Calling High School & College Innovators: 6th Annual launchU Startup Challenge Opens for Applications

HARRISBURG, PA — The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is excited to announce the 6th annual launchU Startup Challenge, the premier startup pitch competition for aspiring entrepreneurs in high school and college. Now in its sixth year, launchU continues to empower the next generation of innovators to transform bold ideas into real-world solutions.

What Is launchU?

The launchU Startup Challenge has grown into a global platform, welcoming participants from Central Pennsylvania, across the United States, and around the world. Past competitors have represented countries including Turkey, Panama, Kenya, and Bolivia. Through the competition, students gain hands-on experience refining their business concepts with guidance from experienced mentors, strengthening essential entrepreneurial skills, and preparing to compete for cash prizes.

“launchU is ‘Shark Tank’ meets the next generation of world-changers, proving that age is not a prerequisite for impact,” said Jay Jayamohan, Executive Director of CIE. “When students are given the right platform and the right people in their corner, the energy is electric, the ideas are fearless, and the outcomes are real. At CIE, we’re not waiting for the future of entrepreneurship; we’re mentoring it, funding it, and celebrating it right now.”

Applications are now open for the 2026 launchU Startup Challenge, with a submission deadline of March 6, 2026. The competition will culminate in a virtual pitch event on May 13, 2026, where finalist teams will present their ideas to a panel of judges. Prizes will be awarded to three standout teams: Best High School Team, Best College Team, and Best Overall Team.

Last year’s winners showcased the innovation and creativity that launchU inspires:

• Best High School Team: Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School’s ScholarSwipe uses AI to match high school students with personalized scholarships, leveraging academic performance and achievements to increase access to educational funding.
• Best College Team: Stetson University’s Flex-Fit Soccer Sock offers unmatched comfort and performance for soccer players with its flexible, spandex-like material, ensuring a perfect fit and superior stretch for athletes of all calf sizes.
• Best Overall Team: Penn State University’s Whirl Pong enhances the classic cup pong game with an automatic spinning feature, perfect for lively tailgates and parties, ensuring a more challenging and engaging social experience.

Since its inception, launchU has provided students with a structured, supportive environment to develop their ideas, receive mentorship, and gain real-world pitching experience. Many past participants have leveraged the competition to launch new ventures, expand their professional networks, and gain recognition beyond the event itself.

How to Apply

Applications are open to current high school students (grades 9–12) and college undergraduates who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. Students may apply individually or as part of a team of up to five members. All product and service ideas are encouraged, with special consideration given to ideas that are unique and have not been previously submitted.

The top eight applications (four high school teams and four college teams) will be selected to participate in the 2026 launchU Startup Challenge. Each finalist team will be paired with an assigned mentor.

During the competition finale on May 13, each finalist team will deliver an eight-minute pitch presentation followed by three minutes of Q&A from the judges.

To learn more about the competition and submit an application, visit CIE.HarrisburgU.edu/launchU.

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ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY

Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link learning and research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACT

Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Communications Manager for Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100×1724.

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