Your ideas matter. Show us what you’ve got!
The K12 Innovation Challenge is back—and bigger than ever. If you’re a student in grades 6–12 with a bold idea to transform the future of education, this is your moment to shine!
Students are invited to submit a video pitch of their innovative idea in one of three categories for a chance to win up to $500 per team member:
Tomorrow’s
Classroom
Student Life Hacks
Gamify it!
About the Challenge
Empowering Student Innovation
This nationwide competition celebrates creativity, ingenuity, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you’re solving classroom challenges, student study hacks, or gamifying learning, we want to hear from you!
Finalists will present their ideas live at our in-person showcase in June 2026.
Mentorship opportunities and cash prizes await. Let’s build the future of education—together.
How it Works
All students in grades 6–12 are eligible to participate.
(Parents or guardians must enter on behalf of students under 13.)
Step 1: Film Your Idea
Create a 30-second to 2-minute (vertical) video pitching your innovative idea in one of three categories:
Tomorrow's Classroom
Reimagine what learning could look like in the future. From virtual reality classrooms to AI-powered tutors and global learning exchanges, this category invites bold, visionary ideas that push the boundaries of traditional education.
Check out these sample prompts to spark your imagination:
- What do you think school will look like in 10 or 20 years? Design an idea for a tool or system that could be part of that future.
- How could virtual or augmented reality change the way students learn?
- What if students from around the world could learn together in real time—how would you make that happen?
- Imagine a classroom with no walls. What tools or technologies would make it work?
Student Life Hacks
Create a clever solution that makes your day-to-day school life easier, more enjoyable, or more supportive. From time-saving tools to wellness boosters and peer support systems, this category is all about smart, student-led improvements.
Check out these sample prompts to spark your imagination:
- What’s one small change that could make school life better for students like you?
- Design a tool or system that helps students manage stress, time, or schoolwork.
- What’s a clever way to help students support each other—socially, emotionally, or academically?
- Think of a “life hack” you use every day—how could you turn it into a product or service for other students?
Gamify it!
Create an idea or design for a game, app, or interactive experience that makes learning more fun, engaging, or effective. Whether it’s a digital game that teaches math, a role-playing activity that builds history knowledge, or a challenge-based system that rewards progress, this category is all about using gamification to transform how students learn.
Check out these sample prompts to spark your imagination and check out winning game ideas from the K12 Game On Competition:
- What’s a subject you find boring—and how could you turn it into a game?
- How could you use points, levels, or rewards to make learning more exciting?
- What kind of game would help students build real-world skills like coding, writing, or problem-solving?
- Could you turn your favorite video game format into a learning experience?
- How would you design a challenge that helps students learn together and compete in a fun way?
*AI-generated content is NOT permitted. All ideas submitted must be original and cannot contain any copyrighted material, such as logos, music, existing products, etc.
Step 2: Submit Your Entry
In 6–8 sentences, explain your idea and include it with your video entry on the registration form. Want to enter more than one category? Just complete a separate registration for each entry.
Step 3: Judging Rounds
Round 1: Top 30 entries selected (5 per category per grade band).
Round 2: Virtual presentations for the top 30 semi-finalist teams to a panel of judges.
Round 3: In-person finals—12 teams compete for national titles.
Step 4: Win Big
National Champions
$500
per team member in each grade band (6–8 and 9–12)
That’s up to $1,500 per team!
One People’s Choice Winner
$150
per team member
That’s up to $450 for a team of three!
The top 12 finalist teams or individuals will receive a complimentary hotel stay for each team member (plus one chaperone) at the in-person competition. Finalists will be responsible for transportation costs to and from the event.
Finalists will also receive mentorship and internship opportunities provided by Tallo.
Important Dates
Registration:
Nov. 5, 2025– Feb. 9, 2026
Judging:
Feb. 11–25, 2026
Semi-Finalists Notified:
Feb. 27, 2026
Virtual Presentations:
March 9–20, 2026
Finalists Announced:
March 31, 2026
In-Person Finals:
June 2026
Why enter?
Be seen and celebrated for your ideas!
Gain mentorship and internship opportunities from industry leaders.
Represent your school and community #SchoolSpirit
Win cash prizes, national recognition, and bragging rights!
Who can enter?
All U.S. students currently enrolled in grades 6–12.
Teams of up to three students
Enter individually or form a team of up to three friends or classmates from your grade band (6–8 or 9–12).
Parent/guardian must submit for students under the age of 13.
Judging Criteria
Round 1
- Innovation & Creativity (30%)
- Educational Impact (30%)
- Clarity & Feasibility (25%)
- Student Voice (15%)
Round 2
- Pitch & Presentation (25%)
- Depth of Idea (30%)
- Innovation & Impact (30%)
- Q&A Response (15%)
The deadline to enter is 5 PM (ET) on February 9, 2026.
Partners & Judges
The K12 Innovation Challenge has teamed up with innovative leaders in education, career prep, and design to provide finalists with exclusive opportunities:
Empowering Student Futures
Tallo is a platform that connects students with opportunities for college, internships, and careers. In the K12 Innovation Challenge, Tallo provides mentorship and judging support, helping finalists refine their ideas and gain exposure to real-world professional pathways. Their CEO, Allison Danielsen, will also serve as a judge during the in-person finals.
Accredited Online University
Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, accredited online university and a proud partner of the K12 Innovation Challenge. With a focus on flexible, competency-based learning, WGU empowers students to advance their education and careers at their own pace—making innovation and accessibility central to everything they do.
Before registering, please take a moment to review the official rules and regulations. You’ll be asked to agree to these terms during sign-up.
Stay in the know.
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