SXSW EDU Student Impact Pitch Challenge
- Organization: SXSW EDU
- Type: Competition
- Location: Global
- Deadline: October 25, 2026
- Funding: Partially Funded
SXSW EDU's Student Impact Challenge, presented by The Allstate Foundation, is a free pitch competition for high school students already running a project that tackles a social, economic or environmental problem in their community. Six finalist teams pitch live to a panel of judges and an audience of educators, investors and changemakers at SXSW EDU 2027 in Austin, Texas, and the winner takes the Student Impact Award. Students in the US and internationally can apply, solo or as a team. **What you get:** - Complimentary SXSW EDU 2027 credentials for your student presenters (the contest terms value each at about $795; the programme page says six per finalist team, covering two presenters plus chaperones and teammates) - One-on-one pitch coaching and group webinars with innovators and social impact business strategists chosen by SXSW EDU - A five-minute live pitch, plus five minutes of judges' questions, on stage at SXSW EDU in Austin - A shot at the Student Impact Award, with first and second runner-up teams also recognised; SXSW EDU says winners typically receive a cash prize, with the 2027 prize package still to be announced - Two semifinalist teams also get credentials, coaching and a showcase slot on stage after the finalist pitches **What you'll do:** - Submit an online application describing your problem, your project, its impact so far and your goals, with a 1 to 2 minute pitch video - If selected, work with coaches on your pitch over the winter - Travel to Austin, Texas, for SXSW EDU on March 13 to 16, 2027 and pitch live during the competitions on March 14 and 15 **Key dates:** - Applications opened August 5, 2026 - Applications close October 25, 2026 at 11:59 pm Central Time - Finalists privately notified by December 31, 2026, and publicly announced in January 2027 - SXSW EDU 2027 runs March 13 to 16, 2027 in Austin, Texas, with the competitions on March 14 and 15 **More information:** - Full FAQ on the SXSW support site: https://support.sxsw.com/hc/en-us/sections/18235584083853-SXSW-EDU-Student-Impact-Challenge - Past finalists and winners on the Competition History page: https://sxswedu.com/competitions/history/ - Questions go to programming@sxswedu.com
