For individuals in the United Kingdom, click here to visit the applicable Terms and Conditions and Contest Rules for your region.
For individuals in Canada, In addition to the Terms and Conditions stated below, click here to visit the applicable Contest Rules for your addition.
For individuals in Malaysia, click here to visit the Terms and Conditions in Bahasa Melayu.
Last updated: August 15th, 2025
CONTENTS
2. Fees, Payments, and Refund Policy
3. Additional and Third-Party Terms of Use
5. Disclaimers of Warranty, Limitation of Liability
These Terms and Conditions (the “Terms”) govern the usage of the Expop platform (the “Platform”) and The Start Up Challenge by Expop (“Challenge”) created by Ascendance US Inc., a Delaware corporation, doing business as Expop (“Expop”). The Platform is a digital subscription service designed to provide students with a centralized space to access educational content, attend live workshops, complete challenge activities, track their progress, and more (the “Services”). The Challenge is a global entrepreneurial education program and competition designed for high school students between the ages of 13 and 18 to participate in on an individual basis (the “Participants”). As enumerated further below, at the end of the six months, top-ranking students are awarded prizes based on points accumulated throughout the Challenge, quality of written submissions, and participation.
By registering with the Platform, utilizing the Services and/or participating in the Challenge, you (and your parent or legal guardian or legal representative if you are under the age of 18) agree to be bound by the following Terms INCLUDING THE BINDING ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER DETAILED BELOW. These Terms govern your use and access to the Platform and all our Services as well as your participation in the Challenge. If you do not agree to any parts of the Terms, please do not use our Services, access the Platform, or participate in the Challenge. Expop reserves the right to change these Terms at any time and at our sole discretion. All users will be notified of any material changes via email. If you do not agree with any changes to the Terms, you can opt-out by emailing us at admin@expop.io within 30 days of the effective date of the updated Terms, in which case your registration will be cancelled, and you will not be able to use the Platform, Services and/or participate in any ongoing or future Challenges. If you do not opt-out during the said 30 days, your continued use of the Platform, its Services and/or participation in the Challenge constitute acceptance of any new or modified Terms. So please check back here from time to time and ensure that you check your email regularly.
Please note that the Platform, Services, and Challenge are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Expop makes no guarantee that the information provided is up to date, accurate, or complete, and you should not rely on it for any decision or to take any action. Some Services are works in progress, and we reserve the right to change or even eliminate them at our sole discretion, with no notice.
Eligibility
Age Requirement: By accepting these Terms, you certify that you are 18 years of age or older. If you are under the age of 18 but at least 13 years of age, you may use this Platform, Services, or participate in the Challenge only under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to be bound by this Terms. Individuals under the age of 13 may not use the Platform, Content, (as defined in Section 4 below), Services or take part in any Challenge under any circumstances. If you are a parent or legal guardian or legal representative agreeing to these Terms for the benefit of a child between the ages of 13 and 18, be advised that you are fully responsible for their use of the Platform, Content, or Services, or participation in the Challenge, including the legal liability that they may incur.
Minors: Participants under 18 years of age or the age of majority in their respective jurisdiction must have a parent or legal guardian or legal representative’s consent to register and participate. By allowing a minor to participate, the parent/legal guardian/legal representative is agreeing to these Terms on the minor’s behalf. Expop reserves the right to request written consent from the parent/legal guardian/legal representative for any Participant under 1
years of age or the age of majority in such Participant’s jurisdiction.International Participants: The Challenge is open to eligible Participants worldwide. Participants will not be eligible to participate where the Challenge or associated prizes violate applicable laws and regulations. Prizes involving travel will only cover travel within the contiguous United States. If you reside outside the continental U.S. and win a travel-related prize, Expop will cover airfare or transportation only from a contiguous U.S. domestic airport or location; you are responsible for all travel to and from the U.S., including obtaining any necessary visas or travel documents. Expop will not assist with visa applications or international travel arrangements, and failure to obtain necessary documents or permissions may result in forfeiture of the travel prize. No alternative prize or compensation will be provided for such forfeiture.
Ineligibility: Participants over the age of 18 and/or actively enrolled full time in a junior college, college, or university in pursuit of undergraduate or graduate degrees are not eligible to compete. Expop staff, judges, and any individuals involved in organizing the Challenge are not eligible to compete. The Challenge is void where prohibited by law. Each Participant is responsible for ensuring that their participation does not violate any applicable laws or school/employer policies. Expop may disqualify any Participant at its sole discretion who does not meet the eligibility requirements or who has provided false information.
Registration: Registration must be completed to utilize the Platform, Services and participate in the Challenge. Registration with the Platform constitutes acceptance of these Terms. The subscription fee must be paid by credit or debit card at the time of registration individually. Registration is open from July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 or until 1,000 Participants are registered, whichever comes first.
Super Early Bird subscription fee is USD $59 for a six-month subscription, and $4.92/month for an annual subscription. Super Early Bird registration dates are from July 1, 2025 to July 31, 2025.
Early Bird subscription fee is usd $69 for a six-month subscription, and $6.58/month for an annual subscription. Early Bird registration dates are from August 1, 2025 to August 31, 2025.
Regular subscription fee is $79 for a six-month subscription, and $8.25/month for an annual subscription. Regular registration dates are from September 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025.
Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are non-refundable. By paying the registration fee and submitting your registration form, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the Terms and the no refund policy therein.
Parental Responsibility: For Participants under 18, the parent/legal guardian/legal representative must review these Terms and ensure the Participant’s compliance. By permitting a minor to participate, the parent/legal guardian/legal representative acknowledges that they have read and accepted these Terms and understands the minor’s activities in the Challenge. Parents/legal guardians/legal representatives may be required to sign additional consent or liability waiver forms as a condition of the minor’s participation, in compliance with applicable laws.
Fees, Payments, and Refund Policy
Utilization of the Platform, Services, and participation in the Challenge requires a subscription upon registration. You will need to provide us with your name, age, email address, billing address, and credit/debit card information. You agree to pay the applicable subscription fee as set forth on this website. Sales and applicable taxes may be charged in addition to the subscription fee. In the event that any information you provide is inaccurate or not up to date, Expop reserves the right to cancel your subscription at our sole discretion.
We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue the supply of a Service and/or participation in the Challenge to any user at any time at our sole discretion.
Unless stated otherwise, subscription to the Platform and any Service and participation in the Challenge is for online and/or electronic access only.
Authorization: You may be permitted to place an order to use the Platform, our Services or participate in the Challenge of Expop. By submitting any order, you represent and warrant that you have the legal right to use any method of payment utilized in connection with that order. All Orders are subject to acceptance by Expop in its sole discretion. You further agree to automatic recurring billing. This means Expop (or its payment processor) will charge the payment method you provided at regular intervals (monthly, annually, or as otherwise disclosed) without further authorization from you at the end of your subscription term, until you cancel. The renewal period will be the same as the initial subscription period unless otherwise stated. You will be charged on the schedule disclosed at the time of purchase. If any subscription fee goes unpaid (e.g., due to an expired card or insufficient funds), Expop may suspend or terminate your access to the paid services, but you will still be responsible for any amounts due. You agree to provide updated payment information promptly if there are changes.
No Refunds Policy: All fees paid to Expop are non-refundable. This applies to one-time payments, subscription fees, installment plans, and any other charges. No refunds or credits will be issued for any reason, including but not limited to partial use of services, early cancellation, failure to participate, or dissatisfaction. For example, if you sign up for a multi-month program or subscription and then decide to stop participating after one month, you will not receive a refund for the remaining unused time. Similarly, if you accidentally select the wrong package or fail to utilize the resources, you are not entitled to a refund. We may consider exceptions in extenuating circumstances (such as a documented medical emergency) on a case-by-case basis at our sole discretion, but we are not obligated to provide any refunds.
Cancellation of Subscription: You may cancel a recurring subscription at any time by following the instructions in your account settings or by contacting customer support. Cancellation will stop future billing but does not entitle you to any refund of past charges. When you cancel, your subscription benefits will continue until the end of the current paid term (since it is pre-paid), and then will not be renewed. We do not provide pro-rated refunds for the remainder of a billing period if you cancel before the period ends.
Promotional Trials: If we offer a free trial or introductory promotional period for a subscription, you must cancel before the trial period ends to avoid being charged. If you do not cancel, we will begin billing your provided payment method at the regular price when the trial ends. You are responsible for keeping track of the trial’s expiration; we will endeavor to send reminders, but are not liable if a reminder is not received.
Fee Changes: Expop reserves the right to change the prices of any paid services or subscriptions. However, no price change will affect you until your next renewal or purchase. We will notify subscribers in advance (for example, by email) if a subscription price increases. If you do not agree to a fee change, you must cancel before the new rate takes effect. Continuing to use the service after the price change constitutes consent to the new price.
Termination for Violation: If you are removed or disqualified from the Challenge or related programs due to a violation of these Terms or other policies (e.g., Code of Conduct), you will not be entitled to any refund of fees. As an example, if you are on a monthly payment plan for a Challenge bootcamp and are expelled for misconduct in month 2, you remain responsible for the full program fee and will not receive a refund for any portion.
Additional and Third-Party Terms of Use
The Platform, Services, and Challenge may involve the use of various third-party platforms and services to facilitate activities. For example, conferencing tools (like Zoom), online document collaboration (like Google Docs or Sheets), video streaming (e.g., YouTube for livestreaming events or hosting videos), communication channels (such as Slack or Discord), and others. It’s important for Participants (and parents/legal guardians/legal representatives) to understand that these third-party services have their own terms and privacy policies, and your use of those services is subject to their rules as well as to Expop’s Terms. If you do not wish to be bound by these third-party terms, or any Terms contained herein, please do not use our Platform or Services or participate in any Challenge. Key points regarding third-party services:
Acceptance of Third-Party Terms: To participate in the Challenge, you may be required to use certain third-party applications or websites. You agree to accept and comply with the terms of service, privacy policies and user guidelines, and any other applicable rules or policies, of any third-party platform used during the Challenge. For example, if we conduct a webinar via Zoom, you must abide by Zoom’s terms; if we use a YouTube unlisted video for content, YouTube’s terms apply, etc. If you are not already familiar with those terms, please review them (with a parent/legal guardian/legal representative if applicable) before use. Expop is not responsible for any third-party terms violations you commit, and your Expop participation may be ended if you violate a third-party platform’s rules during Challenge activities. Some third-party services might require you to have an account (for instance, a Google account for Google Docs, or a Zoom account for certain features). Where possible, we will enable participation without requiring you to create new accounts (e.g., providing links that allow joining as a guest). However, if account creation is necessary, Participants under 18 years of age or the age of majority in your jurisdiction should do so with the oversight of a parent, legal guardian, or legal representative, and use accurate age information to ensure compliance (many services also restrict under-13 users). If you are under 18, do not create accounts on platforms that prohibit minors without supervision; a parent or legal guardian or legal representative may need to create or supervise the account as required by that platform’s rules.
Participants (and their parents/legal guardians/legal representatives) agree that Expop shall not be liable for any issues arising from the use of third-party platforms, including but not limited to: account suspensions or bans by those platforms, data breaches or leaks on those platforms, accessibility or accommodation failures on those platforms, or content on those platforms that Participants may find objectionable (though we strive to use reputable services). You use these external services at your own risk, and any problems must be resolved with the third-party provider directly.
Intellectual Property
All Content provided by Expop through the Platform, Services, or Challenge is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws and applicable law on intellectual property and is the property of Expop and/or providers of the content under license. “Content” is defined as any information, data, mode of expression, or other materials and services found on the Platform, Services, and Challenge. This includes video modules, articles, webinars, chats, software, writings, graphics, and any and all other features. These Terms permit you to use the Platform, Services, and participate in the Challenge for your personal, non-commercial use only. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, or illicitly transmit any of the materials on our Platform, Services, or Challenge. Failure to abide by these Terms and applicable law on intellectual property in your jurisdiction can result in your disqualification from the Challenge and termination of your account at Expop’s sole discretion and may be grounds for legal action by Expop.
Disclaimers of Warranty, Limitation of Liability
No Warranty: Please note that the Platform, Services, and Challenge are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Expop makes no guarantee that the information provided is up to date, accurate, or complete, and you should not rely on it for any decision or to take any action. Some Services are works in progress, and we reserve the right to change or even eliminate them at our sole discretion, with no notice.
ADDITIONALLY, WHILE WE ENDEAVOR TO ENSURE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT, WE DO NOT CONTROL OR DIRECT WHAT USERS (PARTICIPANTS, MENTORS, ETC.) DO OR SAY, AND THEREFORE WE DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACTIONS, CONTENT, OR COMMENTS OF ANY PARTICIPANT OR THIRD-PARTY ON THE PLATFORM, SERVICES, OR CHALLENGE (WHETHER ONLINE OR OFFLINE). FOR INSTANCE, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL BEHAVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CODE OF CONDUCT AT ALL TIMES, THOUGH WE WILL TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION WHEN WE BECOME AWARE OF VIOLATIONS. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES, SO SOME OF THE ABOVE EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU, BUT THEY WILL APPLY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, Expop, including our officers, directors, employees, contractors, volunteers, affiliates, investors and agents (collectively “Expop Associates”) shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages arising out of or in connection with the use of the Platform, Services, or participation in the Challenge or these Terms. This includes, without limitation, damages for loss of profits, loss of data, business interruption, or other intangible losses (even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages). Expop’s and Expop Associates’ total cumulative liability for any and all claims arising from or related to the Challenge shall not exceed the greater of one hundred U.S. dollars (USD $100) or the total amount of fees you paid to Expop in the 12 months prior to the incident giving rise to liability. This limitation applies to all causes of action, whether based on contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability, warranty, or any other legal theory.
Release: You are aware and understand that the activities related to the Platform, Services, and the Challenge may be inherently dangerous and may expose you to a variety of foreseen and unforeseen hazards and risks. You acknowledge that you are voluntarily using the Platform, Services and participating in the Challenge and have considered those risks. You hereby fully and forever release and discharge Expop, including our from, and expressly waive, any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which may arise from your use of the Platform, Services, and participation in the Challenge. You agree not to make or bring any such claim or demand against Expop and Expop Associates, and fully and forever release and discharge Expop and Expop Associates from liability under such claims or demands. You understand that this release discharges Expop and Expop Associates from any liability or claim that you may have against Expop and Expop Associates with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, property damage, or property loss that may result from your use of the Platform, Services, or participation in the Challenge, whether caused by the negligence of Expop, Expop Associates or otherwise.
Indemnification: By agreeing to these Terms, you hereby agree to indemnity Expop and/or Expop Associates from any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, fees, expenses and costs (including attorneys’ fees, court costs, damage awards, and settlement amounts) that result from any claim or allegation against Expop arising in any manner from: (a) Your participating in Expop; (b) Personal information, content, or data that you provide in connection with your use of the Platform, Services, and participation in the Challenge; and (c) Your breach of any representation, warranty, or other provision of these Terms. Expop will provide you with notice of any such claim or allegation, and Expop will have the right to participate in the defense of any such claim at your expense.
Entrepreneurship Challenge Rules
The Start-Up Challenge by Expop is a program designed for high school students to participate in on an individual basis. The Challenge is divided into six monthly modules that guide Participants through the key stages of building a startup: idea development, prototyping, branding, marketing, sales, pitching, and more.
Timeline:
Month 1: Idea Generation
Month 2: Prototyping
Month 3: Branding
Month 4: Go To Market Strategy
Month 5: Sales
Month 6: Pitching
Activities:
Live Webinars and Workshops: Participants will have an opportunity to view live webinars and workshops presented by Expop staff and guest speakers at least twice a month on a variety of topics relating to each module.
Engagement with Articles and Videos on the Platform: Educational articles and videos on a variety of topics relating to the monthly module, entrepreneurship, finance, investing and more will be available on the Platform.
Points: Participants will be able to earn points when attending live webinars and workshops, through engaging with content on the Platform, by submitting written materials assigned during the Challenge, and through other methods determined and made available at our sole discretion from time to time. These points are tracked on a leaderboard, and at the end of the six months, top-ranking students are awarded prizes based on their scores.
Submissions: Periodically throughout the Challenge, Participants will be asked to submit write-ups, quests, quizzes or other written materials on a variety of topics to be reviewed and assessed for quality and effort by Expop. For example, during Month 1, Participants may be asked to submit a written description of a product/service/business they are creating. In Month 4, Participants may be required to submit an outline for a business plan.
Judging Criteria and Judges: Participants’ performance and the quality of their submissions/assignments will be judged by Expop staff and, in some cases, guest speakers/experts, in accordance with tailored rubrics for each module and aspect of the Challenge that will be provided to Participants during the Challenge.
Tie Breaking: In the event of a tie between Participants, the tie will be broken through a re-review of the tying Participants’ performance, engagement, and submissions throughout the module. In a scenario where additional points cannot be awarded, additional submissions may be requested of the tying Participants to be judged for tie breaking purposes. Tie breaking decisions are at Expop’s sole discretion, are final, and cannot be appealed.
Prizes: The prizes enumerated below will be awarded to eligible Participants based on their performance and point accumulation over the course of the Challenge. Eligibility, as defined in these Terms, includes the submission of a signed copy of these Terms by the winning Participants’ parents or guardians or legal representatives if such Participants are below the age of 18 or the age of majority in their jurisdiction. Participants who have not submitted parent or legal guardian or legal representative signed copies of these Terms will be ineligible for prizes.
Top 5: The top 5 Participants will be awarded a cash prize as follows:
1st place: $2,500
2nd Place: $2,000
3rd Place: $1,500
4th Place: $1,000
5th Place: $500
Top 10: The top 10 Participants will have access to exclusive summer internship opportunities led by Ivy League students. These internships will be conducted fully online.
Top 25: the top 25 Participants have access to 3 months of access to startup accelerator virtual expert office hours consisting of 1-on-1 office hour slots with entrepreneurial experts to help incubate business ideas.
Top 50: The top 50 Participants will be given access to a virtual funder’s session to connect with investors and venture capital firms. Unlike office hours, this format offers a more organised opportunity to engage with funders, explore investment perspectives, and build meaningful relationships.
Top 100: The top 100 Participants will win exclusive Expop merch, swag, and materials delivered to their doors.
Acceptance of a prize may require the winner (and a parent/legal guardian/legal representative for minors) to sign an affidavit of eligibility, liability release, and/or publicity release, as well as any other documents reasonably required by Expop. If these are not signed and returned by the deadline provided, the winner may be disqualified and the prize forfeited.
Travel prizes: Winners of travel prizes must have all necessary travel credentials (valid government-issued ID, passport, visas) and may be required to travel on specific dates. Minor winners must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or legal representative on any travel (unless otherwise agreed in writing by Expop), and the parent/legal guardian/legal representative may be required to pay for their own travel unless the prize explicitly covers a parent/legal guardian/legal representative.
Expop reserves the right to modify, substitute, or cancel prizes at its sole discretion. Please be advised that prizes involving the participation or partnership with third parties (including colleges, universities, student clubs and organizations, venture capital firms, start-ups, and non-profits) are subject to, and contingent upon, the terms and policies of those third parties. Expop makes no guarantee, warranty, or representation as to the availability, viability, or provision of such prizes. If the availability or provision of prizes is complicated or jeopardized by the terms and policies of these third parties, Expop will make reasonable efforts to substitute prizes, but reserves the right to cancel or terminate the awarding of prizes as its sole discretion.
Media Release:
By participating in the Challenge, you (and your parent/legal guardian/legal representative if you are a minor) give permission to Expop to capture and use your name, likeness, image, voice, biographical information (such as school and city), and any statements or testimonials you give, in any media, worldwide and in perpetuity, without further notice or compensation. This means Expop may take photographs or videos of Participants during Challenge activities or events and use them in promotional materials, press releases, websites, social media, highlight reels, and other marketing or informational content. For example, we might post a photo of the winning team holding their award, or include a clip of your presentation in a promotional video for future challenges, or quote something inspirational you said about your experience. You agree that Expop may edit, crop, or modify such media at its discretion, provided such edits do not misrepresent you. This release is binding on Participants and their heirs, and you waive any rights of publicity or privacy claim arising from Expop’s lawful use of your name or likeness as described.
If you have a compelling reason to limit this (for instance, a safety concern about being identified publicly), please contact us in advance and we will attempt to accommodate reasonable requests, but we cannot guarantee complete anonymity given the public nature of events and results.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is defined as copying or using in substantially the same form materials prepared by others without acknowledging the source of the material or identifying the author and publisher of such material. Participants can read existing research as part of the Challenge, but all analysis and work product must be their own; they may not copy analysis (i.e., plagiarize) from another source without proper citation. Allegations of plagiarism will be investigated by Expop. Participants found to have plagiarized will be disqualified and expelled from the Challenge. The decision of Expop regarding plagiarism is final and binding.
AI Ethics: Participants may use generative AI programs (e.g., tools like ChatGPT) to help generate ideas and to brainstorm. However, Participants should be mindful of the fact that the material generated by these programs may be inaccurate, incomplete, or otherwise problematic. Beware that use may also stifle Participants’ own independent thinking and creativity. Participants may not submit any work generated by an AI program as their own. If Participants include material generated by an AI program, it should be cited like any other reference material (with due consideration for the quality of the reference, which may be poor). Any plagiarism or other form of cheating will be dealt with severely under relevant Challenge Rules policies.
Code of Conduct: All Participants are expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity and behavior throughout the Challenge, both online and during any in-person events. By joining the Challenge, you agree to conduct yourself in a manner that is respectful, lawful, and in keeping with the spirit of learning and entrepreneurship. This Code of Conduct applies to all Challenge-related interactions, including virtual meetings, workshops, webinars, forums, and any in-person finals or events. Expop reserves the right to expel Participants determined, at Expop’s sole discretion, to have violated or deviated from this Code of Conduct:
Online Conduct: When participating in Expop’s online platforms or virtual sessions, you agree to the following rules of conduct.
Respect and Courtesy: Treat all fellow Participants, mentors, judges, and staff with courtesy and respect. Refrain from using inappropriate or profane language and avoid any behavior or language that might bring discredit upon yourself, other Participants, or the Challenge. Harassment, bullying, hate speech, abusive or derogatory remarks, and personal attacks are strictly prohibited. This includes verbal, written, electronic communications.
, and other forms of expression.Academic and Competition Integrity: Compete honestly and fairly. Do not engage in cheating, plagiarism, or any form of misrepresentation of your work. All submissions must be your team’s original work (except where the use of third-party materials is expressly allowed with proper attribution). No sabotage or interference with other teams’ projects is allowed. You must abide by any honor code or guidelines provided for the competition (e.g., rules on research, collaboration, etc.). Participants must ensure their work is original and does not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights.
Legal and Policy Compliance: Follow all applicable laws and regulations during your participation. Do not upload or share anything illegal, fraudulent, threatening, or discriminatory, or anything that violates these Terms or any other policies applicable to the Challenge or any applicable regulations of your jurisdiction. This includes avoiding the sharing of pirated software, malware, or any content that you do not have the right to use. You also agree not to attempt to disrupt or hack the Platform, introduce viruses or malicious code, or do anything that undermines the security or proper functioning of expop.io services.
Responsible Online Behavior: Do not spam, phish, or engage in any unwanted solicitation or advertising to other Participants. Maintain a professional and educational environment – conduct not conducive to a constructive learning atmosphere (such as persistent disruptions, off-topic ranting, or associating Challenge activities with unrelated individuals/groups) is not allowed. If you participate in any Expop online forums or social media groups, adhere to the posted rules of those communities as well.
Safety and Privacy: Do not share personal information of others without consent. Do not record or take screenshots of online sessions or communications without permission. If the Challenge provides a collaborative online space, use it only for Challenge-related purposes. Report any behavior that violates this Code of Conduct to Expop staff.
In-Person Conduct: If the Challenge involves any in-person events (such as a finals competition, workshops, or travel as a prize), the following rules apply at all venues (hotels, conference centers, etc.):
Adherence to Law and Rules: Obey all local, state, and federal laws during travel and attendance. Follow all rules provided by Expop and any instructions from chaperones or event staff. Do not engage in any conduct that endangers yourself or others. Activities like running in event spaces, climbing on furniture, or any risky behavior are prohibited as they can cause accidents.
No Alcohol, Drugs, or Prohibited Items: The use, possession, or distribution of alcohol (for minors or on event premises), tobacco, vaping devices, cannabis and cannabis derivatives, illegal drugs, or any controlled substances is strictly forbidden during any Challenge activity or event. Likewise, no weapons or dangerous items of any kind are allowed. Violations will result in immediate removal from the event and potential disqualification.
Curfew and Supervision: If a curfew or specific lights-out time is announced (for overnight events), Participants must observe it and remain in their assigned accommodations during curfew hours. Participants are expected to inform and, if required, stay in communication with their advisor, chaperone, or parent/legal guardian/legal representative about their whereabouts at all times during the event. Wandering off from official activities without permission is not allowed.
Property and Venue Respect: Treat all venues, hotels, and other facilities with respect. Do not deface or damage property. You will be financially responsible for any damage you cause to property or facilities. Keep noise to reasonable levels, especially during nighttime hours, and respect other guests and teams. All trash must be disposed of properly; maintain the cleanliness of event spaces.
Dress Code and Decorum: Follow any dress code provided for the event (e.g., business casual for presentations, specific attire for ceremonies). Do not wear attire that is overly revealing or contains offensive language or symbols. Behavior should be professional; refrain from public displays of aggression or inappropriate intimacy. Remember you are representing yourself, your school, and Expop – professional conduct is expected at all times.
No Harassment or Hazing: As with online conduct, any form of harassment, hazing, bullying or unwanted physical contact is strictly prohibited in person. Show respect to all attendees, including competitors from other teams, judges, mentors, and event staff. Any incidents of harassment or rule violations should be reported to Challenge staff immediately so appropriate action can be taken.
Disclaimer of Outcomes: Expop provides the Challenge and its educational content to help students learn about entrepreneurship, innovation, and business skills. However, we make absolutely no guarantee or promise that participating in or completing the Challenge will lead to any particular outcome or success in any area of your life. By participating, you acknowledge and agree to the following disclaimers:
No Guaranteed Learning or Skill Improvement: While we believe the Challenge offers valuable learning opportunities, Expop does not warrant and/or guarantee that you will learn any specific skill, achieve any particular level of competence, or improve academically or otherwise by virtue of your participation. The program is provided on an “as is” basis without any warranties of quality or effectiveness, and individual results will vary. Your success in mastering concepts or skills depends on many factors outside our control (such as your own effort, prior knowledge, and aptitude).
No Admission or Academic Advantage: Participation in the Challenge does not guarantee admission to any college or university, nor does it confer any accredited educational credits. Expop is not affiliated with college admissions processes, and colleges will not treat participation as an endorsement or special qualification. Any suggestion that Challenge experience could aid in admissions is purely speculative and not promised by Expop.
No Business Success or Funding: The Challenge aims to inspire entrepreneurial thinking, but we do not promise that you will successfully start a business, secure funding, or earn profits as a result of this program. Any mentorship or advice provided during the Challenge is general in nature, for the purpose of reference only, and does not come with any guarantee of commercial success or viability of your ideas. Entrepreneurship involves significant risk and external factors; Expop, its speakers and its mentors are not responsible for the success or failure of any ventures you undertake.
No Guaranteed Prize or Ranking: Competing in the Challenge is no guarantee of winning a prize or placing at any level. All awards are limited and determined by a combination of factors including points accrued by users, Expop staff’s feedback, and judges’ evaluations. There is no entitlement to any prize; even strong effort may not result in recognition. Participants accept that outcome risk and understand that not everyone will win or advance. The experience and knowledge gained are the primary benefits, and these are intangible.
No Employment or Advancement: This Challenge is an extracurricular educational program, not employment. Participating does not create any employment, partnership, or agency relationship with Expop. We do not guarantee any internship, job offer, or further opportunity beyond the scope of the Challenge.
Program Modifications and Cancellations: Expop reserves the right to change, modify, or cancel any aspect of the Challenge at any time at its discretion. This includes (but is not limited to) changes to the schedule, curriculum, event lineup, speakers, venues, content of sessions, rules, prize structure, or even cancellation of the Challenge or any of its events. You (and your parent/legal guardian/legal representative, if applicable) acknowledge that all offerings, events, prizes, and schedules are subject to change or cancellation without notice, at our sole discretion.
General Disclaimer: The Challenge and all related Services are provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Expop disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. We do not warrant that the Challenge content will be error-free, that it will meet your expectations, or that any outcomes (academic, personal, or professional) will be achieved. We also do not warrant that the Challenge will be free from interruptions or that any defects will be corrected.
Your Responsibility: You understand that your success in any academic or entrepreneurial endeavor depends on many factors (such as your commitment, market conditions, etc.), and Expop offers no assurance of any particular result. In an educational context, “no guarantee of success is offered” – success depends on numerous factors beyond Expop’s control, including your own effort, background, and circumstances. Any testimonials or past success stories presented (if any) are not indicative of guaranteed outcomes.
By agreeing to these Terms, you explicitly acknowledge these disclaimers. You assume all responsibility for any decisions and outcomes arising from your participation. Expop, Expop Associates, its staff, and affiliates are not liable for how you use the knowledge gained or for any lack of success or specific results. All advice or information obtained through the Challenge is used at your own discretion and risk.
Intellectual Property, Participant Created Content (Your Submissions): As part of the Challenge, you and your team will be creating content – for example, business plan documents, pitch presentations, prototypes, videos, and other materials (collectively, “User Content”). You retain ownership of any intellectual property rights in the content that you create and submit; in other words, what belongs to you stays yours. Expop does not claim ownership of your team’s business ideas or creative works. Always make sure you have the necessary rights to any content you submit. Do not include third-party copyrighted or trademarked material in your submissions unless you have permission (for example, do not use popular music in your pitch video, or trademarked characters in your product design, unless it is within a permitted use). By submitting content, you represent and warrant that your work is original to you (or that you have obtained all necessary rights for any third-party elements) and that our use of your content as permitted will not infringe or violate the rights of any other person or entity. You agree to indemnify and hold Expop harmless from any claim that your content violated another’s rights.
However, by submitting any content as part of the Challenge, you grant Expop a broad license to use that content for Challenge-related purposes. Specifically, you grant Expop (and those acting on our behalf) a worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free, sub-licensable, non-exclusive license to use, host, store, reproduce, modify, distribute, publicly perform, and publicly display your submitted content (in whole or in part), and to create derivative works as needed for the purposes of operating, promoting, and documenting the Challenge and Expop’s educational programs. This license allows us, for example, to share your submission with judges, display portions of it during an awards ceremony or on our website, include it in marketing materials or reports about the program, and retain copies for our records or future training. The rights you grant to us are for the limited purpose of running and promoting the Challenge and similar initiatives, and improving our offerings. We will not sell your submission content to third parties or attempt to commercially exploit it outside the context of promoting our programs or educational missions. Importantly, this license continues even after the Challenge ends – for instance, if we have posted a video of your pitch, we may keep that video on our website or YouTube channel for posterity, and by these Terms you agree we have permission to do so.
Miscellaneous Provisions
Termination: Expop reserves the right to terminate, cancel, modify, or amend the Platform, Services, or Challenge at any time and for any reason. In such an instance, Expop will provide notice to Participants as required by applicable law. In addition, Expop may terminate your participation in Expop if you violate these Terms. Further, Expop reserves the right to void any rewards in the event of ineligible use of the Platform, Services, or participation in the Challenge, Participant misconduct, fraud, actual or alleged criminal activity, or any other activity we, in our sole discretion, reasonably believe violates the fairness and intentions of Expop.
Governing Law: These Terms and the Platform, Services, and Challenge shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, USA, and the applicable federal laws of the United States, without regard to conflict of law principles. While we welcome international Participants, by entering into this agreement, you acknowledge that the operations of the Challenge are primarily in the United States and agree to the applicability of the stated governing law.
Dispute Resolution and Forum: In the event of any dispute or claim arising out of or relating to the Platform, Services, Challenge or these Terms, the parties shall first attempt in good faith to resolve the issue informally. If that fails, and unless otherwise required by a mandatory law, you agree, except as detailed below, the dispute will be submitted to final and binding arbitration before a panel of three arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in a location convenient to you. Either party may commence the arbitration process by submitting a written demand for arbitration with the AAA and providing a copy to the other party. The arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the AAA’s Commercial Dispute Resolutions Procedures, Supplementary Procedures for Consumer Related Disputes, in effect at the time of submission of the demand for arbitration. Judgement of the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. You expressly agree to refrain from bringing or joining any claims in any representative or class-wide capacity, including but not limited to bringing or joining any claims in any class action or class-wide arbitration.
YOU UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE WAIVING YOUR RIGHT TO HAVE A JUDGE OR JURY DECIDE YOUR CASE AND TO BE A PARTY TO A CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO HAVE ANY CLAIMS DECIDED INDIVIDUALLY AND ONLY THROUGH ARBITRATION.
Exceptions: Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following will not be subject to arbitration and may be adjudicated only in the state and federal courts of Delaware: (i) any dispute, controversy, or claim related to or contesting the validity of our proprietary rights, including without limitation, trademarks, service marks, copyrights, patents, or trade secrets; or (ii) an action by a party for temporary, preliminary, or permanent injunctive relief, whether prohibitive or mandatory, or other provisional relief. You may also file an individual action in a small claims court in lieu of arbitration.
Opting Out: You will have thirty (30) days from the date you submit your personally identifiable information to opt out of this arbitration agreement. To opt out of arbitration, you must contact us at admin@expop.io. If more than thirty (30) days have passed from the submission date mentioned above, you are no longer eligible to opt out of arbitration.
No Waiver: If Expop does not enforce a provision of these Terms on any occasion, it does not mean we waive our right to enforce it in the future. Any waiver of rights by Expop must be in writing to be effective.
Severability: If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a competent legal authority, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible and the remaining provisions of these Terms will remain in full force and effect. The intent is that the Terms are valid and enforceable to the broadest extent allowed by law, and any invalid part can be removed without affecting the rest.
Entire Agreement: These Terms (along with the Privacy Policy and any additional rules or guidelines we provide for the Platform, Services, and Challenge) constitute the entire agreement between you and Expop regarding the Challenge, and supersede any prior or contemporaneous understandings or agreements (whether oral or written) relating to the Challenge. You should not rely on any representation that is not expressly stated in these Terms.
Assignment: You may not assign or transfer any rights or obligations under these Terms without Expop’s prior written consent. Expop may assign its rights and obligations to an affiliate or in the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
Relationship: Use of the Platform, Services, and participation in the Challenge does not make you an employee, agent, or partner of Expop, and you may not represent yourself as such. You are participating as a student/competitor, and any opportunities provided are educational in nature.
Headings and Interpretation: Section headings in these Terms are for convenience only and have no legal effect. In case of any ambiguity in interpretation, these Terms will not be construed against Expop simply by virtue of authorship.
Notices: Expop may provide notices or communications to Participants by email (to the address registered) or through postings on our website/participant portal. It is your responsibility to keep your contact information up to date and to check for communications. Official inquiries to expop.io regarding these Terms or the Platform, Services, and Challenge should be sent to the contact address provided on our website (or in the Challenge materials).
By checking the acceptance box during registration or using the Platform, Services, or by participating in the Challenge, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions in their entirety. Thank you for being a part of Expop’s Entrepreneurship Challenge, and for helping us maintain a fair, safe, and inspiring environment for all Participants. We wish you a rewarding and educational experience.