Are you ready to bring your boldest ideas to life? The Future Founders Challenge is a one-of-a-kind opportunity designed to empower students to solve real-world problems, think creatively, and develop innovative solutions. Whether you're passionate about technology, sustainability, healthcare, or any other field, this challenge provides the perfect platform to showcase your talent and make an impact.
Coded by: works to foster an entrepreneurship culture and community by encouraging students to think differently, try new things, and work to solve problems. With our newest opportunity, the Innovation Challenge, we are encouraging high school students to continue this work.
First up we have the Future Founders Challenge, where participants will create a startup that addresses a real-world problem in any sector of their choice. Whether it’s improving healthcare, transforming education, streamlining finance, or tackling challenges in sustainability, social impact, or consumer technology—students are encouraged to identify a meaningful problem and develop an innovative solution. Submissions must include a pitch deck and a prototype demonstrating how technology can be leveraged to bring their idea to life.
This Future Founders Challenge is designed to ignite your entrepreneurial mindset and equip you with real-world startup experience. Whether you win or not, participating will provide valuable skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and business innovation. We look forward to seeing your groundbreaking ideas come to life!
• Students in high school (9th - 12th grade) in Pennsylvania (PA), New Jersey (NJ), and Delaware (DE).
• Creative thinkers who want to solve problems in their community
• This challenge is for students at all levels
The Future Founders Challenge is NOW OPEN!
All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM EST on April 27, 2025.
• Open to high school competitors located in PA, NJ, and DE.
• Competitors can participate solo or with 1 cofounder/teammate.
• No student can participate on more than one team.
• All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM EST on April 27, 2025—no exceptions.
• Competitors can join the challenge anytime before the deadline.
• Competitors must complete the registration form and short survey attached to the submission form.
• 1st Place: $500 Cash Prize + Coded by: Startup Kit
• Recognition and certificates for all finalists
• Opportunities for mentorship and continued support from industry leaders
• Your Pitch Deck (6-10 slides)
• A Pitch Video (7 minutes maximum)
The Future Founders Challenge is virtual, but you are invited to join us at our office and work on your project during our Open Lab period. On Friday afternoons, Coded by: staff and instructors will be on hand to mentor and guide students on their projects. Attendance at Open Lab sessions is not required to enter the challenge.
Open Lab Times
• Days: Fridays
• Time: 3:00 - 6:00 pm
• Dates: April 4- June 13
* Please note, Open Lab will be CLOSED on April 18 and June 6.
Open Lab Location
3624 Market St
Suite 1SD
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Who can sign up for the challenge?
The program is open to high school students in Pennsylvania (PA), New Jersey (NJ), and Delaware (DE).
Can I participate if I don’t have prior business or coding experience?
Yes! This challenge is designed to teach you the fundamentals of ideation, validation, and pitching. No prior experience is required.
Is there a cost for participating?
No, Coded by: programs are free for all participants.
Coded by Kids runs free programs and competitions throughout the year. Don't miss the opportunity to grow and showcase your tech skills.
