SAN JOSE, Calif., March 14 — Pegasus Tech Ventures proud to announce the return of Startup World Cup, to The Harker School for the third edition of Harker National Youth Qualifier scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026, the event serves as the global network’s premier youth-exclusive qualifier. Participation does not require a registered company. Selected finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their ventures before a distinguished panel of Silicon Valley investors and industry leaders. This is the opportunity and only platform where students with big ideas can showcase their innovations and entrepreneurial ideas.
Organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, Startup World Cup spans over 100 regions across six continents. The Harker National Youth Regional winner will receive $2,500 in prize funding and will advance to the Grand Finale in San Francisco to compete for a $1 million investment prize in November. There is a $500 travel stipend to out of state finalists.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Location: The Harker School, San Jose, CA
- Applications: Open to U.S. elementary, middle, and high school student founders through Friday, April 3, 2026.
Apply to Pitch: startupworldcup.io/harker-app-2026
Register to Attend: swcharkerregional.eventbrite.com
A Venture-Style Platform for the Next Generation
Now in its third year, the Harker National Youth Qualifier has emerged as a destination for student founders. The 2026 program will feature a distinguished lineup of Silicon Valley speakers and judges representing leading venture capital firms and companies including Pear VC, Samsung Ventures, Blackrock, and Redpoint Ventures. Brandon Yang, co-founder of Cartesia, will open the event with a keynote address.
The competition mirrors the rigor of professional qualifiers, evaluating startups on scalability, market opportunity, and execution. Last year’s winner, the study app Cookr, advanced to the Grand Finale alongside standout finalists Visibil and Beyond the Bars.
Empowering Global Innovation
“We are excited to partner with The Harker School again for the third year,” said Anis Uzzaman, Founder and CEO of Pegasus Tech Ventures. “It is important to provide a global platform for young entrepreneurs who are shaping the next generation of innovation. Startup World Cup offers not only visibility, but also mentorship and coaching opportunities for these exceptionally talented students.”
By bridging the gap between the classroom and the venture capital ecosystem, the Harker National Youth Qualifier gives student founders access to investors, mentorship, and global exposure typically reserved for seasoned entrepreneurs.
