The summit centers on the theme “You Can,” offering a platform for entrepreneurs 25 and under to pitch business ideas to a panel of community leaders. Beyond the competition, the day features an exhibition hall where young creators can connect with potential partners and mentors. Attendees can influence the stage lineup, with the public voting one finalist directly into the pitch session. Applications for founders remain open through October 20 at nextgensummit.us.
Maryland Founders Under 25 Pitch for $10,000 at NextGen Summit
Ten young founders will compete for a $10,000 prize pool on October 30 as the NextGen Summit arrives at the Gordon Center for Performing Arts in Owings Mills. The event aims to bridge the gap between ambition and execution for 550 Maryland students and early-career professionals through direct funding and mentorship.
Speakers include Guinness World Record holder Tunde Onakoya, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Kennedy Ekezie, and Maryland Bankers Association CEO Tisha Edwards. The program moves away from traditional lectures, utilizing TED-style talks and interactive podcast-style conversations. Pastor Deji Olubusi, Chairman of the NextGen Summit, described the event as a counter-narrative to common criticisms of younger generations, focusing instead on identifying and cultivating latent leadership skills. The event concludes with a workshop designed to help every participant define their immediate professional next step.
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