Students, teachers, experts, colleges and sponsors all agree, the Conrad Challenge is unlike any STEM or business competition out there.
The competition is comprised of four stages:
Student embark on their journey by assembling their crew of 2-5 students plus a coach and completing registration.
Students plan out their path by brainstorming ideas, selecting their innovation and category, and preparing a “Lean Canvas.”
Students bring their innovation to life by writing an “Innovation Brief,” recording an Innovation Video, and creating a website (Cyber-Technology only).
Students who are named a Finalist attend the Innovation Summit at Space Center Houston and gather with other teams from around the world to pitch their innovation live to the competition judges
Location(s)
- Houston, Texas
- Remote
Schedule
- During the academic year running from October through around April
Cost/Compensation
- Initial entry is free
- $499 fee (for Innovation stage)
- Teams selected to attend the Conrad Innovation Summit, and/or the Virtual Finals, may be asked to pay certain fees associated with registration, travel, and accommodations to attend
Eligibility Requirements
- Any and all students who will be 13 to 18 years of age are eligible to participate in the Conrad Challenge
- You must participate as a member of a team of 2-5 students. You and your teammates may compete from any corner of the globe. You can form a team with schoolmates, siblings, camp friends, or any other eligible students you know.
- Teams from previous years may compete again as long as they meet the age criteria. In addition, teams may also submit past innovations, as long as significant advances or changes have been made since their most recent participation in the Challenge
Deadline
- Activation Stage (Registration) Mid October
- Lean Canvas Stage: Mid November
- Innovation Stage: Mid January
- Power Pitch Stage: April
Application or Entry Requirements
- Teams must be 2-5 members, with at least one team coach who is at least 18 years old
- Must register with at least one other team member by the mid-October deadline
- Only one account per team
Notifications of Decisions
- Finalists are notified in April
Financial Aid Details
- The Foundation offers discounts and fee waivers to qualifying students and teams.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The Conrad Foundation honors the legacy of Apollo 12 astronaut, Charles “Pete” Conrad, and his four-decade passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. In November 1969, Conrad became the third man to walk on the Moon, and afterwards founded four companies devoted to the commercialization of space travel.
The Conrad Challenge is a purpose-driven innovation competition creating the next generation of entrepreneurs who will change the world. By applying science, technology and innovation to solve problems with global impact, the Challenge’s step-by-step guidance and support of industry experts, helps students expand their collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication skills.
