TIE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

At TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE), we believe in the power of youth to shape the future. Our program immerses high school students in the exciting world of entrepreneurship, providing them with the tools and skills they need to become tomorrow's leaders.

Why Choose TYE?

  • Innovative Curriculum: Learn from top entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and educators through a curriculum that combines rigorous academic principles with real-world application.

  • Leadership and Collaboration: Develop key entrepreneurial and teamwork skills, culminating in a high-energy pitch competition that lets students showcase their innovative ideas.

  • Global Network: Be part of a global network with TYE programs in 27 chapters worldwide, connecting students with a community of like-minded peers and mentors.

  • Build Your Future: Distinguish yourself in college applications and/or essays, resumes, or even your LinkedIn with real-world entrepreneurial experience and leadership skills gained from participating in TYE.

Program Overview

  • Interactive Learning: Our project-based curriculum emphasizes design thinking and customer validation, providing students with hands-on experience in building a startup.

  • Annual Cycle: Running from October to May, the program concludes with a State Competition, where the winning team advances to the prestigious Global TYE Competition. Winners have the opportunity to earn cash prizes at both the State and Global Competition events.

  • Local Engagement: This year’s program features a Community Program open to all high school students, along with Satellite Programs at Lincoln High School, McDaniel High School, Metropolitan Learning Center, and Rosemary Anderson High School’s North Campus.

“TYE gave me valuable experience that taught me how to take an idea for a product and turn it into a reality. The stuff I learned will stick with me for the rest of my life.”
— Roman W.

  • The 2025-2026 Community (Sunday) Program schedule is coming soon!

  • Our TYE Student Mentors and Leadership team give insights and updates on ongoing projects and upcoming events. Check back for updates. Read more…

  • We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated mentors who supported our students throughout the TYE program year. Their expertise, time, and encouragement helped bring student ideas to life and made an extraordinary impact on each team’s journey.

    Special thanks to the following mentors who guided students in areas such as business development, financial modeling, product design, storytelling, and pitching:

    Amir Yazdani, Britta Cabanos, David Underhill, Donn Dimond, Gabe Sutherland, George Nelson, Jake Kurmaoto, Lade Lamina, Michael Sheridan, Mikey Tremblay, Navgeet King Zed, Pallavi Pande, Robin Jones, Sonali Sampat, Tanith Yates, Travis Cannon, and Yoanne Clovis

    Interested in volunteering or mentoring a TYE team to compete amongst their peers? Please fill-out this brief form and our program manager will get in-touch with you. Click here

  • Summer 2026 info to come. To learn more about the TYE Summer Camp, click here.

  • Since 2021, the Jack O’Hollaren family partnered with TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) in offering the Jack O’Hollaren Young Entrepreneur Award. Read more...

  • Click here to see our 2024-2025 TYE Student Co-Director team.

  • A Big Thank You to Our TYE Donors

    We are deeply grateful to the generous individuals who make the TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) program possible. Your support helps us empower the next generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers.

    2024 TYE Donors: Brentley Bullock, Donn Dimond, Nitin Rai, Uygar Avci, Lori Ann Bendnarz, Gonchen Cheng, Lisa Daly, Scott Diaz, Elizabeth Hetrick, Patricia Inglis, Karen Inglis, Kimberly Inglis, Joan Inglis, Sandra Inglis, Robin Jones, Denise Landry, Colleen Love, Theresa O'Hollaren, Sean O'Hollaren, Kyle O'Hollaren, Ryan O'Hollaren, Anika Rai, Ravi Sahita, Ketan Sampat, and Elizabeth Warren.

    Want to support future young entrepreneurs?
    Click here to donate to TYE

WINNERS OF TYE'S STATE COMPETITION 2025

TYE Global COMPETITION 2025: Team Hive

represents oregon in d.c.                          

We are proud to share the incredible journey of Team Hive from Lincoln High School, who represented Oregon at the 17th annual TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Global Competition, held on June 19–20, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

What started as a classroom project to address chronic tinnitus grew into an innovative product concept: a smart white noise device that activates only when needed, delivering soothing soundscapes to provide relief and improve the quality of life for those affected by tinnitus.

Team Hive’s path to Globals was anything but typical. After initially placing just outside the qualifying teams at the Oregon State Competition, they earned a surprise invitation to compete when other teams stepped back. With only one week to prepare, they came together, refined their pitch, and ultimately took first place at State.

Over the summer, the team worked closely with dedicated mentors to improve their pitch and business model, culminating in their presentation at Globals. Although they did not place at the international level, the experience was transformative—building confidence, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to bring an idea to life.

“TYE taught me the importance of prototyping, customer validation and failure in entrepreneurship. I believe the mentorship that TYE provides represents an incredible learning opportunity and set of connections for students.”
— Jonathan Wilkinson, Team Hive

“Competing at TYE Globals was a challenging and rewarding experience… I really enjoyed the opportunity to build out our financial models, refine our projections, and deepen my financial acumen.”
— Akim Arkhangelski, Team Hive

Congratulations once again to Team Hive for their creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their journey is a powerful reminder of the transformational impact of the TYE program.

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2024-2025 TYE PRogram finalists

  • Biodegradable phone case embedded with live seeds

  • Resource hub for neurodivergent individuals

  • Temperature-controlled cooling water bottle

  • Connecting extra food from restaurants with people who need it

  • Sustainable, handmade toys made from unused clothing

  • Innovative & sustainable hospital gown

  • Automated sound therapy for treating tinnitus

  • Cash-less platform for trading apparel and goods

  • Sustainable, art-inspired trash cans

  • Educational board game focused on marine life

2023-2024 TYE PRogram finalists

  • Blind Corner Camera used while driving.

  • Drive Lock is an anti-theft device for cars and trucks that places car owners and security at the forefront. The small device is plugged directly into the vehicle’s fuse box and acts as an intermediary between the battery and the engine, effectively preventing electricity from reaching the engine.

  • A platform for teens to find jobs, internships, and volunteering opportunities.

  • A neck brace for athletes to prevent injuries.

  • Potigami is a company focused on the creation of sustainable plant pots made with 100% recycled newspaper. These pots are not only biodegradable (made for planting directly into the ground) but customizable, as they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and naturally-dyed colors to match every customer’s needs.

  • A solar Paneled Computer Charging Case.

  • Quick Access is the ultimate "Classpass" of digital subscription services. Offering users bite-sized on demand access to subscriptions services like Netflix and CrunchBase at a fraction of a cost that a long term plan would offer.

  • An app where people can buy and sell cars.

  • Safi is an app that detects harmful chemicals in your personal care products and provides clean alternatives.

  • Ankle supporting socks for sports.

TYE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Join the TYE Program and immerse yourself in the world of entrepreneurship.

Complete all sessions to develop essential skills and earn a coveted summer internship with some of Oregon’s most dynamic startups.

This is your chance to learn from industry leaders and bring your ideas to life. Discover more about the program and take the first step toward your future success.

  • Transform your ideas into reality with hands-on rapid prototyping! Collaborate with your team to create working models of your inventions. Experience the thrill of seeing your concepts come alive while gaining valuable skills in a fun and engaging environment.

  • Collaborate with a team of 2-4 members to design groundbreaking technology solutions. Work on real-world, market-ready tech ideas and prepare to compete on a state and potentially global platform.

  • Master the essentials of creating a business model by aligning customer segments with value propositions.

    Gain hands-on experience in developing cost and revenue models, planning go-to-market strategies, and understanding market sizing through customer validation.

  • This is an opportunity to gain personalized guidance from experienced mentors and serial entrepreneurs. Network with global entrepreneurs and investors through TiE’s online directory.

    Get your team and/or business idea featured in a blog on the TiE Oregon e-newsletter and on social media.

    Enjoy discounted attendance at TiE events and the chance to join elite programs like TiECon Silicon Valley and the TiE University Global Pitch Competition.

  • Take the stage and pitch your ideas to win! Compete against fellow innovators, present your business model to expert judges, and get insightful feedback.

    This exciting challenge helps you refine your pitch skills and stand out in the entrepreneurial world.

Our instructors

OUR SPONSORS

  • Hamed Mirzaei logo

    Hamed Mirzaei Foundation

    The Hamed Mirzaei Foundation promotes the public understanding of science and appreciation for the art of science. The foundation launched in July 2014 with the support of a number of enthusiastic professionals eager to offer their expertise in promotion of community education. Read more…

  • THE LEMELSON FOUNDATION

    THE LEMELSON FOUNDATION

    The Lemelson Foundation believes impact inventors will solve our biggest challenges and improve lives in communities in the U.S. and around the world. Read more..

  • PEOPLES FOUNDATION FOR BETTER OREGON

    PEOPLES FOUNDATION FOR BETTER OREGON

    Working together with the community and key partners, PFFBO is creating opportunities for underprivileged people ascend towards their education success and economic security. Read more…

  • PGE Foundation

    PGE Foundation

    The PGE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric. Founded in 1997, the foundation was created through an endowment with the purpose of improving the quality of life for all Oregonians. Read more…

And a special thanks to our Charter Members!

Testimonials

  • "TYE helped me realize how achievable my goals can be while still in high school"

    - Lio A.

  • "TYE is a great opportunity to put your ideas into action."

    - Akhil K.

  • "I took the TYE program in 2022 when I was a freshman. I now have two businesses, a nail business and a crochet business."

    - Brenda H.

  • "I'm proud to say that I can use customer validation and feedback to improve upon a product."

    - Srishti B.

  • "My favorite part of the program was trying to come up with new ideas after our previous ones failed."

    - Anika J.

  • "TYE is immensely helpful! It equips high schoolers with practical business experience and other useful skills for future success!"

    - Liu W.

— TYE helped me realize how achievable my goals can be while still in high school. — 

—Lio A., TYE Alum