Participate in America’s Startup 2026
Do you have an idea to create a product, offer a service, improve a process, or solve a problem?
The Puerto Rico Department of State invites you to participate in America’s Startup, an America250 national competition designed to identify and support the next generation of student innovators and entrepreneurs.
You do not need to have an established company or a fully developed project. You may participate with an early-stage idea or venture that has the potential to become a product, service, business, or high-impact solution.
Applications are open from August 17 through October 8, 2026.
What Can You Submit?
You may submit an idea related to technology, healthcare, education, the environment, commerce, manufacturing, services, creative industries, community development, or any other field.
Your proposal should clearly explain:
- The problem or need you have identified.
- The solution you are proposing.
- Who would benefit from it.
- What makes your idea different or valuable.
- How it could become a product, service, project, or business.
Your idea may be an app, a tool, a product, a service, an environmental solution, a business innovation, or a new way to address a need within your community, industry, or environment.
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to eligible undergraduate students and students enrolled in higher education institutions or trade schools in the United States and its territories.
Participants must meet all eligibility requirements established in the official America’s Startup rules.
Before completing the application, review the requirements related to age, student enrollment status, team composition, educational institution, residency, and all other participation requirements.
How to Participate
1. Develop Your Idea
Identify a problem or opportunity and explain the solution you are proposing.
2. Prepare a Written Proposal
Describe your idea, the audience it will benefit, its value, and its potential to become a project or business venture.
3. Record Your Pitch
Prepare a video of up to two minutes in which you present your idea clearly, directly, and persuasively.
4. Complete the Application
Submit your written proposal, video, and all required information through the official America’s Startup website.
5. Apply on Time
The deadline to complete and submit your application is:
OCTOBER 8, 2026
Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline may not be considered.
What Opportunities Does the Competition Offer?
Top 100 Entries
The Top 100 entries will be shared with the Investors Council for possible consideration of investment opportunities. They will also receive an invitation from NVIDIA to apply to NVIDIA Inception, its program for startups.
30 Semifinalist Teams
Thirty semifinalist teams will be invited to Washington, D.C., to pitch their projects live before a panel of judges and participate in mentorship and professional networking opportunities.
10 Finalist Teams
Each team will receive:
- $25,000 in non-dilutive funding.
- An invitation to participate in a Draper University residency.
Non-dilutive funding provides financial support without requiring recipients to give up shares or ownership in their projects.
Three Grand Prize Winners
Each grand prize winner will receive an additional $25,000, bringing the total award to:
$50,000 PER TEAM
Participants may also gain national exposure, mentorship, access to investors, educational programming, and consideration for support from business accelerators or incubators.
Why Participate?
Many great companies began with an idea developed by students. America’s Startup provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into solutions, present their projects to national leaders, and gain access to resources that can help them move forward.
Puerto Rico has the talent, creativity, and capacity to innovate. This is an opportunity for our ideas to reach a national stage.
Important Dates
Applications Open:
August 17, 2026
Application Deadline:
October 8, 2026
Before You Apply
- Carefully review the official rules.
- Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Prepare all required information.
- Review your written proposal.
- Make sure your video does not exceed two minutes.
- Complete and submit your application before the deadline.
Participation is subject to the official rules, terms, eligibility criteria, and evaluation processes established by America250. In the event of any discrepancy, the competition’s official rules shall prevail.
YOUR IDEA CAN REPRESENT PUERTO RICO
Submit your proposal and show how far a great idea born on our Island can go.
Apply on or before October 8, 2026.
REVIEW THE REQUIREMENTS AND APPLY NOW