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.  

Eligibility

Applicants to the Emerging Innovators Pitch Competition must:

  1. Be an undergraduate student currently enrolled in an accredited college (community, state, private, or public) located in Texas.

  2. Be enrolled in their college for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.

Awards

Up to ten finalists in the competition will receive a complimentary Southwest Airline ticket to Houston for National ACE’s Annual Conference on September 18th, 2026.

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

  • 1-on-1 mentorship session with an ACE Foundation board member

  • $2,000 scholarship per finalist (U.S. citizen finalists only)

  • Complimentary lodging at the conference venue (non-U.S. citizen finalists only)

Timeline

Friday, May 15th, 2026: Applications open on our website

Monday, June 15th, 2026: Applications close at 5:00PM CT

Monday, July 13th, 2026: Finalists are announced

Friday, September 18th, 2026: Finalists participate in the National ACE Conference in Houston

Prompts

Evaluation criteria can be found here.

Essay Prompt:

ACE Foundation is dedicated to developing future leaders committed to critical problem-solving and creating tangible, scalable community impact. Through ACE Foundation’s national network and leadership pipeline, students strengthen their understanding of business strategy, public policy, and social impact while cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset.

In a 1,500-word essay, identify a significant challenge facing a community of your choosing and propose a comprehensive strategy to address the issue. This proposal should evaluate the root causes of the identified problem and outline a viable framework for implementing a sustainable solution. Successful responses will include the following:

  1. Define the specific problem you are addressing. Who is most affected, and why have previous attempts to solve it fallen short?

  2. Describe your proposed solution in detail. How does it leverage modern technology, policy, or community dynamics to create change?

  3. Why is your approach uniquely positioned to succeed?

  4. Acknowledge the potential hurdles or unintended consequences of your solution. How will you measure its 'actual' effectiveness beyond just a successful launch? 

  5. Please cite all sources used, referenced, or quoted in your paper using APA style. The bibliography at the end of the document will not be included in 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 utilize any visual or auditory aids– including a slide deck or graphics– to enhance the delivery of your message.

Submission Requirements

On our application, Texas-based undergraduate college students will submit:

  • One 1,500-word written essay (prompt below)

  • One 3-minute video pitch supporting the essay

  • An updated headshot

  • Your most current resume

  • An unofficial academic transcript for the Spring 2026 semester

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.