The registration deadline for this year’s Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, hosted by StartUp Hutch, is Friday, Feb. 6, giving young innovators just days left to sign up for the opportunity to pitch their ventures and showcase their skills in front of judges and the public.
The annual event invites middle and high school students from across Reno County to develop real-world business concepts, create executive summaries and present their ideas in a live competition setting.
The challenge is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and includes two parts:
- Pitch Competition: 9 a.m.
- Student Trade Show: Noon
During the morning session, students will deliver formal presentations to a panel of judges. Later in the day, the public can attend a trade show where participants set up booths to market and explain their businesses.
Students must register online and will also need to submit an executive summary by Feb. 24.
Organizers say the event is designed to build confidence, creativity and practical skills while introducing students to entrepreneurship as a career path.
Community members can also get involved by serving as judges, sponsoring the event or stopping by the trade show to support students.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is powered by StartUp Hutch in partnership with Kansas State University, Network Kansas and K-State Research and Extension.
Students can register at: goventuredash.com/competitions/762
Those interested in volunteering or sponsoring can contact Graham Klemme at [email protected]