Overview
The RootED futures annual high school Startup Competition is a free learning experience that challenges participants from around the world to conceive clear, innovative, and impact-focused pitch presentations. The event brings together talented and ambitious youth entrepreneurs who build and refine their pitches through extensive resources, expert workshops, and mentorship from world renowned judges.
Participants, competing individually or in teams of up to four, are tasked with developing creative and enticing presentations over 6 weeks to convince the jury panel to invest in their idea and sponsor them for a spot in the Live Final Round. Participating in the competition is a great opportunity to learn, collaborate, compete to win cash prizes, develop hands-on experience, and meet like-minded peers.
The business world is dynamic, opportunity-filled and ever-evolving — a landscape where visionaries reshape industries and ideas are transformed into impact. Are you ready to create something extraordinary?
The RootED futures annual high school Startup Competition is a free learning experience that challenges participants from around the world to conceive clear, innovative, and impact-focused pitch presentations. The event brings together talented and ambitious youth entrepreneurs who build and refine their pitches through extensive resources, expert workshops, and mentorship from world renowned judges.
Participants, competing individually or in teams of up to four, are tasked with developing creative and enticing presentations over 6 weeks to convince the jury panel to invest in their idea and sponsor them for a spot in the Live Final Round. Participating in the competition is a great opportunity to learn, collaborate, compete to win cash prizes, develop hands-on experience, and meet like-minded peers.
The business world is dynamic, opportunity-filled and ever-evolving — a landscape where visionaries reshape industries and ideas are transformed into impact. Are you ready to create something extraordinary?
The RootED futures annual high school Startup Competition is a free learning experience that challenges participants from around the world to conceive clear, innovative, and impact-focused pitch presentations. The event brings together talented and ambitious youth entrepreneurs who build and refine their pitches through extensive resources, expert workshops, and mentorship from world renowned judges.
Participants, competing individually or in teams of up to four, are tasked with developing creative and enticing presentations over 6 weeks to convince the jury panel to invest in their idea and sponsor them for a spot in the Live Final Round. Participating in the competition is a great opportunity to learn, collaborate, compete to win cash prizes, develop hands-on experience, and meet like-minded peers.
The business world is dynamic, opportunity-filled and ever-evolving — a landscape where visionaries reshape industries and ideas are transformed into impact. Are you ready to create something extraordinary?
Submissions are open from Sep. 1 through Oct. 20. All competition rounds are held remotely.
Submissions are open from Sep. 1 through Oct. 20. All competition rounds are held remotely.
Team Registration
Students (grades 9-12) enrolled in high school (or home-schooled) for the current academic school year. There is no maximum amount of teams per high school institution.
Participants can compete individually or in teams of up to 4. Each participant may only be registered in one submission. Team submissions must be completed by a designated member and list the names of teammates.
Submissions that are incomplete or incorrect will not be eligible for Final Round selection. Teams are prohibited from contacting members of the jury.
Participants will be unable to submit entries after the official deadline of Oct. 20, 2025. No exceptions will be made.
Students (grades 9-12) enrolled in high school (or home-schooled) for the current academic school year. There is no maximum amount of teams per high school institution.
Participants can compete individually or in teams of up to 4. Each participant may only be registered in one submission. Team submissions must be completed by a designated member and list the names of teammates.
Submissions that are incomplete or incorrect will not be eligible for Final Round selection. Teams are prohibited from contacting members of the jury.
Participants will be unable to submit entries after the official deadline of Oct. 20, 2025. No exceptions will be made.
Students (grades 9-12) enrolled in high school (or home-schooled) for the current academic school year. There is no maximum amount of teams per high school institution.
Participants can compete individually or in teams of up to 4. Each participant may only be registered in one submission. Team submissions must be completed by a designated member and list the names of teammates.
Submissions that are incomplete or incorrect will not be eligible for Final Round selection. Teams are prohibited from contacting members of the jury.
Participants will be unable to submit entries after the official deadline of Oct. 20, 2025. No exceptions will be made.
Timeline and Awards
The competition will run from Sep. 1 through Oct. 26, 2025. All competition rounds are virtual.
Registered participants will be notified about expert Workshops and Seminars to guide them during their competition journey. Attendance is not required.
The 20 strongest presentations will be notified on Oct. 24, 2025 as they move on to the Final Round. All registered participants will receive a certificate of participation, and outstanding participants will receive an Honorable Mention (top 50%).
During the Live Final Round, the 20 remaining presentations will receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze distinctions corresponding to their ranking.
The prize pool will be allocated to participants following the Final Round. All rankings are final.
The competition will run from Sep. 1 through Oct. 26, 2025. All competition rounds are virtual.
Registered participants will be notified about expert Workshops and Seminars to guide them during their competition journey. Attendance is not required.
The 20 strongest presentations will be notified on Oct. 24, 2025 as they move on to the Final Round. All registered participants will receive a certificate of participation, and outstanding participants will receive an Honorable Mention (top 50%).
During the Live Final Round, the 20 remaining presentations will receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze distinctions corresponding to their ranking.
The prize pool will be allocated to participants following the Final Round. All rankings are final.
The competition will run from Sep. 1 through Oct. 26, 2025. All competition rounds are virtual.
Registered participants will be notified about expert Workshops and Seminars to guide them during their competition journey. Attendance is not required.
The 20 strongest presentations will be notified on Oct. 24, 2025 as they move on to the Final Round. All registered participants will receive a certificate of participation, and outstanding participants will receive an Honorable Mention (top 50%).
During the Live Final Round, the 20 remaining presentations will receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze distinctions corresponding to their ranking.
The prize pool will be allocated to participants following the Final Round. All rankings are final.
Benefits
An introduction to the opportunity-filled worlds of business and entrepreneurship
Network and collaborate with like-minded peers
Unparalleled opportunities for mentorship from world-renowned innovators
Compete for real cash prizes that will jumpstart your innovation
Earn certificates and awards that will enhance your résumé
It's a free, engaging, and hands-on learning experience
An introduction to the opportunity-filled worlds of business and entrepreneurship
Network and collaborate with like-minded peers
Unparalleled opportunities for mentorship from world-renowned innovators
Compete for real cash prizes that will jumpstart your innovation
Earn certificates and awards that will enhance your résumé
It's a free, engaging, and hands-on learning experience
An introduction to the opportunity-filled worlds of business and entrepreneurship
Network and collaborate with like-minded peers
Unparalleled opportunities for mentorship from world-renowned innovators
Compete for real cash prizes that will jumpstart your innovation
Earn certificates and awards that will enhance your résumé
It's a free, engaging, and hands-on learning experience
Contact competition@root-edfutures.com for queries or concerns.
Contact competition@root-edfutures.com for queries or concerns.
Contact competition@root-edfutures.com for queries or concerns.
Deliverables
In teams or individually, develop a clear, innovative, and impact-focused pitch presentation that demonstrates your venture’s problem-solving potential, market opportunity, and scalability. Participants are encouraged to embrace creativity and to demonstrate professionalism.
Entries must be uploaded via the submission form with a public view link in order to be considered.
Presentations must contain between 2 and 20 slides maximum. Formal citations are encouraged (APA).
Presentations will be evaluated based on problem identification, market opportunity, business model, competitive advantage, visuals, and creativity.
All entries must be authentic and non-plagiarized. While use of AI generative tools is encouraged, it is important to note that these may generate inaccurate or incomplete content.
In teams or individually, develop a clear, innovative, and impact-focused pitch presentation that demonstrates your venture’s problem-solving potential, market opportunity, and scalability. Participants are encouraged to embrace creativity and to demonstrate professionalism.
Entries must be uploaded via the submission form with a public view link in order to be considered.
Presentations must contain between 2 and 20 slides maximum. Formal citations are encouraged (APA).
Presentations will be evaluated based on problem identification, market opportunity, business model, competitive advantage, visuals, and creativity.
All entries must be authentic and non-plagiarized. While use of AI generative tools is encouraged, it is important to note that these may generate inaccurate or incomplete content.
In teams or individually, develop a clear, innovative, and impact-focused pitch presentation that demonstrates your venture’s problem-solving potential, market opportunity, and scalability. Participants are encouraged to embrace creativity and to demonstrate professionalism.
Entries must be uploaded via the submission form with a public view link in order to be considered.
Presentations must contain between 2 and 20 slides maximum. Formal citations are encouraged (APA).
Presentations will be evaluated based on problem identification, market opportunity, business model, competitive advantage, visuals, and creativity.
All entries must be authentic and non-plagiarized. While use of AI generative tools is encouraged, it is important to note that these may generate inaccurate or incomplete content.
Prize Pool
Catalyzing innovation
First Place
$750
Second Place
$350
Third Place
$150
Judge Profiles
Founder and CEO, Listing Liftoff
Andrew Ingley
Andrew Ingley brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, investment banking, and operational leadership. He is the Founder & CEO of Listing Liftoff, a real estate services company delivering fast, cost-effective cosmetic refreshes that help sellers and agents maximize property appeal. Previously, he co-founded Aligned Modern Health, scaling it to $25M+ in annual revenue with a 40% CAGR over 14 years, and earlier served as Vice President of Investment Banking at Raymond James, leading M&A and capital raises. He is also an active member of MATTER Chicago, a healthcare innovation hub. Andrew holds an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a Finance degree from the University of Florida. His career reflects a focus on scalable growth, ethical leadership, and high-impact business building. As a judge, he offers expertise in entrepreneurship, finance, real estate services, and healthcare innovation, providing participants with practical insights into building sustainable ventures.
Andrew Ingley brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, investment banking, and operational leadership. He is the Founder & CEO of Listing Liftoff, a real estate services company delivering fast, cost-effective cosmetic refreshes that help sellers and agents maximize property appeal. Previously, he co-founded Aligned Modern Health, scaling it to $25M+ in annual revenue with a 40% CAGR over 14 years, and earlier served as Vice President of Investment Banking at Raymond James, leading M&A and capital raises. He is also an active member of MATTER Chicago, a healthcare innovation hub. Andrew holds an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a Finance degree from the University of Florida. His career reflects a focus on scalable growth, ethical leadership, and high-impact business building. As a judge, he offers expertise in entrepreneurship, finance, real estate services, and healthcare innovation, providing participants with practical insights into building sustainable ventures.
Founder and CEO, Vangst
Karson Humiston
Karson Humiston is a dynamic entrepreneur recognized for building companies at the intersection of talent, technology, and emerging industries. She is the Founder & CEO of Vangst, the cannabis industry’s leading hiring platform, which has connected thousands of professionals with opportunities in one of the fastest-growing markets in the U.S.,and raised over $29M from investors including Lerer Hippeau, Level One, and Snoop Dogg.
In 2024, she launched a stealth AI recruiting startup backed by M13 and Lerer Hippeau, designed to dramatically scale recruiter effectiveness. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Enterprise Technology, Karson has been featured in CNBC, TechCrunch, and Forbes and serves on the Board of YPO, contributing to a global community of business leaders.
She holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science from St. Lawrence University and is based in New York.
As a judge, Karson offers deep expertise in entrepreneurship, venture fundraising, and scaling disruptive startups, providing founders with valuable insight into building high-growth, investor-ready businesses.
Karson Humiston is a dynamic entrepreneur recognized for building companies at the intersection of talent, technology, and emerging industries. She is the Founder & CEO of Vangst, the cannabis industry’s leading hiring platform, which has connected thousands of professionals with opportunities in one of the fastest-growing markets in the U.S.,and raised over $29M from investors including Lerer Hippeau, Level One, and Snoop Dogg.
In 2024, she launched a stealth AI recruiting startup backed by M13 and Lerer Hippeau, designed to dramatically scale recruiter effectiveness. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Enterprise Technology, Karson has been featured in CNBC, TechCrunch, and Forbes and serves on the Board of YPO, contributing to a global community of business leaders.
She holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science from St. Lawrence University and is based in New York.
As a judge, Karson offers deep expertise in entrepreneurship, venture fundraising, and scaling disruptive startups, providing founders with valuable insight into building high-growth, investor-ready businesses.
Co-Founder and CMO, Aligned Modern Health
Bill Fiely
Bill Fiely is an accomplished marketing leader with extensive experience building and scaling consumer brands. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Aligned Modern Health, a leading health and wellness company in the Greater Chicago area.
Previously, Bill spent nearly a decade at PepsiCo, where he served as Director of Marketing and Marketing Manager, and held roles in innovation at SC Johnson and advertising at BBDO.
He holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BA in Economics and History from Vanderbilt University.
As a judge, Bill brings deep expertise in brand development, integrated marketing, and consumer innovation, offering participants valuable insights into building strong and impactful brands.
Bill Fiely is an accomplished marketing leader with extensive experience building and scaling consumer brands. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Aligned Modern Health, a leading health and wellness company in the Greater Chicago area.
Previously, Bill spent nearly a decade at PepsiCo, where he served as Director of Marketing and Marketing Manager, and held roles in innovation at SC Johnson and advertising at BBDO.
He holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BA in Economics and History from Vanderbilt University.
As a judge, Bill brings deep expertise in brand development, integrated marketing, and consumer innovation, offering participants valuable insights into building strong and impactful brands.
Managing Director, French-American Chamber of Commerce Chicago
Stephanie Bodak
Stephanie is a multicultural Marketing Executive with 25 years of experience serving renowned large companies and successful start-ups. At Nestle and Kellogg, she led significant growth of iconic brands such as Nestle Confectionary and Special K. Stephanie was later appointed Chief Marketing Officer of Smartbox Group, the European gift experience leader. There, as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, she was instrumental in the creation of the vision, roadmap and culture of the company. She also contributed to the digital transformation leading large cross-functional teams.
Architect and pace-setter, Stephanie has a hands-on entrepreneurial approach. Having worked for US and European companies, at local, regional and global levels, she is comfortable managing multicultural teams in large organizations and start-up environments.
Stephanie is a multicultural Marketing Executive with 25 years of experience serving renowned large companies and successful start-ups. At Nestle and Kellogg, she led significant growth of iconic brands such as Nestle Confectionary and Special K. Stephanie was later appointed Chief Marketing Officer of Smartbox Group, the European gift experience leader. There, as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, she was instrumental in the creation of the vision, roadmap and culture of the company. She also contributed to the digital transformation leading large cross-functional teams.
Architect and pace-setter, Stephanie has a hands-on entrepreneurial approach. Having worked for US and European companies, at local, regional and global levels, she is comfortable managing multicultural teams in large organizations and start-up environments.
Sep. 1: Submissions Open
Begin to explore the competition rules and navigate the suite of learning resources available
Oct. 5: Learning Session
Discover the fundamentals of entrepreneurship in a live lesson led by renowned Andrew Ingley
Oct. 12: Q&A Seminar
Refine your presentation and discover insights with direct mentorship from renowned Bill Fiely
Oct 20: Submission Deadline
The last day to submit your competition entries. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Oct 24: Judging Results
The 20 strongest presentations move on to the Final Round. Honorable Mentions are awarded.
Oct 26: Final Round
Participants answer judge Q&A in a live event. Winners are announced and prizes are awarded.
Register to receive communications and secure a spot in our learning events.
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"Equipping students with the entrepreneurial mindset and skills to solve real-world challenges, innovate, and create lasting impact"
"Equipping students with the entrepreneurial mindset and skills to solve real-world challenges, innovate, and create lasting impact"
The Startup Challenge
"Develop a clear, innovative, and impact-focused pitch presentation that demonstrates your venture’s problem-solving potential, market opportunity, and scalability"
"Develop a clear, innovative, and impact-focused pitch presentation that demonstrates your venture’s problem-solving potential, market opportunity, and scalability"
RootED futures High School Startup Competition
RootED futures High School Startup Competition
A free online challenge where students compete to win a $1,250 prize pool to launch their venture
A free online challenge where students compete to win a $1,250 prize pool to launch their venture
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