ACE Foundation Emerging Innovators Pitch Competition

Application Status: Closed

Applications open: May 15th, 2026

Applications close: June 15th, 2026

Apply Here
Apply Here

Contact:

Michael Sun
Marketing and Programs Coordinator

‍ Email: msun@nationalace.org

ACE Foundation Emerging Innovators Pitch Competition

ACE Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of the Emerging Innovators Pitch Competition! This program is designed to empower undergraduate students to become civic-minded innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders who develop practical solutions to today’s most pressing challenges.


This scholarship program is hosted by National ACE Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3), non-partisan project dedicated to building educational training and virtual resources for small business enterprises and chambers of commerce organizations. National ACE Foundation is partnering with affiliate Chambers of Commerce and partners in Texas to award up to ten $2,000 scholarships to selected students who apply and submit a pitch on our application by June 15th, 2026.  

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Undergraduate students currently enrolled in an accredited community, state, private, or public college in Texas for the 2026-2027 school year.

  • The competition is open to non-citizens. However, only U.S. citizens are eligible for the $2,000 scholarship. Non-citizen finalists will receive complimentary lodging to attend our Annual Conference in Houston, on top of a round-trip flight voucher and a one-on-one mentorship session with an ACE Foundation board member.

  • You must be enrolled for the 2026-2027 school year, so this competition is primarily for returning undergraduates.

  • Finalists will be announced on July 20th, 2026. All ten finalists will receive a complimentary Southwest airline ticket to Houston to participate in the National ACE Conference on September 18th, 2026.

  • Yes, the awards (scholarships and mentorship) are presented when finalists attend the National ACE Conference.

  • Yes, as long as it identifies a significant community challenge and proposes a sustainable, practical solution. Examples include AI for small business, clean energy, or workforce development.