IMSA Entrepreneurship Programs
The IMSA Entrepreneurship Program is a collection of applied learning experiences designed to inspire entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking. Using design thinking and Lean Startup methodologies, the program provides participants with experiences that inspire and challenge them to explore and create inventive solutions to real-world problems facing their communities.
2026 Power Pitch.AI Competition
Registration Opens November 14!
The IMSA Center for Artificial Intelligence invites Illinois high school students (grades 10–12) to participate in the second annual Power Pitch.AI Competition. This event challenges young innovators to pitch creative business ideas that integrate artificial intelligence. Participants will develop their entrepreneurial, design thinking, and problem-solving skills while competing for recognition as emerging leaders in innovation and technology. Learn more about the competition and register here.
Prizes:
- First Place: $500.00
- Second Place: $250.00
- Third Place: $100.00
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Registration Deadline: Monday, January 5th, 2026
- Video Submission Deadline: Thursday, February 5th, 2026
- Finalist Announcement: Friday, February 20th, 2026
- Finals Submission Date: Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Register Today!
Power Pitch
IMSA PowerPitch is a Business/Idea Pitch Competition for students in grades 9 through 12. Young entrepreneurs from across the United States are encouraged to apply to what is considered one of the best business/idea pitch competitions in the region. The competition is hosted by the Steven and Jamie Chen Center for Innovation & Inquiry (IN2) at IMSA’s Aurora Campus.
TALENT
TALENT (Total Applied Learning for Entrepreneurs) is a youth-led, Lean Start-up–based program designed to empower students to turn their ideas into impactful ventures. Participants work collaboratively to identify real-world problems, develop innovative solutions, and bring their ideas to life through hands-on project development. Throughout the program, students gain valuable entrepreneurial experience, learning essential skills such as ideation, market research, prototyping, and pitching.
With guidance from experienced business mentors and industry professionals, participants receive personalized feedback and support as they refine their ventures. TALENT fosters creativity, leadership, and adaptability, helping young innovators build the confidence and practical know-how to launch their ideas and make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond.
TALENT Ignite Summer Entrepreneurship Program
(Summer 2026 Dates TBA)
The TALENT Ignite Summer Camp teaches 7th through 9th-grade students the fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary mindset and skills to develop their own product ideas. The concepts taught include: ideation, branding, market research, pitching, and much more. Modules are a mixture of lecture and activity-based learning. This interactive approach promotes active participation from students, encouraging a deeper understanding of the material. The camp will culminate with a pitch competition judged by experienced entrepreneurs.
This camp is led by student facilitators from the IMSA TALENT (Total Applied Learning for Entrepreneurs) program who are experienced and knowledgeable guides in the creation of marketable ideas. For more information about this program contact Steve Goldblatt at sgoldblatt@imsa.edu
Project Teams
Students will have the opportunity to engage in authentic, hands-on business experiences. In addition to industry-sponsored projects, students may pursue independent ventures based on their own ideas and interests. Through these experiences, participants strengthen their problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills while gaining insight into professional business environments and entrepreneurial thinking. Apply here to be a project team (This opportunity is only open to current IMSA students).
