International GENIUS Entrepreneurship Olympiad by Terra Science and Education
by Terra Science and Education
Renewable RIT Scholarships
The International GENIUS Entrepreneurship Olympiad, organized by Terra Science and Education, challenges high school students to develop innovative business solutions for global environmental issues. Participants present their entrepreneurial ideas to address critical environmental challenges.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
$600
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 2
Duration
Approximately 5 days for the final event
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to international and U.S. high school students in grades 8-12, with a minimum age of 13 years. Students under 17 must be accompanied by an adult supervisor. No specific location restrictions for the application.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to high school students
- Prerequisites
- Interest in environmental issues and entrepreneurship
- Ability to develop a business idea and plan
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$20,000 Scholarship
Renewable scholarships from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) are awarded to winners: Gold Medal: $20,000, Silver Medal: $18,000, Bronze Medal: $15,000, Honorable Mention: $14,000, Participant: $12,000, Finalist: $10,000. These scholarships are applied towards tuition at RIT.
Prizes
Medals & Awards
Award winners receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medals along with significant recognition.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
All participants receive certificates of participation. Award winners receive special certificates and recognition from Terra Science and Education and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Offers significant renewable scholarships to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and provides conditional acceptance letters to RIT for interviewed participants, enhancing college admission prospects.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 15 Nov 2025
- Registration closed
- 1 Mar 2026
- Competition
- 8 Jun 2026 to 12 Jun 2026
- Results
- 12 Jun 2026
How to apply
- 1Submit project application online through the official website.
- 2Pay the application fee per project.
- 3Finalists will be announced and must confirm participation by registering each participant (student, chaperone, guest).
- 4Pay the participation fee for each attendee.
- 5International applicants should complete registration and fee payment promptly to receive visa invitation letters.
Rules and guidelines
- Each entrepreneurship project can be prepared and presented by up to two students.
- A project video summarizing the business plan is required for application (5 minutes or less, in English, uploaded to YouTube with specific title format).
- Presentations at the Olympiad should be in formal business attire and include a PowerPoint/Prezi presentation of no more than 10 minutes before Q&A.
- Students under 17 years old must attend with an adult supervisor (teacher, parent, or guardian).
- The minimum age for student participants is 13 years old.
- The same projects cannot be submitted in consecutive years without significant progress or changes.
- Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses to attend the Olympiad in Rochester, NY, USA.
Technology requirements
- Internet access for online application and video submission.
- Video recording equipment for project video.
- Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Prezi) for final presentation.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Application fee: $60 per project. Participation fee: $600 per participant. This fee covers participation in the final event, including accommodation in student dorms and meals. Additional guest fees may apply.
Refund policy
Only 50% of the participation fee is refundable within a specific time. Application fees are non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The International GENIUS Entrepreneurship Olympiad is a global competition designed for high school students passionate about environmental sustainability and business innovation. This Olympiad encourages young minds to develop and present entrepreneurial projects that offer solutions to pressing environmental problems worldwide. It serves as a platform for students to showcase their creativity and leadership in addressing global challenges.
This competition is open to high school students globally, typically those in grades 8-12, with a minimum age of 13 years. Participants can apply individually or in teams of up to two students for entrepreneurship projects. The final event is hosted in person at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, USA, bringing together students from over 70 countries.
Key benefits include significant renewable scholarships from RIT for award winners, valuable international recognition, and the opportunity to develop critical skills in business, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. The Olympiad fosters a unique cultural exchange experience, allowing students to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and expand their global network.
Participants will gain practical experience in developing and pitching a business plan, receiving feedback from experts, and understanding the intersection of entrepreneurship and environmental impact. This competition is an excellent opportunity for students to make a tangible difference while advancing their academic and career prospects.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of two rounds of judging. In the first round, judges review and evaluate project submissions based on scientific method, creativity, and sustainability. The top projects are selected for the second round. In the second round, finalists present their projects in person to a panel of judges, who evaluate them based on creativity, originality, and practicality.
How entries are judged
Projects are evaluated based on their business plan, presentation, and ability to address environmental issues. Criteria include market analysis, product description, promotional plans, financial projections, environmental impact, and the overall feasibility and innovation of the solution. Judges assess the organization and content of the presentation, and provide feedback on poster design, scientific method, and data management.
Selection process
Projects are selected based on the submitted business plan and a project video. Finalists are announced, and participants must confirm their attendance. The GENIUS Judging Committee reserves the right to deny any project without explanation.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
Focuses on developing sustainable business models, market analysis, product development, and social responsibility plans related to environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively prepare for the competitive aspects of the Olympiad?
Students can prepare by thoroughly researching environmental issues, developing a robust business plan, practicing their presentation skills, and seeking feedback on their project ideas. Engaging in mock presentations can also build confidence.
What are the key factors judges consider when evaluating entrepreneurial projects in this competition?
Judges typically assess projects based on innovation, feasibility, environmental impact, market analysis, promotional strategy, financial projections, and the clarity and persuasiveness of the presentation.
How do participants manage the pressure and anxiety associated with a global competition?
Participants are encouraged to focus on the learning experience, collaborate with their team members, practice mindfulness techniques, and remember that the Olympiad is also an opportunity for cultural exchange and networking, not just winning.
What common mistakes should students avoid during project development and presentation?
Common mistakes include insufficient research, a poorly defined problem statement, unrealistic business models, lack of clear environmental impact, and inadequate preparation for the presentation and Q&A session.
Are there specific strategies for students aiming to secure the top awards and scholarships?
To aim for top awards, students should strive for exceptional originality and depth in their project, demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their market and environmental solution, and deliver a highly polished and engaging presentation.
How does participation in this Olympiad impact a student's future academic and career prospects, beyond scholarships?
Participation significantly enhances a student's profile by demonstrating entrepreneurial skills, commitment to environmental sustainability, and global awareness, which are highly valued by universities and future employers.
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