Why NYEA?
Take the stage
Showcase your biggest and brightest ideas!
Meet fellow entrepreneurs
Meet the people who are driving growth and innovation in the ecosystem by getting plugged into our ecosystem!
Be the Community
At ACE.SG, supporting founders and startups is at the heart of what we do. We want to bring together the community of youth entrepreneurs that are excited about the challenge of entrepreneurship!
Be it joining the community through our exclusive events, being part of ACE.SG new initiatives, or inspiring and sharing your stories of success and learnings with our community, we will connect you with our ecosystem and have you in the spotlight.
Am I eligible?
All applicants must be:
1. At least 17-35 years old (as of 2026)
2. Must represent a startup/business that is already incorporated
What does NYEA entail this year?
1. Nomination
If you know of a deserving youth, nominate them!
All nominations must be completed with a nomination form which must be downloaded here.
To successfully submit the application, all nominations must be sent via email to youthentrepreneurship@ace.sg by October 16 2026, 2359.
Further information:
1. Founders representing the same startup may send in individual nominations. Winners in previous years are not eligible for nomination.
2. Nominees and Finalists from previous years may send in a nomination again this year.
3. POL-ITE Entrepreneurs' Challenge participants are enrolled automatically in the NYEA through the POL-ITE Entrepreneurs' Challenge track. However, if deemed eligible, founders are welcome to nominate themselves in individual capacity. Please note that this means the individual would have to participate in live pitches of both tracks, if selected.
Nomination is free of charge.
2. Live Pitch
3rd November 2026 @ ACE.SG Ideation Centre
If you are shortlisted, you will be notified 2 weeks before the live pitch.
As part of the live pitch, you must prepare a pitch of at least 3-5 minutes, detailing the following:
1) Your business model - ideation, development, execution, and traction.
2) How your business contributes to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and community.
As part of the evaluation, you may also be asked about:
1) Your contributions to the local startup ecosystem through activities/clubs/communities
2) Your visions and aspirations for (youth) entrepreneurship.
3. Awards Ceremony
mid-November 2026 (TBC)
This is your stage and your time to shine!
All finalists must attend the NYEA Ceremony.
The ceremony will include:
1) Prize Ceremony
2) Networking with ecosystem partners
3) Startup Showcase to key ecosystem players and youth community.
Please note that commitment to the key dates is compulsory.
POL-ITE Entrepreneurs' Challenge
The POL-ITE Entrepreneurs’ Challenge is a challenge jointly organised by the Institute of Technical Education and local polytechnics with Action Community For Entrepreneurship (ACE.SG) and supported by the Ministry of Education, in partnership with Temasek Foundation.
This national-level platform brings together student founders from across Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to develop, validate, and pitch their ventures.
Shortlisted teams in PET or Alumni tracks will be matched with industry mentors through a structured mentorship programme. Mentors will guide teams in refining their business ideas, strengthening their go-to-market strategies, and preparing for pitching.
The Challenge culminates in a national pitch, integrated with the National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards (NYEA) Live Pitch, where top teams will be selected. One overall winner per track will be awarded with a seed funding of SGD 25,000.
*We only accept nominations from IHL representatives. The application period is now closed.
What's in it for you?
- Structured Mentorship: Guidance from experienced industry mentors
- Fireside Chats: Learn from founders and industry leaders
- Networking Opportunities: Access to the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem
- National Exposure: Showcase your venture on a national platform
- Pitch Opportunities: Compete in a national-level pitch for cash prizes
- Funding Pathways: Opportunities to secure further support and funding
The POL-ITE Entrepreneurs’ Challenge is integrated with NYEA, providing participants with greater visibility, recognition, and opportunities to take their ventures further.
