Ridgeline Launches Innovate901: High School Pitch Competition to Empower Memphis’ Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Memphis, TN – Sept. 30, 2025 – Ridgeline, a venture capital firm committed to strengthening America’s foundational industries, today announced the launch of Innovate901, a high school pitch competition designed to ignite entrepreneurship among Memphis-area high school students. The competition will take place on January 17, 2026 at Crosstown Concourse.
Open to all Memphis-area high school students in grades 9–12, Innovate901 invites individuals or teams of up to three to submit bold, technology-driven startup ideas across fields such as AI, HealthTech, FinTech, ClimateTech, Robotics, EdTech, and more.
“Entrepreneurship is a muscle best built early,” said Ryan Clinton, Managing Partner at Ridgeline. “Through Innovate901, we’re giving young people in Memphis the mentorship, resources, and stage to put their ideas into action—because their voices matter in shaping the future economy.”
How It Works
Applications Due: November 30, 2025
Finalists Notified: December 11, 2025
Pitch Day: January 17, 2026 at Crosstown Concourse
From the pool of applicants, 10–20 finalist teams will be selected to present live pitches before a panel of judges from Ridgeline and the Memphis business community. Finalists will receive mentorship, resources, and a pitch workshop to refine their ideas.
Each team will deliver a 5-minute pitch followed by Q&A from the judges.
Prizes & Recognition
A total of $15,000 in awards will be distributed:
First Place: $10,000
Second Place: $5,000
Winners will also gain ongoing mentorship opportunities and recognition from Memphis’ entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Why It Matters
Innovate901 is more than a competition—it’s a platform to equip students with hands-on experience in problem-solving, pitching, and business building. By investing in the next generation, Ridgeline is reinforcing its commitment to long-term resilience and economic impact in communities like Memphis.
High school students across Memphis are encouraged to apply now. Applications are due November 30, 2025. Apply here.