Thrown to the Wolves
Arkansas State's High School Innovation Competition
Presented by the Delta Center for Economic Development and Kays Foundation Scarlet to Black.
Thrown to the Wolves is a high school business and innovation competition inspired by Shark Tank. Arkansas students in grades 10-12 work with mentors to turn ideas into business concepts and pitch them to a panel of judges.
Teams of one to three students can compete for:
- Scholarships
- Cash Prizes
- Mentorships
- Startup Resources
All while gaining real-world entrepreneurship experience!
Competition Timeline
Registration: September 1 – October 30, 2026
Students & teams register to compete.
Mentor Pairing: November 2026
Teams are paired with mentors from the university and business community.
Idea Development: December 2026 – January 2027
Refine your idea, visual aid, business plan, and prototype.
Submit Materials: February 5, 2027
Submit presentation visual aid and business plan.
Competition Day: February 24, 2027
Showcase your idea live at Arkansas State University.
Who can participate?
The sponsor for the student/ student group must be a current school employee. Home school students are also eligible to compete!
- High School Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors
- Teams of 1-3 Students
- Multiple Teams Per School Allowed
- Students interested in entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, design, or business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting Round:
Teams will present a ninety second elevator pitch to starting round judges. Judges
will then ask questions about the product/business idea. The judges will use rubrics
to score each team based on their elevator pitch and the business/marketing plan they
submitted. The top scoring teams will advance to the final round.
Final Round:
Students will present a three minute pitch, prototype, and marketing plan to the judges
("Alphas"). Judges will ask in
depth questions about the product and business/marketing plan. Awards will be presented
for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place,
and Pack Pick, an award chosen through voting on the day of the competition.
Pack Pick – Show Table:
Teams will prepare materials for a showcase table for their business/product idea.
One table will be provided to each
team and is to be set up the morning of the competition. Event attendees will cast
votes for show tables during lunch
break. No electricity will be provided for show tables. Tables are to be set up by
event start time
No. Registration is completely free.
Yes. Teams may include 1–3 students.
No. Students only need an idea or concept of the business.
No. A working prototype is a great addition if applicable, but not required or necessary.
Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas.