Field
STEM
Participating in the Conrad Challenge is one of the most prestigious opportunities for high school students to design original STEM-based innovations with real-world entrepreneurial impact.
As the Challenge highlights creativity, feasibility, and clarity in communicating both technical and business value, the competition can feel demanding and highly competitive. This guide breaks the process down simply, helping you understand what the Conrad Challenge looks for and how to prepare a strong submission.
What Kind of Work Can You Submit?
The Conrad Challenge welcomes team-based STEM innovation and entrepreneurship projects, designed to address real-world problems across five categories:
Water Challenge
Health & Nutrition
Energy & Environment
Cyber Technology & Security
Aerospace & Aviation
Teams identify a meaningful problem, design an original innovation (product, service, or system), and build a strong business or implementation plan. Submissions typically include:
A clearly defined problem statement
A technically sound innovation or prototype
Supporting research and feasibility analysis
A viable business, scaling, or implementation model
Clear documentation and presentation
Projects may involve engineering, biotechnology, software, consumer product design, sustainability, or any STEM-driven solution that demonstrates innovation and measurable impact.
Eligibility
Students currently enrolled in middle or high school (ages 13–18) may participate. Teams must consist of 2 to 5 students, and participants can come from anywhere in the world. Each team is required to have an adult coach aged 18 or older. All work must be original, and submissions must follow the official Conrad Challenge guidelines.
Teams advance through multiple rounds, culminating in in-person finalist presentations at Space Center Houston.
Prizes
Conrad Challenge winners, named Pete Conrad Scholars, receive a wide range of prestigious awards, including:
An all-expenses-paid trip sponsored by Equinor and United Airlines
Visits to globally renowned STEM institutions
Exclusive networking opportunities with industry leaders
Free patent support from intellectual property experts
Academic scholarships toward university studies or research
Access to mentorship, business development support, and potential investor connections
Finalists also gain international recognition and significant exposure to innovators, entrepreneurs, and STEM professionals.
Submission Process
Teams progress through multiple stages rather than applying directly to the final Summit, and each stage requires its own set of materials, including written briefs and concept summaries, pitch videos, prototype photos or proof-of-concept materials, business or implementation plans, and team information with coach verification. Finalists selected for the Innovation Summit present their work live to judges and participate in workshops and sessions with entrepreneurs and scientists.
Review Timeline
The Conrad Challenge follows an annual cycle. While entries for the 2025–2026 competition cycle is now closed, here's the timeline:
Activation Stage (August 28 – October 30, 2025): Team formation, registration, brainstorming, initial idea development.
Innovation Stage (October 31, 2025 – January 8, 2026): Full development of innovation, business model, research, prototype and/or video submission.
Innovation Summit (April 22–25, 2026): Finalist presentations at Space Center Houston, judging sessions, workshops, and networking.
RISE Tips for Getting Accepted
Based on award-winning Conrad Challenge submissions reviewed by RISE, competitive teams typically demonstrate:
Strong interdisciplinary teamwork across tech, design, business, and communication
A clearly defined real-world problem with measurable potential impact
A tangible innovation supported by a prototype or proof of concept
A viable, realistic, and research-backed business model
Clear documentation showing the journey from idea to execution
Effective and visually engaging use of diagrams, photos, and videos
Confident presentation and pitching skills
Thoughtful guidance from mentors or domain experts
Steady iteration and improvement throughout every stage
Successful teams balance innovation with feasibility, demonstrating creativity, technical understanding, and strategic thinking.
Past Projects
Students can explore past winning projects here.
RISE Research Program
If you’re a high school student aiming for competitive journals, RISE Research gives you the chance to work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities worldwide. With individualised guidance and support in building independent research projects, students often produce high-quality work suitable for top publications, while also developing a strong academic profile. The program is flexible, accessible globally, and open for applications throughout the year. To explore eligibility, pricing, and how to begin, visit the RISE Research website and take the next step in your academic journey!
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