Call for projects organizer
The Diamond Challenge and the Youth Entrepreneurship Summit are part of the Paul and Linda McConnell Youth Entrepreneurship Education Initiative. Since its foundation in 2012, the Diamond Challenge has reached more than 3,500 students from 155 schools worldwide and has recently been ranked one of the top 29 best international business plan competitions by Alpha Gamma, a business portal for millennials.
Description
WHAT IS THE DIAMOND CHALLENGE?An innovative entrepreneurship competition for high school students offering $100,000 in awards
The Diamond Challenge provides a unique opportunity for teens to learn about entrepreneurship while putting their ideas into action. While many entrepreneurship programs focus on principles of small business management, the Diamond Challenge focuses on unleashing creativity, encouraging a mindset of abundance and self-determination, and promoting purposeful entrepreneurial action.
Created by University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship in 2012, the Diamond Challenge is backed by academic grounding in state-of-the-art entrepreneurship education methodologies.
The Diamond Challenge is run by Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware to empower the next generation to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Learn more about why over 4,000 students have engaged with us!
DREAM
The Diamond Challenge provides students from around the world the opportunity to pursue their passions through entrepreneurship.
DO
Participants are able to put their ideas in to action by utilizing the online Diamond Challenge video curriculum.
LEARN
Participants have the opportunity to gain new perspectives and grow their network by interacting with students from around the world.
REPEAT
All participants will learn the entrepreneurial process and get one step closer to changing the world.
COMPETITION TRACKS
BUSINESS CONCEPT
If the primary purpose is to solve a customer problem that by doing so will generate revenue and profit, then the business concept competition is right for you.The business concept competition focuses on the development and validation of new business models.
SOCIAL INNOVATION
If the primary purpose is to solve a social problem and make a positive impact on people or the environment, then the social innovation competition is right for you.The social innovation competition focuses on the development of new, social innovation models that may include revenue-generating nonprofit organizations and mission-driven, for-profit ventures.
COMPETITION PITCHING
VIRTUAL
Based on your competition track selection, if there is not a pitch site near you, you will pitch virtually by recording a video of your team and submitting it using our online portal.
LIVE
Based on your competition track selection, if there is a pitch site near you, you will pitch live in front of judges.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
WRITTEN CONCEPT
Student teams are required to submit no longer than a 5-page written concept.
PITCH DECK
Student teams are required to submit a pitch deck.
PITCH
Virtual participants will submit a video pitch. Live participants will present an in person pitch.
Rewards
PRIZES
All semifinalist teams will receive cash prize awards and an invitation to travel to the University of Delaware to compete in the semifinal round. Top prizes include additional funding that may be used to support the team’s venture or serve as a scholarship for higher education.1ST PLACE
$11 000A package worth over $11,000 in prizes, including semifinalist award and any travel support awarded
2ND PLACE
$7 000A package worth over $7,000 in prizes, including semifinalist award and any travel support awarded
3RD PLACE
$3 500A package worth over $3,500 in prizes, including semifinalist award and any travel support awarded
Timeline
Submission starts
Submission ends
No publication yet