ACE Foundation Emerging Innovators Pitch Competition

ACE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, is excited to announce the launch of the Emerging Innovators Pitch Competition. This program empowers undergraduate students to become civic-minded innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders developing solutions to today’s most pressing issues. Students will develop and pitch an innovative solution to a real-world community, business, technology, or policy challenge.

In partnership with affiliate Chambers of Commerce and Texas partners, ACE Foundation will award $2,000 scholarships to up to ten finalists. Applicants must submit their application and pitch by June 30, 2026.

Why Apply?

Finalists will have the opportunity to:

  • Earn a $2,000 scholarship to support their education.
  • Network with prominent business and civic leaders at the National ACE Annual Conference.
  • Receive one-on-one mentorship from ACE Foundation board members.

Competition Details

Eligibility and Qualifications

Note: This opportunity is open to individual applicants only. Team submissions are not accepted.

  • Student Status: Must be an undergraduate student currently enrolled in an accredited community, state, private, or public college located within the state of Texas.
  • Enrollment: Maintain enrollment at their institution for the 2026–2027 academic year.
  • Mandatory Attendance: Finalists must attend the National ACE Annual Conference in Houston, TX on September 18, 2026.

Key Dates (2026)

  • May 22: Applications open.
  • June 30 (5:00 PM CT): Applications close.
  • July 13: Finalists are announced.
  • September 18: Finalists attend the National ACE Annual Conference in Houston.

Awards and Incentives

All finalists will receive a complimentary round-trip airline ticket, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, to attend the National ACE Annual Conference in Houston on September 18, 2026.

When awardees attend the National ACE Annual Conference they will additionally receive:

  • $2,000 scholarship per finalist.
  • An exclusive, one hour, 1-on-1 mentorship session with an ACE Foundation board member at the conference.

Submission Requirements

To apply, students must upload a digital portfolio to our online application. A complete application includes:

  • One 1,500-word written essay - prompt below, .pdf or .docx format
  • One 3-minute video pitch presentation - prompt below, .mp4 or .mov format
  • An updated headshot - .jpg or .png format
  • Your most current resume - .pdf or .docx format
  • An unofficial academic transcript for the Spring 2026 semester
  • Proof of registration (screenshot) for a free account with the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. We recommend completing the course 'Getting Your Pitch Right for Every Audience' to sharpen your message and elevate your final submission.

Application Prompts

Essay Prompt:

In your essay, identify a real-world problem and propose an innovative solution that could create meaningful impact in your community. This proposal should evaluate the cause of the identified problem and outline a framework for implementing a sustainable solution.

Successful responses will include the following:

  • Define the specific problem you are addressing. Who is most affected, and why have previous attempts to solve it fallen short?
  • Describe your proposed solution in detail. How does it leverage modern technology, policy, or community dynamics to create change?
  • Why is your approach uniquely positioned to succeed?
  • Acknowledge the potential hurdles or unintended consequences of your solution. How will you measure its 'actual' effectiveness beyond a successful launch?
  • Please cite all sources used, referenced, or quoted in your paper. Your citations will be excluded from the total word count.

Sample essay topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • AI-driven solutions for small business growth
  • Modernizing clean energy infrastructure
  • Enhancing digital access and broadband equity
  • Community-based climate resilience strategies
  • Workforce development and job training initiatives

Video Prompt:

Using the findings from your essay, deliver a three-minute video pitch to our ACE Foundation Board that details your identified problem and the strategic value of your proposed response.

The video should convince the Board that your solution is not only functional and realistic, but also is capable of creating measurable impact in your community. Successful presentations will utilize data-driven arguments to support feasibility and maintain a tone that reflects both executive presence and an authentic commitment to the community being served. You may include any visual or auditory aids– including a slidedeck or graphics– to enhance the delivery of your message.

Evaluation Criteria

The written essay and video pitch will be evaluated together out of 100 points based on the following criteria. Detailed explanations can be found here.

  • Impact and Potential Outcomes: 20 points
  • Innovation and Originality: 20 points
  • Feasibility and Practicality: 15 points
  • Problem Identification and Significance: 15 points
  • Clarity of Presentation and Communication: 10 points
  • Community Commitment and Engagement: 10 points
  • Student Leadership and Ownership: 5 points
  • Values Alignment and Ethics: 5 points

Application Status: Closed

Applications open: May 22

Applications close: June 30 at 5:00 PM CT

Apply Here

Contact

Michael Sun

Marketing and Programs Coordinator

Email: msun@nationalace.org

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

  • Finalists will be announced on July 13, 2026. All ten finalists will receive a complimentary Southwest airline ticket to Houston to participate in the National ACE Conference on September 18, 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.

  • ACE Foundation will provide free round-trip flight vouchers to Houston, courtesy of Southwest Airlines. We will also cover the cost of the ticket to attend the Conference.

    Please note that while travel and conference entry are fully covered, overnight lodging is not included in the prize package.