Young Minds and Big Ideas Can Save the Planet!
Habitat Restoration
Ocean Vitality
Future Farm
Endangered Species
Animal Welfare & Rescue
Community Engagement
How to Enter
Pick a Team
Choose a Category
Write a Pitch
Win Big With Innovative Solutions!
Elementary Division
Learn more.
Middle School and High School Divisions
Learn more.
A people' Choice Award will be presented to the team in each divisions with the most public votes.
Need Inspiration?
Registration deadline is 11:59 PM (ET) on January 16, 2024.
Please note, students must submit a short pitch – 6 or 7 sentences – when they register. They’ll have an opportunity to expand their idea and submit a full proposal or project by January 31, 2024. Parents or guardians must register on behalf of students who are age 13 or under.
2024 Competition Schedule
Jan. 16
Jan. 31
Feb. 5-16
Feb. 19-April 1
Earth Day, April 22
June
Meet our partners!
Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants brings those on the frontlines of science, animals, exploration, conservation, and adventure live into the classroom.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium believes in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
Ecology Project International (EPI) is a nonprofit organization that seeks to engage local communities in youth development, leadership, and habitat conservation through science-focused travel programs for students and teachers.
Unleashing Ingenuity: Innovation Challenge Details!
The K12 National Innovation Challenge is open to all students in grades K–12. Students enrolled at K12-powered schools or any other school in the U.S. can submit their proposal to be considered. Parents or guardians must register on behalf of students who are age 13 or under.
Students can submit a proposal individually, as a pair, or as a team of three.
Students interested in participating should begin by completing the registration form, including a short pitch (6 or 7 sentences) for their solution in 1 of the 6 theme areas. Registration must be completed by 11:59 PM (ET) on January 16, 2024.
Once registered, students will receive an email with access to a proposal template and the link to submit their full proposal by January 31, 2024.
Each proposal must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Any entry copied or created by someone other than the student violates the competition rules and will not be accepted.
Proposals can be submitted in Word or PPT format. Google Docs or Slides are also acceptable. The proposal must be created solely by the entering team.
All proposals must be received no later than 11:59 PM (ET) on January 31, 2024. Proposals submitted after the deadline will not be eligible to win.
Click here for judging criteria and prizes for the Elementary Division and here for judging criteria and prizes for the Middle School and High School Division.
Please see here for the rules and regulations related to our competition. These terms and conditions must be agreed to when registering for the Innovation Challenge.