Innovate WithIN: Empowering Future Innovators

The countdown is over and excitement is in the air as Innovate WithIN officially kicked off year seven on August 15, 2023! In an era driven by innovation, where creativity and entrepreneurship are the keys to success, Indiana's students and teachers have been presented with the opportunity to hone their skills and embrace their entrepreneurial spirit. This program is designed to ignite the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among Indiana's high school students and is poised to inspire and empower a new generation of visionary leaders.

Submission Deadline and Statewide Access
With the student submission deadline set for February 2nd, 2024, the program provides ample time for students to brainstorm, develop, and submit their innovative concepts. What makes Innovate WithIN unique is its accessibility: this free program welcomes all teachers and students throughout Indiana, regardless of background or experience. This inclusive approach ensures that every corner of the state is represented and that the Innovate WithIN’s benefits reach far and wide.

Knowledge for Success: Accessible Learning for All
Recognizing the importance of preparation, Innovate WithIN goes beyond the competition by offering students and teachers access to a free companion course. This course is designed to guide them through the process of building a solid business model, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and perfecting their pitch. The program's commitment to education and skill-building aligns with its dedication to nurturing well-rounded innovators. This course ensures that everyone involved gains valuable skills and experiences, regardless of how far they progress in the competition.

Real-world Connections and Problem Solving
One of the most exciting aspects of Innovate WithIN is the opportunity it provides for direct interaction with the business world. Through Innovation Workshops, businesses engage with students and teachers, sharing their experiences, insights, and real-world problems. This interaction bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application, fostering a generation of forward-thinkers who can tackle the challenges of tomorrow with confidence. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to learn from entrepreneurs while developing the ability to think like an entrepreneur and find solutions to complex, real-world problems.

Regional Competitions: Highlighting Local Innovation
The program's structure is designed to encourage healthy competition and collaboration. After the initial submission phase, ten teams from each region will advance to one of the six regional competitions where students will pitch their business ideas to an esteemed panel of local judges, including university representatives, entrepreneurs, business owners, and innovators. After the team is invited to Regionals, they will meet with mentors and their local Small Business Development Center to continue building their business. After they pitch, the top teams will be selected and will receive $1,000 per team member to continue progressing towards the State Finals in June 2024.

Innovation Bootcamp and Comprehensive Learning
Winning the competition is not only about the prize money—it's about honing skills and acquiring knowledge that will last a lifetime. All of the state finalists will participate in an innovation bootcamp that promises to fine-tune their entrepreneurial skills. This intensive learning experience will equip them with the tools, insights, and skills needed to navigate the competitive world of entrepreneurship and continue revamping their business as they prepare for the State Finals.

State Finals: Prizes and Beyond
The climax of the Innovate WithIN journey is the state competition, where the ten most innovative teams from across the state will gather to showcase their groundbreaking ideas on a national stage where they are joined by over 250 business and community leaders and entrepreneurs and featured in a livestream connecting them to over 12,000 people globally. Innovate WithIN continues to grow the seeds of innovation by awarding the first place winner with $10,000 each in 529 funds and $25,000 to continue growing their business so they can turn their vision into reality.

Highlighted on a National Stage: Washington, D.C.
Following State Finals, each of the finalists are invited to an immersive experience in Washington, D.C. where they will hear from entrepreneurs, meet government officials, experience hands-on innovation, and become immersed in the culture. This opportunity not only provides exposure for Innovate WithIN participants, but connects them with connections and potential mentors and funders as they pitch their businesses at the United States capital. 

By fostering an environment of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship,Innovate WithIN is nurturing Indiana's future leaders, thinkers, and visionaries. With its commitment to accessibility, comprehensive learning, and real-world engagement, Innovate WithIN is empowering Indiana’s young people to dream big, think boldly, and transform their ideas into tangible reality.

As the program unfolds over the coming months, the anticipation and excitement will only continue to build. Indiana's young minds are gearing up to show the world that innovation knows no bounds - let’s get excited.