How to Compete
Explore the innovation challenges offered this season and see what grabs your interest.
- 1
Pick a challenge
Any of the challenges grab you? Sign up to compete by clicking the "Accept Challenge" button for the challenge you want to enter or clicking the general "Get Started" button at top right.
- 2
Brainstorm
Set a timer and come up with as many ideas as you can in short order. Don't limit yourself! Go wild with the rapid ideation then look over your list and choose your best idea.
- 3
Submit your idea
Once you've signed up to compete you can access the online entry form by clicking "Get Started" and get to work building your entry. Just remember to submit your idea by December 10, 2023.
Ready to dive in?
Get StartedTime to start the rapid ideation! Go big and bold with your ideas. Get creative.
Exciting times! The judges have started evaluating entries. Good luck!
Are you in it to win it? It’s time for our finalists to crush it during the 1-minute video round.
It's showtime! Our judges are grabbing their scorecards and the popcorn.
Congratulations to every WSI competitor - and especially our winners and finalists!
September 13
A new set of innovation challenges launches September 13. Click the Get Started button to register and start an entry. Entries are due on December 10, 2023.
December 11
First round judges start scoring entries December 11. The Top 10 teams in each challenge category will be announced in early February and will advance to the final round of competition.
February 10
The Top 10 teams in each challenge category create 1-minute video pitches to wow the judges. Finalist videos are due by February 25, 2024.
April 15
Final round judges evaluate pitch videos submitted by finalists to determine 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each challenge category. Winners are announced on April 15th, 2024!
September 15
Explore the winning entries from the latest challenge cycle and stay tuned for the next cycle! A whole new set of challenges launches in September!
Who can compete?
Young Innovators
Anyone between the ages of 13 and 24 can compete. You can also nominate any young innovators you know so they get a special invitation!
NominateTeam Up or Ride Solo
Sign up to compete solo as a mighty team of one or invite a few friends to join you and compete together. A team can have 1, 2, 3, or 4 members.
RegisterThree prizes awarded for each challenge category
The three highest-scoring entries in each category receive cash prizes. The 1st place winner receives $1500. The 2nd place winner receives $600 and the 3rd place winner receives $300.
Previous Winners
ShoreSpectate
An app to make shoreline monitoring, water quality and ecosystem health data more accessible to the public.
Techquity Repairs
A computer repair business that offers tech support to low-income students and also trains and employs them.