Diamond Challenge Opening Soon
Offered by Horn Entrepreneurship, University of Delaware
About This Scholarship
The Diamond Challenge is a global high school entrepreneurship competition run by Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware. Teams of two to four students, guided by an adult advisor, develop either a for-profit venture (Business Innovation track) or a mission-driven concept (Social Innovation track), then submit a written concept and pitch video for judging. Top teams advance to live pitch rounds culminating in the Diamond Challenge Summit at the University of Delaware.
The stakes are significant for a high school competition: a $100,000 total prize pool, with grand prizes of $12,000 for first place, $8,000 for second, and $4,500 for third in each track, plus special topical awards for innovations in areas like sustainability and technology. Awards are paid to the team's venture or split equally among members.
For the 2026-2027 season, registration opens September 16, 2026, and concept submissions are due January 14, 2027, with finalists announced in March and the Summit held April 29-30, 2027.
Eligibility
- High school students ages 14-18 at the time of submission, worldwide
- Teams of 2-4 students plus one required adult advisor (age 21+)
- One team and one concept per student per competition year
- Free to enter
How To Apply
- Register your team and advisor at diamondchallenge.org after registration opens September 16, 2026
- Submit your written concept narrative and pitch video by January 14, 2027 (5 p.m. ET)
- Advance through judging to the Diamond Challenge Summit at the University of Delaware, April 29-30, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Do prizes go to students or to the business?
Per the official rules, awards are distributed either as full payment to the team's designated venture or split equally among team members — teams choose how the money is applied.
Do I need a real, operating business to enter?
No. The Diamond Challenge judges concepts — a well-researched idea with a clear model can compete, and the program provides an entrepreneurship curriculum to help teams build their submission.