From a youth program for high schools to our award-winning TiE University program, TiE Tampa Bay is empowering tomorrow’s entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed.
University Program
We provide hands-on education, mentorship and networking that turn campus ideas into viable businesses. By connecting student-run startups to TiE members and ecosystem partners through hackathons, bootcamps and workshops, we help accelerate success from ideation to investment. Program alumni also gain auto-entry into TiE’s global internship pool.
Each year, idea stage and early state collegiate start-ups are invited to participate in our TiE University competition. Mentors and workshops prepare each team to pitch to a jury of investors and entrepreneurs, who select one team to represent Tampa Bay at the Global finals. This year’s event drew 1400+ teams from 6 countries, competing for equity-free cash prizes up to $50,000.
Youth Program
When we give young minds a long runway and safe space to take risks, we make our community and future stronger. TiE’s youth programs help foster innovation and invention at the middle and high school levels, exposing students to the rewards and challenges of entrepreneurship.
October to November, instructors lead students through creative business development workshops, using design thinking, rapid prototyping, lean canvas and more. January to March, participants work in teams to apply classroom skills to business ventures and compete in a local pitch competition. At the end of the program, the winning team moves on to a Global competition with direct mentorship and training from seasoned entrepreneurs.
Learn more about the TiE Young Entrepreneur Program here: https://tyeglobal.org/
TYE 2025 Tampa Finalist: SlipShield+
For 2024-2025, SlipShield+, a student-led startup from TiE Tampa Bay’s TYE (TiE Young Entrepreneurs) program, was honored with the Best Business Model award at the TYE Global Finals, hosted by TiE DC on June 19–20. The team—Krisha Chandran and Sonum Mittal—was mentored by Ramesh Saligamé and Suhas Apte, whose guidance helped shape their journey from initial concept to global stage. Competing against more than 1,000 student teams from across the world, SlipShield+ was selected as one of just 29 finalists to present at the global competition.
TYE 2025 Tampa Finalist: SlipShield+
“Presenting SlipShield+ at the TiE Global conference was an amazing experience. We learned so much from other teams, met inspiring mentors, and were proud to be recognized with the Best Business Model award.” — Krisha & Sonum.
The TYE Global program brings together high school entrepreneurs from TiE chapters worldwide to pitch real ventures, connect with mentors, and gain hands-on experience in innovation and leadership. SlipShield+’s recognition is a proud moment for TiE Tampa Bay and a celebration of the talent, creativity, and drive of the next generation of changemakers.
TYE 2024 Tampa Finalist: Aayu+
For 2023-2024, Aayu+, a pioneering health tech company dedicated to delivering cancer prevention resources directly to your doorstep, represented the Tampa Bay chapter at the TiE Young Entrepreneur (TYE) Global Pitch Competition in Silicon Valley in June 2024. Competing against over 1,000 high school teams worldwide, Aayu+ earned its place among the top 24 teams who advanced to the finals in San Jose, CA. The company was recognized for achieving the Best Customer Validation award.