LHS Student Selected as Regional Finalist in the 2026 STARTedUP Challenge

Mateo Rico will compete for a shot at $25,000.

Mateo Rico. Photo provided.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - The STARTedUP Foundation has announce the regional finalist teams advancing in the 2026 STARTedUP Challenge, Indiana’s premier high school pitch competition.

Now in its 9th year (formerly known as Innovate WithIN), the challenge brings together Indiana's brightest young innovators and challenges them to develop real ventures, pitch to judges, and compete for life-changing opportunities. 

This year, contestants will compete for a $25,000 grand prize. 

Lawrenceburg High School student Mateo Rico is among this year's finalists. His venture, Your Magic, will go up against nine other finalists. Your Magic offers custom Magic shows for all ages and events. This same venture took third place in the annual D.I.C.E. Challenge in 2025. 

The Southeast Indiana (Region 6) Competition will be held on April 21 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Maker13. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit Meet the High School Founders Representing Southeast Indiana in the 2026 STARTedUP Challenge — STARTedUP Foundation

 

More from Local News

Events

Houchin Secures Committee Approval for Over $5 Million in Infrastructure Projects Across IN-09

The projects must pass the full House and Senate and be signed into law to be finalized.

Indiana State Police Investigating Paramotor Crash Near West Harrison

Incident occurred at the Tri-State Soccer Complex along State Street.

Batesville Captures Third Straight EIAC Championship

The conference meet was held at Rising Star.

Mason Parris to Compete at Final X

The event marks a major step in Parris' pursuit of a spot on the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team.

Milan Defeats Knightstown for Regional Championship

Next up is the two-round semi-state.

On Air

Chelsie playing
Fox News - Fox News National Newscast

Randy Travis 1982 7:59
Jason Aldean Tattoos On This Town 7:56
Dierks Bentley Sideways 7:53
Scotty McCreery Five More Minutes 7:45