What happens when classrooms are given the space to thrive?
When students have the right space to explore, a simple spark can grow into something real. In Accelerator classrooms, students go beyond learning theory to create real solutions to problems they see in their schools, towns, and world.
Each year, once a semester, students have the chance to bring their ideas to life through an in-class pitch competition. The top teams from each classroom will then move on to compete in a statewide competition and showcase of young Hoosier innovation. This culminating experience allows students to refine their ideas, test their entrepreneurial skills, and present their solutions on a bigger stage.
This is the heart of The STARTedUP Challenge, Indiana's most elite high school pitch competition. Many participants first discover their innovative potential in Accelerator classrooms, where teachers guide them through those crucial first steps of creative problem-solving.
Check out our top 10 State Finalist teams! These students took their ideas all the way from concept to opportunity and their stories show what's possible when classrooms become launchpads for innovation.
Meet the 2025 Finalists
Meet The 2024 Finalists