Conrad Challenge
$100,000 Scholarship to Menlo College
4,000 participants
The Conrad Challenge empowers students aged 13-18 to create innovative solutions to global challenges through entrepreneurship, STEM skills, and mentorship, fostering the next generation of leaders.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
$499
Participation format
Team
Teams of 2 to 5
Duration
Year-long competition with multiple stages (typically August/September to April/May).
Eligibility
Open to students aged 13-18 (typically Grades 8-12) globally, including all Indian students. Participants must form teams of 2-5 students with an adult coach. Teams should be enrolled in an accredited school or educational organization. The competition is open to international participants, including those from India, with no residency or location requirements.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be enrolled in an accredited primary or secondary school, homeschool, or educational organization. This includes all recognized schools and educational boards in India (e.g., CBSE, ICSE, State Boards).
- Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of scientific principles and problem-solving.
- Strong interest in innovation, entrepreneurship, and global challenges.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$25,000 annual scholarship
Winning teams are eligible for significant scholarships to partner universities. For example, Menlo College offers scholarships of up to $25,000 per year, totaling $100,000 over four years. Other partners like Lewis & Clark College offer up to $22,000 annually, and Clarkson University offers scholarships valued at $60,000 over four years.
Prizes
Medals, Laptops & Innovation Support
Pete Conrad Scholars receive a distinctive medallion. Winners may also receive prizes such as Dell Latitude Laptops, a New Product Market Feasibility Study valued at $1,500, and exclusive connections to grant funding sources.
Certificate
Pete Conrad Scholar Certificate
Finalists who win their category are named Pete Conrad Scholars and receive a prestigious, globally recognized certificate from the Conrad Foundation and Space Center Houston.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Participation significantly strengthens college applications for STEM and business programs. Finalists and winners gain access to substantial scholarships from partner universities in the United States.
Career pathways
Winners receive pro-bono legal services, including patent support valued at up to $20,000, to help protect and commercialize their innovations. Participants also get access to mentorship and networking with global leaders and industry experts.
Recognition
Global Innovation Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 27 Aug 2026
- Registration closes
- 29 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 21 Apr 2027 to 24 Apr 2027
- Results
- 24 Apr 2027
Activation Stage Launch
Official launch of the 2026-2027 Conrad Challenge and opening of registration for the Activation Stage.
End of Activation Stage & Lean Canvas Submission
Deadline for team formation, registration, and initial idea development including the Lean Canvas submission.
Start of Innovation Stage
The second phase of the competition begins, focusing on developing detailed innovations.
Financial Aid Applications Open (Innovation Stage)
Financial aid applications for the Innovation Stage open.
Financial Aid Applications Close (Innovation Stage)
Deadline for submitting financial aid applications for the Innovation Stage.
Innovation Stage Submission Deadline & Payment Due
Final deadline for submitting all Innovation Stage content, including the Innovation Brief, Video, and Website, along with the entry fee.
Finalist Announcement
Announcement of teams selected as finalists to attend the Innovation Summit.
Financial Aid Opens (Innovation Summit)
Financial aid applications for attending the Innovation Summit open for finalists.
Financial Aid Closes (Innovation Summit)
Deadline for submitting financial aid applications for the Innovation Summit.
Innovation Summit Registration & Payment Deadline
Deadline for all attending finalist team members to register and make payments for the Innovation Summit.
Power Pitch Presentation Materials Submission Deadline
Deadline for finalists to submit their Power Pitch presentation materials for the Innovation Summit.
Innovation Summit (Awards Ceremony)
The final day of the Innovation Summit, concluding with the Awards Ceremony where Pete Conrad Scholars are announced.
Space Center Houston, Houston, Texas
How to apply
- 1Teams register online and form a team of 2-5 students with an adult coach.
- 2Activation Stage: Brainstorm ideas, select a category, and prepare a Lean Canvas (no fee).
- 3Innovation Stage: Develop an Innovation Brief (3000 words), create a 3-5 minute Innovation Video, and build a website to showcase the innovation (requires a $499 USD team entry fee).
- 4Power Pitch Stage: Finalist teams are invited to the Innovation Summit to pitch their innovations live to a panel of judges.
Rules and guidelines
- Teams must consist of 2 to 5 students aged 13-18.
- The team's innovation must be original work developed by the team.
- All submissions must be in English.
- All submitted elements must be entirely the work of the student team members; coaches may guide but not create content.
- Teams must adhere to all deadlines for each stage of the competition.
- Plagiarism or unauthorized use of intellectual property is strictly prohibited.
Technology requirements
- Access to a computer and internet for online submissions.
- Ability to create and upload an Innovation Video (MP4 format, under 800 MB).
- Ability to create a website to showcase the innovation.
- Access to a computer and reliable internet for online submissions and collaboration.
- Ability to create and host a website to showcase the innovation.
- Familiarity with online collaboration tools for teamwork.
- Ability to create and host a website to showcase the innovation (e.g., using platforms like Google Sites, Wix, or similar).
- Familiarity with online collaboration tools for teamwork (e.g., Google Docs, Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The Activation Stage and Lean Canvas Stage are free. An Innovation Stage Entry Fee of $499 USD (approximately ₹41,500 INR, subject to current exchange rates) per team is required to progress to the Innovation Stage. This fee covers judging, platform access, and administrative costs. Additional fees for registration, travel, and accommodation may apply for teams selected to attend the in-person Innovation Summit in the USA. Discounts and waivers are available for qualifying teams with demonstrated financial constraints; applicants are encouraged to inquire about these options.
Financial support
Scholarships are awarded to winning teams by partner universities, such as Menlo College, Lewis & Clark College, and College of Charleston. Specific scholarship amounts and criteria vary based on the university and the team's achievement level (Conrad Innovator, Finalist, or Pete Conrad Scholar). Some scholarships can be up to $25,000 per year, directly reducing tuition costs at these institutions.
Refund policy
The Innovation Stage entry fee is generally non-refundable once submitted. It is advisable to check the official Conrad Challenge website or contact them directly for their detailed refund policy before making payment.
About this opportunity
The Conrad Challenge is an annual, multi-phase global competition that inspires young minds to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems across various categories. Founded by Nancy Conrad in honor of her late husband, astronaut Charles 'Pete' Conrad Jr., the challenge encourages students to apply scientific, social, and economic knowledge to create commercially viable products or services.
Participants work in teams of 2-5 students, guided by an adult coach, to brainstorm ideas, conduct research, develop business plans, and create prototypes. The competition emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit, providing a unique platform for students to make a tangible impact on society. Categories typically include Aerospace & Aviation, Cyber-Technology & Security, Energy & Environment, Health & Nutrition, and Transforming Education with Technology.
The challenge progresses through several stages, from initial idea generation to developing a comprehensive business plan and pitching to a panel of judges. Finalists are invited to the annual Innovation Summit, often held at Space Center Houston, where they present their innovations and connect with industry leaders and experts.
The Conrad Challenge is recognized globally for its rigorous judging criteria and its focus on fostering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. It offers a unique opportunity for students to move beyond traditional classroom learning, apply their knowledge to global issues, and develop crucial 21st-century skills. This competition is ideal for Indian students passionate about STEM, innovation, and making a real-world impact, offering global exposure and significant academic advantages.
Rounds and format
The Conrad Challenge is structured into four progressive stages that guide student teams through a real-world innovation and entrepreneurship journey. It begins with the Activation Stage, where students form teams, choose a mentor, and begin brainstorming solutions to global challenges. Next is the Lean Canvas Stage, in which teams select their most promising idea and develop a concise business model using the Lean Canvas framework. In the Innovation Stage, teams create a detailed Innovation Brief, a short presentation video (typically 3–5 minutes), and a website showcasing their solution. The final stage is the Power Pitch Stage, where selected finalist teams present their ideas live to a panel of expert judges at the Innovation Summit, demonstrating the viability, creativity, and impact of their innovation.
How entries are judged
Submissions are evaluated based on innovation, storytelling, practicality, marketing strategy, and financial understanding. Judges provide constructive feedback.
Selection process
Teams progress through stages based on the quality of their submissions, adherence to guidelines, and the innovative and viable nature of their solutions. Top-scoring teams become Finalists.
How to prepare
- Student Resource Library (available on the official website)
- Scoring Guides for each submission stage
- Guidance from adult coaches/mentors
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The challenge guides teams through a structured entrepreneurial process, including brainstorming, lean canvas development, innovation brief writing, video creation, website building, and pitching. Comprehensive resources, detailed scoring guides, and mentorship support are provided to assist teams at each stage, fostering a practical, hands-on learning experience.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key strategies for students to succeed in the Conrad Challenge?
Success in the Conrad Challenge often hinges on strong teamwork, a clear understanding of the problem being solved, a well-researched and viable solution, and effective communication of the innovation's impact. Consistent effort and adaptability to feedback are also crucial.
How can students manage competitive pressure and potential performance anxiety during the challenge?
Students can manage pressure by focusing on the learning journey and skill development rather than solely on winning. Practicing presentations, seeking support from coaches and teammates, and maintaining a balanced schedule can help alleviate anxiety.
What common mistakes should participants avoid during the preparation and submission phases?
Common mistakes include insufficient research, neglecting the business viability of the innovation, poor presentation skills, and not adhering strictly to submission guidelines and deadlines. Teams should also avoid last-minute work and ensure all team members contribute equitably.
How does the Conrad Challenge help students develop entrepreneurial skills beyond the competition itself?
The challenge provides a practical framework for entrepreneurial thinking, including problem identification, market analysis, business model development, and pitching. These skills are transferable to future academic pursuits, startup ventures, and professional careers, fostering a mindset of innovation and problem-solving.
What are the long-term benefits of participating in a global competition like the Conrad Challenge for students' academic and career paths?
Participation significantly enhances college applications, particularly for STEM and business programs, and offers opportunities for substantial university scholarships. It also provides invaluable networking with industry experts and develops critical 21st-century skills, opening doors to future career prospects in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Are there any specific technology requirements for participating in the online stages?
Participants need access to a computer and reliable internet for online submissions and collaboration. Teams should be able to create and upload an Innovation Video (MP4 format, under 800 MB) and create a website to showcase their innovation (e.g., using platforms like Google Sites, Wix, or similar). Familiarity with online collaboration tools is also beneficial.
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