What’s your idea?
Who’s your customer?
What’s the market?
How do you make money?
What’s your moat?
Who’s funding this?
Prove it.
Why now?
Burn rate?
Why you?

Atlanta · September 20th

You have 10 hours
to answer all of it.

InnovateATL InnovateATL
September 20th · Denmark Cafe
  • IDEATE.
  • VALIDATE.
  • INNOVATE.
  • ELEVATE.

InnovateATL is a 10-hour startup competition where high schoolers turn ideas into real ventures — in a single day.

Register Now → See How It Works
10
Hours
1–4
Per Team
$$$
Cash Prizes
Scroll
What You'll Build

One day. One idea.
One real company.

InnovateATL
About How It Works Schedule Register
What Is It
One Day.
One Idea.
Endless Possibilities.
InnovateATL is a 10-hour startup competition designed for high school students who want to build something real. Teams of 1–4 students research, validate, and pitch a venture-style business idea — all in a single day.
This isn't a hackathon. No code required. It's about real business thinking — customer discovery, market analysis, revenue models, and a compelling pitch.
Customer Discovery Market Opportunity Business Model Pitch Quality
September 20th, 2025
Confirmed Date
Denmark Cafe
Atlanta, GA
Teams of 1–4
High School Students Only
Cash Prizes
Top teams win real money
The Process

How InnovateATL Works

Four phases. One relentless day. One business idea brought to life.

1

Discover

Receive the prompt. Research your market. Talk to potential customers. Find a real problem worth solving.

2

Build

Develop your revenue model, competitive analysis, go-to-market strategy, and financial projections. Optional prototype welcome.

3

Pitch & Win

Present to judges. Top finalists pitch on stage. Winners take home real cash prizes and bragging rights.

Why InnovateATL

Real Venture-Building.
Under Pressure.

Most competitions ask you to code something. We ask you to think like a founder. No shortcuts. No pre-built ideas. Just you, your team, a problem, and 10 hours.

  • Learn real startup methodology in one day
  • Judged by real entrepreneurs and business leaders
  • Stands out on college apps — not just another club
  • Walk away with a real business plan in hand

What Your Team Builds

Customer Research
Real discovery, real insights
Market Analysis
TAM, SAM, competitive map
Revenue Model
How the money flows
Go-To-Market Plan
Launch strategy
Differentiation / Moat
Why you win long-term
Financials + Pitch
Numbers + optional demo
September 20th

Day-Of Format

Full schedule TBA — here's the flow

01

Check-In & Prompt Reveal

Teams arrive, get settled, and receive the official competition prompt for the first time. Your clock starts now.

02

Build & Validate Your Venture

The bulk of your day. Research, validate, build your business model, financials, and presentation. Coaches circulate to assist.

03

Judging Rounds

All teams present to a panel of judges. Evaluated on customer discovery, market opportunity, business model, and pitch quality.

🏆

Finalist Presentations & Awards

Top teams pitch on the main stage. Winners announced. Cash prizes awarded. Celebrate what you built in 10 hours.

FAQ

Questions Answered

Any current high school student (grades 9–12). You can compete solo or in a team of up to 4 students. Students from any school are welcome.

No — the prompt is revealed at the event. You'll develop your idea on the day. Come ready to think creatively and work fast.

Absolutely not. InnovateATL is about business strategy — customer discovery, market research, revenue models, and pitching. A prototype or demo is optional, not required.

Top teams win cash prizes. Prize breakdown will be announced closer to the event. Stay tuned on our Instagram and LinkedIn.

Registration details coming soon. Follow us on social media for updates and announcements.

Limited Spots

Are You Ready
to Innovate?

10 hours. One idea. Real stakes. Register your team now for InnovateATL — September 20th at Denmark Cafe.

Register Now → Follow for Updates

September 20th · Denmark Cafe · Teams of 1–4 High Schoolers