Conrad Challenge

The Conrad Challenge is an international innovation and entrepreneurship competition for students ages 13–18. Students work in teams of 2–5 to develop an innovative solution to a real-world problem while progressing through the entrepreneurial process: forming a team, brainstorming and selecting an idea, developing a Lean Canvas, building the innovation, creating a business plan, preparing presentation materials and delivering a final pitch. The Challenge combines entrepreneurship, innovation, STEM, business development and social impact and is open to teams from anywhere in the world. Each team must have an adult coach who is at least 18 years old.

Solve a real-world problem. Develop an original innovation. Teamwork in teams of 2–5. Entrepreneurial thinking. Lean Canvas and business-model development. Product design and innovation. Business-plan development. Pitching and presentation skills. Expert feedback. International competition. Networking. Opportunity to reach the Innovation Summit. Opportunity to become a Pete Conrad Scholar. Scholarships, entrepreneurial support and other awards for finalists/winners.

Participants must be 13–18 years old. Teams must consist of 2–5 students. Each team needs an adult coach aged 18+. Students may form teams with classmates, siblings or students from other schools. Open to international participants. The idea must be original and developed by the team. Every team member should contribute to the overall idea. Teams must register and complete the required submission stages. Previous entrepreneurship experience is not required. An existing business is not required. A separate motivation essay is not a standard core requirement. Recommendation letters are not a standard core requirement. There is no standard admissions interview; judging focuses on the submitted innovation and pitch. Students must create the submitted materials themselves; coaches may advise but cannot write submissions for students.