Deadline: February 22, 2026
The Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition 2026 is an inspiring global platform for young innovators and future business leaders. This international pitch competition invites high school students from all over the world to develop and present creative business ideas that redefine industries, create new markets, and solve real-world problems — all through the lens of Blue Ocean Strategy.
The competition challenges students to think differently, go beyond existing boundaries, and craft solutions that open up new demand instead of competing in overcrowded markets. Designed as a virtual event, participants can take part from anywhere in the world, making it one of the most accessible and inclusive entrepreneurship competitions globally.
About the Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition 2026
The Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition 2026 is the largest virtual entrepreneurship pitch competition for high school students. It empowers young minds to become changemakers by applying business innovation principles in solving modern-day challenges. Participants learn to identify unmet needs, design compelling solutions, and communicate their ideas effectively through a five-minute video pitch.
This competition is centered around the Blue Ocean Strategy — an award-winning business concept that emphasizes creating uncontested market spaces rather than competing in existing ones. The strategy encourages students to think creatively, focusing on value innovation and differentiation.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to:
- All high school students worldwide.
- Students can participate individually or as a team (with a maximum of five members).
- No prior business experience is required — just creativity, innovation, and a willingness to learn.
Competition Format
The Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition is 100% virtual. Participants are required to:
- Register online via the official competition platform.
- Identify a problem and develop a business idea that solves it using Blue Ocean thinking.
- Prepare a five-minute pitch video outlining their business concept, value proposition, and market potential.
- Upload the video to YouTube and submit it through the competition portal along with necessary details.
The competition provides access to helpful tools and frameworks, including pitch templates and Blue Ocean Strategy guides, to help students structure and refine their submissions effectively.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submissions is February 22, 2026. All entries must be submitted before this date to be considered for review.
Benefits of Participating
Taking part in the Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition 2026 offers numerous opportunities and rewards, including:
- Entrepreneurial experience: Gain hands-on experience in ideation, market research, and business presentation.
- Professional feedback: Receive expert evaluation and insights from real business professionals and judges.
- Global exposure: Compete and network with innovative students from around the world.
- College readiness: Participation enhances college applications, showcasing leadership and creativity.
- Cash prizes and recognition: Winners receive monetary awards, certificates, and potential recognition for their schools.
Awards and Prizes
Participants stand a chance to win attractive cash prizes and recognition awards, including:
- 🥇 1st Place: $1,000
- 🥈 2nd Place: $750
- 🥉 3rd Place: $500
- 💬 People’s Choice Award: $750 (based on YouTube engagement and audience feedback)
Additional regional and school awards may also be presented to outstanding participants and institutions.
Why You Should Participate
The Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition 2026 is more than just a contest — it’s an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial thinking, creative problem-solving, and communication skills that will serve you throughout life. The experience not only builds confidence but also connects you to a global community of forward-thinking students and business leaders.
Whether you’re aspiring to become an entrepreneur, innovator, or simply eager to learn how to turn ideas into action, this competition is your ideal starting point.
How to Apply
Ready to take the leap into innovation and entrepreneurship?
👉 Click here to read more about the programme
Deadline: February 22, 2026
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Mode: Virtual (Online submission)
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
