Diamond Challenge Competition

About the Program

The Diamond Challenge, a philanthropic education initiative by Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware, provides free resources for students, educators, and entrepreneurship practitioners. Young minds embark on a global journey to turn their passions into business or social venture concepts – competing for a $100K prize pool. Participants learn from new ideas and create, submit, and present original business and social venture concepts.

2026–27 cycle checked November 4, 2026: The official 2027 timeline and rules give a January 14, 2027 submission deadline at 5 p.m. EST, following the September 16, 2026 opening. Advancing teams hear by February 10 at 11:59 p.m. EST, finalists are announced March 9, and the Limitless World Summit runs April 29–30, 2027. Submission requires an English concept narrative of 3–5 pages and an introductory video no longer than 60 seconds. Each team needs an adult advisor aged 21 or older; at least one finalist team member must attend the Summit in person.

The University of Delaware’s 2026–27 communication materials describe participation as free. Separate Summit travel and accommodation coverage was not verified. The $12,000 first prize in each track is a competitive award, rather than a promised participation subsidy.

Eligibility

One official adult advisor aged at least 21 is required; each student may join only one team and submit one concept per year. Concepts must not have generated more than $100,000 in total revenue prior to the submission deadline. Concepts that have advanced to the final round in prior years cannot be resubmitted. Participants must avoid listing or disclosing the names of their schools unless the school constitutes a critical element of their concept. Only concepts created by members of the team may be submitted. If a submission has also been conceived by members not participating, their full legal names must be disclosed. Teams must consist of 2-4 high school students aged 14-18 at the submission deadline. Teams must consist of 2-4 high school students.

Eligible Countries

How to Apply

Initial submission consists of a written concept narrative (3-5 pages) and an introductory video (60 seconds). Teams choose a competition track (business innovation or social innovation) and a pitch round format (live or virtual/pre-recorded). Advancing teams participate in pitching rounds. At least one member of each finalist team must attend the Limitless World Summit in person.