How High School Students Can Win $100K in Diamond Challenge 2026

Diamond Challenge 2026 Opens for Teen Entrepreneurs with $24,500 in Prizes.The Diamond Challenge 2026 is now accepting applications. This global competition is for high school students aged 14 to 18. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2026.Organized by the University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship, the challenge is a philanthropic education initiative. It provides free resources to help young innovators turn their passions into real ventures.

Substantial Cash Prizes and Educational Support Await Winners

The competition offers significant financial rewards. First place wins $12,000. Second and third place receive $8,000 and $4,500 respectively.Total prize money exceeds $24,500. This funding helps winners launch their business or social innovation concepts. The program focuses on developing problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial potential.

Eligibility and Submission Guidelines for Young Innovators

Teams must consist of two to four high school students. Each team requires an adult advisor aged 21 or older. According to the official rules, students can only join one team per competition year.Participants choose between two tracks. The options are Business Innovation or Social Innovation. This selection is final upon submission.Concepts must be original creations of the team members. Ventures cannot have earned more than $100,000 in revenue prior to the deadline. Previous finalists cannot resubmit the same idea.

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The Diamond Challenge 2026 represents a major opportunity for aspiring young leaders. It provides a global platform to develop and fund innovative solutions. This initiative continues to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Diamond Challenge?

The Diamond Challenge is a global business competition for high school students. It is run by the University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship. The program helps students develop and pitch original venture concepts.

Who can participate in the competition?

Teams of 2-4 high school students aged 14-18 are eligible to apply. Each team must have an adult advisor aged 21 or older. Students can only be on one team per competition cycle.

What are the competition tracks?

Participants choose between Business Innovation and Social Innovation tracks. They also select a pitch format, either live or virtual. These choices are final once the application is submitted.

How much prize money is available?

The total prize pool exceeds $24,500. The first-place team receives $12,000 in funding. Second and third place win $8,000 and $4,500 respectively.

What are the concept submission rules?

Submitted concepts must be the original work of the team members. Ventures cannot have generated over $100,000 in prior revenue. Previous finalist concepts are not eligible for resubmission.