Conrad Challenge 2026/27 — Activation Stage
The Conrad Challenge
Global STEM innovation contest for teams aged 13 to 18; free to register
Bookmarking and application reminders live in the Togeva app.
At a glance
- Funding
- Free to enter this stage
- Format
- Hybrid · Houston, US
- Application fee
- No application fee
- Deadline
- Closes 29 Oct 2026, 22:59 UTC time
- Language
- English
The Activation Stage costs nothing; the later Innovation Stage carries a USD 499 per-team fee, with financial aid open from 2 November to 3 December 2026
Who can apply
- O Level students, A Level students
- Aged 13–18
About this opportunity
The Conrad Challenge is a yearly innovation competition run by the Conrad Foundation with Space Center Houston in the United States. Teams of secondary school students aged 13 to 18 choose one of five problem areas - water, health and nutrition, energy and environment, cyber technology and security, or aerospace and aviation - and build a business and technical case for a solution.
The season has three stages. The Activation Stage, which is running now and closes on 29 October 2026, is free: you form your team, register, and choose your category.
Teams that continue to the Innovation Stage submit a full written concept by 7 January 2027, and that stage costs USD 499 per team. Financial aid applications open on 2 November 2026 and close on 3 December, so plan for the fee before you commit. Finalists are invited to the Innovation Summit in April 2027.
There is no country restriction and teams may include students from different schools, cities or countries, so a Cameroonian team can enter and can collaborate across borders. You need an adult coach. Work is in English.
No closing time is published, so submit a day early.
Topics
Bookmarking and application reminders live in the Togeva app.