The Conrad Challenge Introduction

The Conrad Challenge fosters purpose-driven innovation among aspiring young entrepreneurs worldwide. Students aged 13-18 engage in Aerospace & Aviation, Cyber-Technology & Security, Energy & Environment, and Health & Nutrition, applying science, technology, and innovation to solve global problems. With step-by-step guidance and industry support, the Challenge cultivates collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills, shaping a 21st-century workforce prepared for success.
The Conrad Challenge have partnered with Space Center Houston to expand the reach and impact of the Challenge. The Conrad Challenge has always worked to push boundaries by equipping tomorrow’s leaders in innovation… and now, with the support of Space Center Houston, we're reaching for the stars.
The 2023-24 Conrad Challenge had record participation totaling over 4,000 students from over 50 different countries!

The Conrad Challenge certificates and trophies

Multiple skill improvements

Background improvement helps college applications

Obtain international recognition and apply for patents

Eligibility

Students aged 13 to 18 from any corner of the world

Must participate as a member of a team of 2-5 students:

Grades 7-9 are junior high school group (Junior)

Grades 10-12 are high school groups (Senior)

Form a team with classmates, siblings, summer camp friends, or any other eligible student you know

If you competed in the previous year, you may compete again as long as you still meet the age criteria and other requirements.

Participation Timeline (refer to 2024-2024)

Aug - Nov 3, 2023

Activation Stage

You’ll embark on your journey by assembling your crew of 2-5 students plus a coach and completing registration.

deadline Nov 3, 2023

Lean Canvas Stage

You’ll plan out your path by brainstorming ideas, selecting your innovation and category and preparing a Lean Canvas.

deadline Jan 12, 2024

Innovation Stage

You’ll bring your innovation to life by writing an Innovation Brief, recording an Innovation Video and creating a website.

April 23-26, 2024

Power Pitch Stage

Our top teams from the Innovation Stage are named Finalists and invited to pitch their innovations to a live panel of Judges at the 2024 Conrad Challenge Innovation Summit. At the Summit, Judges, Alumni and other members of the Conrad Community come together for a multi-day event full of dynamic workshops, tours, community sessions and speakers. Finalist teams will compete to earn scholarships, entrepreneurial support and the Challenge’s top honor: the title of Pete Conrad Scholar.

Competition Topics

Aerospace & Aviation

Examples of topic content or scope: "Avionics Systems", "Engine", "Air Traffic Control", "Aircraft", "Aerodynamics", "Human Factors/Cockpit Design and Propulsion System", "Aerospace Systems" , technology, International Space Station upgrades", "long-distance space travel", "space debris tracking and elimination", "astronaut suit design" and "space habitat", etc.

Cyberspace & Security

Examples of topic content or scope: "Artificial intelligence applications", "cyber defense systems", "data-driven energy management technology", "intelligent security technology and for tracking", "database models for predicting and classifying natural disasters", etc. .

Energy & Environment

Examples of topic content or scope: "Energy Storage", "Energy Efficiency", "Renewable Resources", "Sustainable Land Use", "Recycling Solutions", "Environmental Sanitation", "Water Resources", "Biodiversity" ”, “Climate Change”, “Waste Management and Clean Technology Innovation”, etc.

Health & Nutrition

Examples of topic content or scope: "Prosthesis", "Nutritional Science", "Exercise Science", "Medical Technology", "Hunger Solution", "Mental Health", "Assistive Technology", "Medical Services", "Medical Safety" ”, “Biomedical Engineering” and “Food Safety” etc.

Ocean Issues & Threats Ocean Issues and Crisis (Chinese Science and Technology Selected Topics)

Topic selection direction:
Satellite positioning technology protects marine biodiversity
Intelligent identification and picking technology of marine garbage
Degradation technology protects the marine ecological environment
The role of disaster reduction technology in marine economic development

Education & Technology Education and Technology (China Science and Technology Selected Topics)

Topic selection direction:
The role of artificial intelligence in education
Smart software helps improve students’ learning experience
Application of AR/VR in educational scenarios
Application of technology in early childhood education market

Entry categories

01：Think Big Academic Research Project (Research Project)
It refers to conducting research, experiments, and recording and presenting your research process and results on a topic of academic value. The main value of academic research projects is the sharing and accumulation at the academic level. CTB also highly encourages such projects to be fully Application value and practical actions that have taken place. Teams and individuals who initiate such projects are required to submit a complete academic research paper that includes abstract, background introduction, research methods, result analysis, discussion and other components.
02：Start Small Innovation Project
It refers to a project that is carefully recorded and analyzed around a practical action with a certain innovative purpose (such as entrepreneurship, invention, charity action). This type of project must also have a certain academic research basis to prove that the design of the action is reasonable or The effect is remarkable, but its core value is to record important attempts at action and the social significance such attempts bring. Teams and individuals who initiate such projects are required to submit a complete innovative action paper that includes an abstract, background introduction, action plan description, effect verification, discussion and other components.

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