The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is a nationwide innovation and entrepreneurship competition for K-12 students in the United States. Supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and powered by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), the program aims to award a total of $1,000,000 in prize money to young inventors and social entrepreneurs. Students compete in three grade-level brackets (K-4, 5-8, and 9-12) by submitting a 30-90 second video pitch for either a Business or Social Challenge. Finalists are invited to a live pitch event and celebration in Flint, Michigan, in June 2026. The competition is open to students in all school types, including public, private, and homeschool.
Mott Million Dollar Challenge 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Charles Stewart Mott Foundation |
| Administrator | NFTE |
| Total Prize Pool | $1,000,000 |
| Eligible Grades | K through 12 |
| Location | United States (50 States & DC) |
| Deadline | February 27, 2026 |
Mott Million Dollar Challenge 2026 Details
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is designed to inspire the next generation of leaders to solve real-world problems through creative thinking and business modeling. Whether addressing a local community need or inventing a new consumer product, the competition provides a platform for youth voices to be heard and rewarded.
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Scholarship Details
The competition uses a tiered prize and recognition structure to support young innovators at various stages of the challenge.
Benefits of the Mott Million Dollar Challenge 2026
Tier 1: Finalist Awards and Grand Prizes (Up to $1,000,000 Pool)
- National Cash Prizes: Substantial cash awards distributed among top winners across all grade categories.
- Flint Michigan Experience: All-expenses-paid invitation for finalists to attend an “epic celebration” and live pitch event in Flint, Michigan, in June 2026.
Tier 2: Category Excellence Awards
- Business Challenge Honors: Recognition for the most viable and innovative new product or service ideas.
- Social Challenge Honors: Awards for business ideas that demonstrate the highest potential for community improvement and social problem-solving.
Tier 3: Participation and Growth Recognition
- Pitch Development: Access to entrepreneurial learning frameworks through the NFTE-powered platform.
- Learning Resources: Opportunities for all participants to engage in workshops and educational activities during the competition phases.
Eligibility Requirements for Mott Million Dollar Challenge K-12 Student Competition 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Open to students in grades K–12 (or equivalent age range). Can participate solo or in teams of up to 3.
- Study Status: Open to students in public, private, charter, home, online schools, or youth programs.
- Visa Status: Must be a resident of the United States (50 States and Washington D.C.).
- Program Admission: Participants must submit an original 30-90 second video pitch and required consent forms (Parental/Guardian release for those under 18).
How to Apply for Mott Million Dollar Challenge Innovation Prizes 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Create a “Reviewr” account on the official portal and select your grade group (K-4, 5-8, or 9-12).
- Automatic Evaluation: Ensure your video pitch is between 30-90 seconds and addresses either the Business or Social Challenge category.
- Eligibility Assessment: Submissions are judged based on Clarity, Creativity, and Persuasiveness by a panel of experts.
- Notification of Award: Finalists are notified and invited to the live event in June 2026, where final cash prize winners are announced.
Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to enter the Mott Million Dollar Challenge?
Any student in grades K-12 (or of that age range) living in the 50 United States or Washington D.C. is eligible to enter.
2. Can I enter with my friends?
Yes, you can enter solo or in a team of up to three students. All team members must be in the same grade-level group.
3. What are the three grade-level groups?
The groups are K–4 (Elementary), 5–8 (Middle School), and 9–12 (High School).
4. What is the difference between the Business and Social Challenges?
The Business Challenge focuses on a new product or service idea, while the Social Challenge focuses on a business idea that solves a specific community or social issue.
5. How long should the pitch video be?
The video must be between 30 and 90 seconds long. It should be clear and creative; high production value is not required.
6. Can I submit more than one idea?
You may submit one individual entry and participate in one team entry, for a maximum of two submissions total.
7. What happens if I am selected as a finalist?
Finalists will be invited to a celebration and live pitch event in Flint, Michigan, in June 2026, with travel and learning opportunities included.
8. Is there a fee to enter the competition?
No, there is no entry fee to participate in the Mott Million Dollar Challenge.
9. How is the prize money distributed among team members?
If a team wins, the prize money is typically shared among the participating team members.
10. Can I use a business idea I found online?
No. All work must be original. You may not use the intellectual property or ideas of another person or existing business.
