Championship guide · Entrepreneurship · Utah, ages 14–18
High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge
The Tim Draper High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge (HSUEC), run by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah. It is open to students in Utah aged 14 to 18, who compete for cash and scholarships.
- Utah students aged 14–18
- Online judging, then a live final
- US$30,000 in cash and scholarships (2025–26)
At a glance
- For students in Utah
- Application, then online judging
- Top 20 make a video
- Live final at the University of Utah
About the championship
What students actually do
Teams submit an application, which is judged online. The top 20 teams then submit a video, go through a public online vote, and present at a final event at the University of Utah.
Because it is only open to students in Utah, it is mainly relevant to families living there. Students elsewhere can look at similar competitions such as the Diamond Challenge or the Blue Ocean Competition.
Key facts
The competition at a glance
Dates below are from 2025–26. The 2026–27 dates are not yet published on the organiser’s page.
Sources: Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute: HSUEC. Checked 6 November 2026. Always confirm dates and rules on the official site.
Preparation with IFA
How we help students get ready
Live coaching from finance professionals who have been there and done it, built around what this competition rewards.
A real problem
Finding a problem worth solving and the people who have it, with evidence rather than guesses.
The business model
Customers, pricing, costs and simple projections that hold up to a judge’s questions.
The deck and the story
A clear structure, clean slides and a story judges remember.
Pitching and Q&A
Timed practice pitches and mock judging, with honest feedback after each run.
Not sure this is the right competition?
In a free 30-minute Readiness Assessment, a founder meets your child and you, and sends a written plan within 24 hours. If another competition, or none yet, is a better fit, we will say so.
Questions
What parents ask
Can students outside Utah enter?
When is the next deadline?
What are good alternatives outside Utah?
Is IFA connected to the organisers?
International Finance Academy is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the University of Utah or the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute. Competition names are used only to describe the events we help students prepare for.