TYE - TiE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS 2026

TYE 2026 KICKOFF

Inspiring the Next Generation of Purpose-Driven Innovators

TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) 2026 empowers high-school students to explore entrepreneurship through hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and a real startup-building experience.

This year's cohort will gain the confidence, business knowledge, and collaboration skills needed to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.

About the TYE – TiE Young Entrepreneurs 2026 Program

TYE Boot Camp is a dynamic learning experience designed to inspire and shape future entrepreneurs. More than a traditional workshop, it serves as a full-fledged Entrepreneurship Academy — powered by TiE Global and enriched by the University Startups curriculum — offering students a structured pathway to develop real-world entrepreneurial skills.

TYE 2026 spans a series of Saturdays from February 28 to April 25, 2026 — guiding students through an organized entrepreneurial journey. The program concludes with a final pitch competition on April 25, where the winning team advances to the TYE Global Business Competition later in June or July (TBD).

Participants will work in teams to identify a problem, develop an innovative solution, and craft a pitch that can compete on a global stage. The workshops are led by industry experts and business leaders from the TiE community, following an interactive curriculum rooted in real-world startup practices.

What the TiE DC Young Entrepreneur Will Experience

TYE – TiE Young Entrepreneurs 2026 equips students with the following core experiences:

Learn From Experienced Mentors

Participate in sessions led by accomplished founders and industry experts in a proven curriculum
Gain insights into startup thinking, business modeling, and presentation skills
Receive guidance throughout the program — from idea development to final pitch

Build a Real Startup Prototype

Work in teams to create a venture around a problem worth solving
Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Understand key concepts — like customer discovery, marketing, financial planning, and product design

Compete on a Global Stage

Top teams will move forward to compete at the TYE Global Competition
Compete with student teams from around the world
Stand a chance to win recognition and seed funding for your startup idea

Applications are now closed for 2026.

Thank you for your interest in TYE 2026. Stay tuned for updates on the next cohort.

Visit TYE Global

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Any high school student in grades 9–12 who wants to tackle real-world challenges and build a venture that drives both value and positive social impact. No prior experience is needed — just enthusiasm and a desire to learn.

APPLICATION DATES

November 21, 2025 to December 22, 2025

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Saturdays from February 28 to April 25, 2026

CLASS TIMING

Saturdays | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

(Working lunch break 12 noon to 12:30 PM — students are strongly encouraged to bring their lunch because the GMU cafeteria can be slow.)

LOCATION

George Mason University (Fairfax Campus) 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION FEE: $600*

Fees will be due upon admission of the student into the TYE program. Fees are non-refundable (in part or in full) under any circumstances.

TYE 2026 Boot Camp Team

Kavita Govindarajan

Committee Chair

Satya Balla

Committee Co-chair

Srini Bayireddy

Chairperson