Calling all innovators, tech leaders, and founders:
TYE Dana Point is launching a fully AI-powered entrepreneurship accelerator for high school students in 2026 — become the next generation of changemakers!
TiE Dana Point
What to Know About TYE 2026
AI-first curriculum
Students use GPT, Figma AI, Bubble, Notion AI & more - all with hands-on guidance of successful mentors who are founders and business executives
Hosted at UCI Beall Applied Innovation
Over 50% students from underserved communities
About Us
TiE Dana Point, founded in 2000, is a non-profit global community committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. As part of TiE Global—established in Silicon Valley in 1992 and now the world’s largest entrepreneurial network—TiE OC empowers youth through mentorship, networking, and education. Our 2026 curriculum is centered on AI-enabled entrepreneurship, equipping students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI, Midjourney, and Bubble GPT.
Over 12 weeks, participants explore startup ideation, market validation, design thinking, MVP development, customer outreach, and financial modeling—all through the lens of artificial intelligence. From generating startup ideas with AI to building pitch decks with Tome and simulating investor Q&A with ChatGPT VC Sim, students gain practical skills that reflect the future of business innovation. TiE Dana Point believes that integrating AI into entrepreneurial education is key to unlocking scalable impact and preparing young founders to lead in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
TYE Dana Point 2026 Program
An innovative program designed by TiE, the world’s largest network of entrepreneurs, to inspire entrepreneurship in high school students. The program includes AI-focused workshops and classes mentored by leaders in the TiE Entrepreneur community concluding in a Business Plan Competition with a chance to win a cash prize worth several thousand dollars.
Past Winners
TYE - Dana Point 2024 1st Place Winner
Company: Easyspeak
AI enabled app that analyzes users' video recording and provides instant feedback to help high school students with public speaking skills.
TYE Dana Point - 2024 2nd Place Winner
Company: Mealmate
An app that helps you decide what and where to eat with your dietary needs in mind.
TYE Dana Point - 2024 3rd Place Winner
Company: Launchpad
An app connecting small businesses and startups with high school students looking for internship opportunities.
TESTIMONIALS
Meet Some of Our Alumni
Kruthy Renduchintala
TYE 2013/2014
Graduated UC Berkeley in Economics
Cindy Fan
TYE 2013/14
Graduated University of Pennsylvania in Finance and Statistics
Shane Saito
TYE 2017
High School Senior
Amy Guo
TYE 2016/17
UC Berkeley - Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology
Maryam Edah-Tally
TYE 2013/2014 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year 2017
Cal State Fullerton - Business Administration
Noah Cha
TYE 2015/16
University of Notre Dame - Sophomore
Charlie Gooding
TYE 2017
University of California Berkeley - Global Management Ptrogram
Irene Koo
TYE 2014
Columbia University - Economics and Computer Science
TYE in the News
2021 TYE Global Final Competition Hosted By TiE Carolinas Concludes Successfully With 4,800 Attendees World Wide
Winners From International Student Startup Competition Nab $10,000 in Prize Money
TiE Oregon, Atlanta Among Winners of The Young Entrepreneurs Global Competition
Frequently Asked Questions
Join The #1 Program for Entrepreneurs
How much does the Program Cost?
Through the generous support of the TiE Orange County chapter and our sponsors, the program is offered at a early bird special fee of $599.00 if students apply before November 1st, 2024. Fee will increase to $799.00 after Nov 1st, 2024. We encourage you to apply early as qualified applicants will be accepted on a first come basis. There will also be need based scholarships awarded for all students in need.
Who is eligible?
Open to all high school students (grades 9-12) Participants will be selected by a screening process, a maximum of 25 students will be selected. Qualified applicants will be selected based on the merits of your application. We encourage you to apply early as applicants will be selected on a rolling basis.
What do will I learn?
The program covers the basics of building a business concept and developing a business plan and includes instruction from industry experts on: Creating a Business Concept, Planning the Product or Service, Exploring Customers, Business Accounting, Financing & Business Plan Creation, Preparing an Investor Presentation
Were is the program located?
The program will be taking place at the UCI Beall Applied Innovation 5270 California Avenue
Are there any awards?
At the culmination of the program, the teams will complete by pitching their business plan to a panel of judges who represent Venture Capital, Angel and Entrepreneurial investors. The winning team will be awarded a cash prize worth several thousand dollars as seed capital to further your idea.
What happens if my team wins?
The winning team from the chapter will qualify to compete in the TYE Global Competition in the summer of 2026 for the top prize of up to $10,000.
The Young Entrepreneurs - Orange County would like to thank our sponsors for their generous support.
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