Youth Innovation Challenge

What problem do you want to solve? The Youth Innovation Challenge is an opportunity for young change-makers around the globe to grapple with impactful solutions for people + planet.

The Youth Innovation Challenge is an initiative aiming to transform potential of the future change makers into real actions.

We believe involving young people in innovation will be key to solving some of the world’s biggest issues.

That’s why we are gathering inspired students around the world who are looking to shape a more regenerative, just & sustainable future.

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Impact Launchpad Poster
Benefits
  • All participants who submit a proposal will receive the Spaceship's Impact Entrepreneur credential in building their university & professional CV
  • All participants will receive free access to the Spaceship's online Sustainability Playbook and Impact Entrepreneurship Launchpad
  • All finalists will receive a personalized copy of the international bestseller, The Carbon Almanac
  • All finalists will receive a full scholarship to be a part of the Spaceship's Impact Accelerator program ($500 value)
  • The winner receives a cash prize of $1,000
Climate Action Targets
UN Climate Action Targets
Below are three of the targets of this goal that the United Nations is monitoring and encouraging people to take action on:
  • 13.2: Integrate climate change measures in policies and planning
  • 13.3: Build knowledge, awareness, and capacity on climate change and impact reduction

“In an age of ever-growing uncertainty, young people are natural innovators with enormous potential to shape a preferred future for both people + planet.”

Craig Vezina
CEO and Co-Founder of The Spaceship Academy

Photo of Craig Vezina, the CEO and co-founder of the spaceship academy
Eligibility
  • The Challenge is free to enter for all youth from 14 to 22 years old
  • The Challenge may be entered either individually or as teams of between 2-5 members from around the world
  • Genuine interest in sustainability
  • The project must be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals
A table of UN sustainable development goals
Timeline of the challenge
Application Open

October 1, 2022- Dec 31, 2022
01
Public Voting

January 6, 2023 - January 20, 2023
02
Finalist Announcement

January 23, 2023
03
Online Pitching

January 27-30, 2023
04
Winner's announcement

February 3, 2023
05
Become a Participant
  • Become a participant of the Innovation Challenge and have a chance to win $1,000!
Join Now
Participant's Guide
  1. Access our free course to unlock your idea's potential
  2. Go through the course and find your North Star
  3. Submit your idea
  4. Download the participant's guide now.
What we are looking for
  1. An innovative idea
  2. Local focus
  3. Simple and comprehensive idea description
  4. Viable problem solution
Are you an individual participant?
Are you a team of students? (maximum of five participants)
*Please add comma to insert information of your team members
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prize for the winners?
The winner of the best project idea will win $1000. All finalists will receive the fully paid mentoring program with experts in social and environmental  entrepreneurship. All participants will have an access to the free impact course, life-webinars and masterclasses.
How does the selection process work?
Submit a simple application form and get access to the IMPACT LAUNCHPAD and submit your idea. See further details about the timeline and selection process in the challenge’s timeline section.
How do I make a change?
The Spaceship Academy is providing participants with its IMPACT LAUNCHPAD program for free in order to guide you through every step of the Challenge journey.
Can my friends join me in the challenge?
Yes, it is possible to participate in a team of up to five people.
Who is eligible to join the Future Shapers Challenge?
The Challenge is open to young people around the globe, aged of 18-30.
Is participation free?
Yes, participation and preparation materials are free of charge.
Who organizes The Youth Innovation Challenge?
The Youth Innovation Challenge is organized by the Spaceship Academy and Jumanji Studio
Partners
Jumanji StudioThe Carbon Almanacz-17 logobreak the ice logoBCPD logoalpharabius academyyouth for climate morrocoyouth agendaeDUHkasi logoGAYOSecurecycle
Collaborators
UN1FY logoYouth Climate Lab logo
UN1FY
YOUTH CLIMATE LAB