearly and responding thoughtfully to judges’ questions.
Judges may also consider creativity, originality, and overall impression when selecting finalists and award recipients.
🎓 What to Expect
YBVC is a full-day entrepreneurship experience where finalist teams pitch live at Stanford University before a panel of experienced judges. Participants receive meaningful feedback, compete for awards, and connect with investors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.
Whether you’re launching your first startup or refining an existing venture, YBVC offers a unique opportunity to gain experience, expand your network, and bring your ideas to a global stage.
How to Apply
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Click Register on this portal to indicate your interest. By registering, you consent to sharing your name, grade level, and email address with the organizers for the purpose of coordinating the competition.
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Complete Official Application on Website: https://ybvcompetition.org/
Subject Areas
Want help deciding?
Talk it through with a general counselor. They can help you decide if this program fits and what to do next.