VENTURA is a student-led initiative focused on transforming ideas into real ventures. Through a virtual pitch competition, high school founders present their startup concepts to industry professionals, with the strongest ideas receiving funding and support to bring them to life. Our mission is to move ideas beyond the pitch and create opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs to build, execute, and make real impact.

Our judging process takes place over three rounds across two weeks, with submissions evaluated by industry professionals and the field narrowing at each stage. The Top 50 teams are announced on August 13, followed by the Top 20 finalists on August 20. The competition concludes on August 29, when the Top 3 winners are revealed and prizes and certificates are awarded.

Requirements

What to Build?

-Create an original startup/product idea that solves a real-world problem. Participants may compete individually or in teams.

Your concept can focus on areas such as:

  • Technology Education
  • Healthcare Sustainability
  • Finance
  • Social Impact
  • Consumer Products
  • Any innovative category with clear value

-Projects should follow the VENTURA V³ Model:

  • Vision - What are you building?
  • Viability - Can it realistically work?
  • Value - Why does it matter?

What to Submit
Each team must submit:

  1. Project Title
  2. Short Description (2–3 sentences)
  3. Video Pitch (2–4 minutes) explaining your idea
  4. Pitch Deck or Slides (optional but recommended)
  5. Team Member Names
  6. Contact Information

Your video should clearly explain:

  • The problem
  • Your solution
  • Who it helps
  • Why it can succeed
  • Next steps for building it

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

3 non-cash prizes
1st Place
1 winner

-$500 prize
-Winning Certificate
-Certificate of Completion

2nd Place
1 winner

-$250 prize
-Winning Certificate
-Certificate of Completion

3rd Place
1 winner

-$100 prize
-Winning Certificate
-Certificate of Completion

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

The Ventura Challenge Team
Ventura Innovation

Judging Criteria

  • 1. Innovation & V3 Framework (30 Points)
    Innovation & Ventura V³ Framework (30 pts): Evaluates originality and use of Vision, Visibility, and Value Creation. 25–30: Exceptional. 19–24: Strong. 13–18: Adequate. 7–12: Limited. 0–6: Weak application and originality.
  • 3. Feasibility & Market Potential (25 Points)
    Feasibility & Market Potential (25 pts): Assesses execution, market demand, scalability, and sustainability. 21–25: Excellent. 16–20: Strong. 11–15: Adequate. 6–10: Limited. 0–5: Unrealistic or lacks market demand.
  • 2. Problem, Solution & Impact (25 Points)
    Problem & Solution (25 pts): Assesses problem clarity, solution quality, and impact. 21–25: Excellent. 16–20: Strong. 11–15: Adequate. 6–10: Weak. 0–5: Unclear problem, solution, or impact.
  • 4. Pitch Quality & Communication (15 Points)
    Presentation & Communication (15 pts): Assesses organization, professionalism, clarity, confidence, and engagement. 13–15: Excellent. 10–12: Strong. 7–9: Adequate. 4–6: Weak. 0–3: Unclear or incomplete.
  • 5. Research & Validation (5 Points)
    Research & Validation (5 pts): Assesses evidence and testing. 5: Strong validation. 4: Good evidence. 3: Basic research. 2: Limited validation. 0–1: Little or no evidence.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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