startup founder
summary
The Startup Founder Track is designed for aspiring teen entrepreneurs ready to build scalable, high-impact ventures. Whether you're just starting with an idea or refining your go-to-market strategy, this path supports founders in both the ideation and growth stages.
Choose between:
Ideation Track: For early-stage founders with innovative concepts ready to be shaped into viable businesses.
Growth Track: For teams with MVPs or early traction, focused on refining operations, scaling, and fundraising.
eligibility & requirements
Teams must consist of 1–5 participants.
All participants must be under 19 years old as of August 31, 2025.
U.S. residency is required.
Each student may only join one team per competition year.
All team members must be registered to compete.
Business ideas must be original, not previously commercialized, and free of plagiarism.
Submissions must be in English and comply with all relevant laws and trademarks.
AI tools may be used for ideation.
All rounds will be conducted via Zoom, except the Finals, held in person in San Diego.
Final submissions must include a recorded video (5–15 minutes) and a 20-slide presentation maximum.
rules & criteria
All ideas must address a real market need and demonstrate potential for growth.
Submissions follow three phases: Initial Pitch → Prototype Development → Final Presentation.
Teams may use slideshows, videos, or other media, but all final materials must be submitted by the deadline.
YPC Labs reserves the right to disqualify entries deemed inappropriate, harmful, or rule-violating.
judging criteria
Feasibility: Is the business practical and executable today?
Market Viability: Does the idea serve a growing market with clear demand?
Financial Planning: Are the costs, revenue streams, and projections well thought out?
Logistical Feasibility: Can the team scale the business effectively?
Presentation Quality: Was the pitch compelling, organized, and professional?
Risk & Mitigation: Has the team identified risks and how they’ll address them?
Scalability & Growth: Is there potential for regional, national, or global expansion?
Customer Understanding: Has the team demonstrated deep insight into their target users?
timeline & deadlines
Applications Close: July 1, 2025
Qualifying Round (100 teams): July 15, 2025
Quarterfinals (50 teams): July 25, 2025
Semifinals (25 teams): August 5, 2025
Finals (12 teams): August 15, 2025 (in-person in San Diego)
workshops & support
Participants will receive access to curated startup workshops, mentorship from industry leaders, peer networking sessions, and startup tools. Finalists may receive feedback from founders of nationally recognized companies and university partners.
prizes
Ideation Track Winner: $7,000
Growth Track Winner: $7,000
People’s Choice Awards:
1st Place: $10,000
2nd Place: $4,000
3rd Place: $2,000