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Youth Business Venture Competition

Join YBVC 2026 on Aug. 15 in Palo Alto — A Global Stage for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs. Apply as a participant or organizer today.

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Youth Business Venture Competition 2026 in Palo Alto, CA

Pitch Your Venture to Industry Leaders and Win Cash Prizes! August 15, 2026

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, Jen-Hsun Huang Engineering Center, Palo Alto, CA

📅 Competition Date: August 15, 2026

⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PDT

Who Can Apply?

  • Rising 9th graders through college seniors
  • Teams of 1–4 students
  • Open to students worldwide
  • Free to apply and attend if accepted

Competition Awards

  • First Place - $5000 cash prize, trophy, certificate
  • Second Place - $3000 cash prize, trophy, certificate
  • Third Place - $1000 cash prize, trophy, certificate
  • Top 15 - Invitation to compete in the in-person finals at Stanford University, trophy, cerficate
  • Two Special Recognition Awards
  • One Judge-Selected Distinction

Apply to Compete or Organize - Applications Now Open

Apply to Compete

Applicants must submit:

  • Team information (1–4 members)
  • A 14-word summary of the business idea
  • Problem and solution description
  • Pitch deck (5–10 slides, PDF, maximum 10 MB)
  • 3-minute pitch video introducing the team and business idea

Applications Open: April 10, 2026
Application Deadline: July 20, 2026
Application Extended Deadline: July 31, 2026
Decisions Released: A week after submission

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and spaces are limited.

Apply Here

Join the Organizing Team

As a YBVC Organizer, you'll work with fellow students to plan and produce the event through areas such as:

  • Event Planning & Operations
  • Particiapant & Judge Support
  • Technology & Production
  • Hospitality & Guest Experience
  • Media & Communications

This is a unique opportunity to build leadership, teamwork, and project management skills while creating an unforgettable venture competition experience.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and spaces are limited.

Apply Here


Purchase your ticket and join us for a memorable day celebrating creativity, entrepreneurship, and the bold ideas shaping our future. Please present your ticket at check-in for entry.

Please note: This ticket is for general audience admission only. It does not include registration as a competition participant or volunteer.