2026 Venture: Entrepreneurial Innovation Challenge - GCU 6-12, Fri, Apr 17th, 2026 @ 9:00 AM Accelevents

Once again, ACSI Student Leadership & Learning has teamed up with Grand Canyon University to offer an exciting entrepreneurial challenge for students in grades 6-12. This in-person event is designed to showcase your students' pitching abilities while immersing them in a hands-on entrepreneurial journey.

This year, your students will not only present their business idea- an innovative solution to this year's challenge- before a distinguished Venture Investor Panel (VIP), but will also have a chance to dive into a series of thrilling entrepreneurial challenges, designed to ignite their creativity and foster innovation throughout the day. Plus, they'll receive coaching from some of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in the field- these mentors are ready to share their insights and help guide the next generation of innovators!

We Provide Everything You Need to Prepare Your Students to Compete!

Upon registration, you'll gain access to the Venture: Entrepreneurial Innovation Program (a separate email will provide detailed access instructions). This program guides students in a project-based entrepreneurial learning experience rooted in a biblical worldview, emphasizing entrepreneurship as a God-given ability to serve others and advance His kingdom.

The program contains everything you need to facilitate your students to:

Design and Develop an Innovative Product or Service: Utilize marketing and entrepreneurial skills to create a unique product or service.
Establish a Startup Business: Develop a comprehensive business model for a product or service that encompasses the key elements of a successful startup.
Deliver a Compelling Business Pitch: Craft and present a persuasive idea to attract investment and stakeholder support.

Optional materials to create your own in-school pitch challenge, which mimics the GCU competition, are provided to ensure that your students/teams are ready to compete against other 6-12 students at GCU.

Registration Procedures & Deadlines

You will be given the option to purchase either an ACSI member or non-member school package. This package includes access to the Venture: Entrepreneurial Innovation Program, registration for two students, and one chaperone. Only purchase ONE school package, even if you plan to bring more than two students!

Upon payment, this initial registration will confirm your school's participation in the Venture Entrepreneurial Innovation Challenge at GCU. The deadline to register your school is February 17, 2026. In your registration confirmation email, you will receive a link to purchase additional student, advisor, and/or spectator tickets. These additional tickets can be purchased anytime on or before March 1, 2026.

Special Instructions for International Schools Participating Virtually

To be eligible to participate virtually, your school must be designated as an international or global national school or be located in Canada, Hawaii, or Alaska.

Schools competing virtually will receive instructions on how to submit company names, names of student entrepreneurs, business plans, and company logos. Students/Teams will receive assigned time slots to pitch their innovative idea via Zoom. Specific instructions regarding uploading of all materials and participation in a virtual pitch will be sent via email.

* PLEASE NOTE * We will also be offering the International Christian STEM Competition, which will run simultaneously with Venture, and we encourage you to register a team for that competition. With a unique blend of academic rigor and faith-based values, this competition aims to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration while reinforcing the integration of faith and scientific exploration.

ACSI Student Leadership & LearningOrganizer of 2026 Venture: Entrepreneurial Innovation Challenge - GCU 6-12