Support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Inspire and impact thousands of students.

The STARTedUP Foundation began in a classroom with one teacher inspiring students to view the world differently and, since 2018, has expanded statewide, engaging over 9,100 students and educators. Since then, Innovate WithIN, has turned into the country’s largest and most elite high school pitch competition. STARTedUP has continued to grow the “opportunities are everywhere” mindset with the support of local, national, and global partners by hosting the Innovation Educator Fellowship and the STARTedUP Alumni Association to support students and educators as we spark, develop, and accelerate innovation.

Who is a STARTedUP Innovation Ambassador?

SEUF Ambassadors comprise distinguished individuals, ranging from thought leaders and accomplished entrepreneurs to professional athletes and prominent political figures, all committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. STARTedUP proudly showcases each Ambassador, spotlighting their partnership and unwavering dedication to the mission.

How to become an Ambassador:

  1. Select three activities below that are meaningful to you

  2. Participate in STARTedUP onboarding

  3. Execute!

See Innovation Firsthand (average 2 hrs/yr each)

  • Call one of our 120 high school classrooms with educators bringing innovation into the school day. Share your entrepreneurial journey, listen to student business ideas, and answer Q&A of curious minds!

  • We have virtual meetings monthly gathering Innovation Educator Fellows (120 teachers) as well as a meeting to gather our Student Alumni Association (50+ high school and college students) to hear from successful leaders and entrepreneurs. Share your story and hear from some of the most innovative teachers and students.

  • SEUF will match you with a team that aligns with your background and experience. Share best practices, and provide advice to aspiring entrepreneurs! A 30-minute session could set the students up for future success.

  • Be highlighted as a key leader during the largest event of the year with over 400 stakeholders and guests held in Indianapolis on June 21st, 2024.

Invest in Future Entrepreneurs

  • Have a favorite teacher that you want to give back to? Support an educator to help shake up the educational system ($10,000 for the year-long Fellowship per educator)

  • Have a book? Resources to share? Send to a class of students to support! Experiences that could be shared to support educators? Signed jerseys? Conference tickets? Share materials that educators could use in the class with supporting materials (Library of tools)

Spread the Word

  • Utilize the STARTedUP toolkit to post on social media sharing the work being done (timing, cadence)

    Provide a personalized video (guidance)

  • Share this opportunity with other leaders who want to witness youth innovation and entrepreneurship, while being connected to a network of leaders.

Get started today.

Use this form to connect with a member of the STARTedUP team and schedule a short 15-minute meeting to map out the logistics and onboarding.

Join our accomplished STARTedUP Ambassadors.

  • Jeff Hoffman is an award-winning global entrepreneur, proven CEO, worldwide motivational speaker, bestselling author, Hollywood film producer, a producer of a Grammy Award winning jazz album, and executive producer of an Emmy Award winning television show.

    In his career, he has been the founder of multiple startups, he has been the CEO of both public and private companies, and he has served as a senior executive in many capacities. Jeff has been part of a number of well-known successful startups, including Priceline.com/Booking.com, uBid.com and more.

    Website

Meet some of the students, mentors, educators, and innovators who have helped to build the STARTedUP ecosystem and are actively influencing innovation!

Meet the 2023 Innovate WithIN State Finalists, hear some of their pitches and get excited for 2024! You will also hear from some amazing supporters of STARTedUP/Innovate WithIN.

Experience a taste of what it looks like when community members support students and students begin viewing the world through the lens of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Hear from STARTedUP Fellow, Dan Schultz, from Hobart High School and his innovative students who are going above and beyond to help their community.

Check out our 2023 Bootcamp where students participate in an Innovation Challenge and meet with Indianapolis mentors to help them perfect their pitch prior to the State Finals.

State Finalists from Muster High School and Fellow Krissy LaFlech share their story of how Innovate WithIN made it possible for them to pursue college at Purdue Northwest.

Meet Indianapolis students, Elevate Ventures, and Salesforce leadership as they share the power of innovation and students begin building an entrepreneurial mindset.