2026 State Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Wildcard Open Entry

This competition is for the Wildcard/Open Review entries to compete for a spot in the 2026 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge State Championship. Up to 15 teams will be selected to join us at State YEC in Manhattan at Kansas State University on April 28-29th. If selected, students will need to register in the link below to finish their entry.

If you have already competed and won at the YEC level please visit the YEC State Landing Page.

March 24th - Submission deadline for Wildcards (Winner register HERE)
April 3rd – Announcement of Wildcard teams selected

Teams selected as finalists will go on to compete in the 2026 Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge on April 28th-29th. We will announce winners within the portal and via the email provided and contact them directly with a registration link for the event. Wildcard winners will also be posted here as well on April 3rd.

NEW IN 2026 - IN PERSON WILDCARD EVENTS
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) – April 7, 2026

Pittsburg State University (PSU) – April 7, 2026

Q: Can a student apply for both Wildcard and Regional Wildcard YEC event?
A: Yes. Students may apply for both opportunities. Wildcard selections will be announced before the Regional events take place. If a student receives entry to State YEC through the Wildcard selection, they will have the option to either withdraw from the Regional event or participate in the Regional event and forfeit their Wildcard entry. Students may only earn one entry to the State YEC competition.

Q: What is the benefit of attending a Regional YEC event instead of only applying for Wildcard?
A: The Regional YEC events provide valuable preparation for the State competition. Students will have the opportunity to receive feedback from experienced mentors and judges, practice their presentation skills, participate in the tradeshow format, and compete for scholarships in addition to the chance to qualify for State YEC.

 

Q: What is the benefit of applying for a Wildcard entry to state instead of attending a Regional YEC?

A: Wildcard selection will allow 15 participants from across the state to advance to the State YEC event. Each regional YEC will allow 5 participants to advance to the state YEC event. However, there will be no in person guidance or feedback given to the Wildcard participants.

 

Q: Which Regional YEC event should a student attend?
A: Students may apply to either Regional YEC event regardless of their location. We recognize that students may have connections to different universities or family in different parts of the state. Please choose only one event, as both regional competitions take place on the same day and space is limited at each location.