IGNITE Social Innovation
Challenge

Imagine. Build. Launch.

Trinity University

March 20-21, 2026

Go From Zero to Entrepreneur in ONE Day.

This high-energy, hands-on experience is designed specifically for high school students who want to solve real issues facing their local and global community — and learn how to turn ideas into action. In under two days, participants will go through the same fast-paced process used in University Incubators compressed into an action-packed format that takes you from:

idea → team formation→ prototype → pitch.

You don’t need a business idea, coding skills, or business experience. Just show up ready to learn, collaborate and make a positive impact.

Spark your creativity, build your confidence, and discover what you’re capable of.

Ignite your Entrepreneurial Spirit!

What You’ll Do (Day One)

Learn how real startups begin (even with zero experience)
Explore a real community or global challenge
Brainstorm ideas
Conduct rapid research
Build and test prototypes
Develop a business model concept
Learn how to pitch
Get guidance + feedback from mentors

What You’ll Do (Showcase - Day Two)

Pitch your idea to a panel of judges
Network with peers and mentors
Take a guided tour of Trinity University
Celebrate wins with awards and prizes.

What You’ll Experience (what's included)

Team-based challenges that move fast and stay fun
Hands-on building (not lectures or worksheets)
Real-world problem solving
Mentorship + coaching from entrepreneurs and professionals
Pitch practice and a final pitch showcase that builds confidence and courage
A day-in-the life on a college campus
$1500 in Awards and Prizes
Meals provided

Who Should Attend

High School students who want to:

Tackle real issues in your community and the world
Solve problems and create meaningful solutions
Explore entrepreneurship in a supportive environment
Grow your confidence and build real world skills
Explore ideas—or find business partners
Network with other motivated students, mentors and community business leaders

What You’ll Walk Away With

A resume-ready experience for college, scholarship, and internship applications
A pitch and a prototype: website, app, or physical prototype
Skills in communication, collaboration, creativity, design thinking and entrepreneurship
Skills to design solutions that create positive social impact
Confidence to pursue & advocate for your ideas.....and have people listen
Entrepreneurial mindsets to take risks, experiment, and learn from failure
A new lens for what you’re capable of beyond the classroom and newly discovered possibilities for your future
An entrepreneurial process that can be applied to any project or career
A new network of friends, mentors and even business partners