Innovation Contests and
CHALLENGES
List of online Innovation and Invention Challenges, Grand Challenges, Contests, and Competitions from around the world, all with Cash Awards and Prizes.
World's biggest and most popular list of Live Challenges
Number of Live Challenges: 125
Prize Money Available: $157,138,400
The Brine Challenge
Deadline: 2018-12-18Award: €60,000
Open to: 18 Years and Older*
Shaping sustainable solutions for minimizing or eliminating the saltwater from tailings piles is one way K+S is hoping to reduce their environmental footprint. This challenge invites all brilliant minds to submit their proposals.
Shell Science Lab Challenge Competition
Deadline: 2018-12-21Award: $31,500
Open to: CA and US Teachers (grades 6 - 12)*
The search is on for innovative, low cost, engaging, and motivating methods to teach science in school laboratory settings. If you teach science lessons from grade 6 to 12 and have a ground breaking idea Shell and the NSTA want your help.
2019 Hult Prize Online Challenge
Deadline: 2018-12-23Award: $1,000,000
Open to: Universities, colleges and students worldwide*
The Hult Prize is a million dollar leg up for entrepreneurs concerned with the planet's biggest social issues. The most riveting social business idea that challenges one of the world's more dire issues with win the prize!
Egypt on Mars
Deadline: 2018-12-30Award: $5,000
Open to: Students + Egyptian team coordinator*
Can you envision an Egyptian settlement on Mars? Exploring this novel idea, CUBE is searching for creative and forward thinking proposals that showcase ground breaking architectural projects for a future with Egypt on the Red Planet.
J.B. Scott Competition 2019: Henri Wheaton Prize
Deadline: 2018-12-31Award: 10,000 SFr
Open to: Unknown*
The chosen topic for this years prestigious J.B.Scott Competition is The Protection of the Environment and International Law. Thesis that address any questions applicable to the topic are welcome to be submitted in English, German, Spanish, French or Italian.
MIT Water Innovation Prize
Deadline: 2019-01-01Award: $100,000
Open to: University Students*
University and college student teams with an entrepreneurial spirit are invited to pitch their innovative ideas on solving the worlds water challenges. The end goal is to soon be able to bring your innovation to market.
Human Protein Atlas Image Classification
Deadline: 2019-01-03Award: $37,000
Open to: Everyone*
This online learning challenge is designed to accelerate further understanding of human cells and disease by having participants develop models capable of classifying mixed patterns of proteins in microscope images.
Sediment Removal Techniques for Reservoir Sustainability - Stage 1
Deadline: 2019-01-04Award: $75,000
Open to: Team leader must be a US citizen*
In an effort to address the wide spread impacts of sedimentation, this challenge is asking for either or new or improved techniques for the removal of sediment from a reservoir. Solutions must be cost effective and preserve the current functions of the reservoir.
New Synthetic Route for the Synthesis of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers
Deadline: 2019-01-06Award: $40,000
Open to: Everyone*
The goal is to find synthetic routes to produce industrial quantities of amphiphilic block copolymers that do not contain phosphorus, sulphur and or impurities, halides or metals.
Architecture at Zero
Deadline: 2019-01-10Award: Up to $25,000
Open to: Students, architects, engineers, designers*
This two part challenge will replace two current buildings along with part of their parking areas with a zero net energy recreation centre at California State University, Monterey Bay.
Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2019
Deadline: 2019-01-11Award: $300,000
Open to: University students and recent graduates*
With technology advances able to connect us and accelerate our problem solving; the 3rd annual Cisco challenge calls on students and recent graduates to offer digital technology solutions that offer positive impacts on society and the environment.
Plastic Worlds
Deadline: 2019-01-11Award: £2,400
Open to: Everyone*
Did you know the weight of plastics in our oceans is estimated to be the same as the weight of the entire world's adult population? Yikes! Bring your most creative and visionary proposals forward to help us find a solution to this urgent situation.
The National Dairy Council® New Product Competition
Deadline: 2019-01-14Award: $16,000
Open to: US and Canada undergraduate and graduate students*
The National Dairy Council is looking for creative ideas to have consumers consider dairy products for performance food. Students who have insight in consumer trends, marketing and sports are wanted for this contest.
Open Data Challenge for Public Transportation in Tokyo
Deadline: 2019-01-15Award: ¥1,000,000
Open to: Everyone*
The complicated public transportation system of Tokyo needs simplifying. Transportation data is being made open so that creative solvers can submit new applications to this contest in support of this cause.
NASA's Recycling in Space Challenge
Deadline: 2019-01-16Award: $15,000
Open to: Everyone*
In microgravity environments utilizing creative technology is the only option for storing and processing waste materials. Nasa is seeking submissions for new technology to address mission waste storage and transfer for processing.
TAB 2019 Vision Competition
Deadline: 2019-01-16Award: €7,000
Open to: Architects and Architect Students Worldwide*
Offering you a chance to step away from standard architecture, this challenge calls on more than just innovation and beauty. It also asks for designs in sync with the alternative lifestyle of Kalamaja's inhabitants.
Patagonia Case Competition
Deadline: 2019-01-18Award: $22,500
Open to: Business school graduate students (MA and PhD)*
Bringing the world of business and the world of environmentalism together; this challenge asks participants to create a solution for environmentally conscience packing for Patagonia's food options.
Schindler Global Award Competition 2018/19
Deadline: 2019-01-18Award: $105,000
Open to: Architecture, landscape, urban design students*
This years SGA offers students a chance to enrich their scholastic training by submitting creative ideas for mobility systems offering sustainability and responsible resources in the city of Mumbai.
Wearable Robotics Innovation Challenge
Deadline: 2019-01-20Award: $5,000
Open to: Everyone*
An exciting opportunity for world recognition, this challenge asks you to submit your most creative ideas in wearable robotic technology. The selection process involves presenting your innovation live at the 2019 WearRAcon.
NASA’s CO2 Conversion Challenge
Deadline: 2019-01-24Award: $1,000,000
Open to: US Citizens*
When exploring the planet Mars NASA astronauts can't just go next door to borrow a cup of sugar...yet! NASA is offering a cool million to come up with a away to turn carbon dioxide into useful molecules like glucose.
2019 Skyscraper Competition
Deadline: 2019-01-29Award: $8,000
Open to: Everyone*
This competition is looking for innovative designers, architects and engineers to reinvent the way skyscrapers are created. The challenge is to incorporate all the connections that the structure has with its environment.
Schindler Global Award - Competition 2018/19
Deadline: 2019-01-30Award: $100,000
Open to: Design and architecture students*
Students of architecture, urban design and planning are asked to tackle a major city's biggest issues, including improvement of public transport infrastructure and a dire shortage of affordable housing.
The Setty Family Foundation:2019 Applied Engineering Challenge
Deadline: 2019-01-30Award: $5,000
Open to: Engineering students*
When communities around the world are devastated and in need of rebuilding it gives us an opportunity to design again. Designing a self sufficient community that can thrive and survive if cut off from the outside world is the goal.
Rural Transformation and Zero Hunger
Deadline: 2019-01-31Award: $1,000,000
Open to: Start-ups, innovators, businesses*
This challenge seeks to improve crop yields and reduce waste in small farming communities. The quest is to identify new solutions using advanced manufacturing technologies and/or products from innovative inventors.
MedTech Innovator
Deadline: 2019-01-31Award: $500,000
Open to: Medical device, digital health and diagnostic companies*
This international nonprofit challenge has been established to accelerate the improvement of patients lives through innovative medical technology. All medical device, digital health and diagnostic companies are invited to participate.
GSK Transforming the Future of Self-Care Challenge
Deadline: 2019-01-31Award: Up to five (5) $10,000 prizes
Open to: Global participation*
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is seeking new opportunities in the following three Challenge Topics: Digital Health, At-Home Diagnostics, and Formulation Technologies.
DLR Environment, Energy and Health Challenge
Deadline: 2019-01-31Award: €5,000
Open to: Everyone*
While natural resources are running out our need for them continues to rise. DLR is looking for creative ways to use Earth Observation Data to increase sustainable management these limited resources while encouraging human well being.
XPrize ANA Avatar
Deadline: 2019-01-31Award: $10,000,000
Open to: Everyone*
The ANA Avatar XPRIZE will combine state-of-the-art technologies to demonstrate a robotic avatar that allows an untrained operator to complete a diverse series of tasks, from simple to complex, in a physical environment at least 100km away.
Drug Checking Technology Challenge
Deadline: 2019-02-01Award: $1,750,000 CAD
Open to: Companies, associations, universities*
With the number of overdoses and deaths caused by opioids rising, Canada is in an opioid crisis. To help Health Canada and Impact Canada are looking for innovative creations for rapid, easy to read, low cost drug testing devices that require minimal training and little preparation work.
2019 IUPAC-SOLVAY International Award for Young Chemists
Deadline: 2019-02-01Award: $5,000
Open to: PhD holders (come country restrictions)*
Creative post-doc Chemists are awarded based on the novel discoveries in their theses. These awards are intended to boost young Chemists in their early stages of research.
Metals in Construction 2019 Design Challenge
Deadline: 2019-02-01Award: $15,000
Open to: Architecture students and professionals*
Visionary Architects and Engineers are requested to imagine a pedestrian bridge that connects Moynihan Station with Hudson Yards. The challenge is to make the bridge unique, alluring and appealing for foot travel.
Democratic Umbrella Challenge
Deadline: 2019-02-15Award: €24,000
Open to: Student and Professional Architects, Designers*
This international design ideas competition is asking participants to create an open space for the Multihalle Mannheim, so people can come together for the enjoyment of sports and leisure activities.
Calamity Atelier Challenge
Deadline: 2019-02-17Award: €15,000
Open to: Everyone*
For more than 30 years art and nature have been combined at Arte Sella, Trentino. With a recent natural disaster having caused significant damage, the challenge is to design a system of works to encourage people back to this incredible site.
2019 Innovation Challenge
Deadline: 2019-02-18Award: £25,000
Open to: UK undergraduates*
How can the UK ensure it stays relevant and surpasses competition in a post-Brexit World? An increase in industrial robots might be the right answer. Currently lagging behind other countries, our sponsor Semta is looking for discoveries that show how industrial processes can be made more efficient with the use of robotics.
2019 Healthcare Challenge
Deadline: 2019-02-18Award: £25,000
Open to: UK undergraduates*
Tackling the well known epidemics of tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases; your challenge is to present solutions for prevention, diagnosis and treatment that will improve overall longevity and quality of life for people around the world.
2019 Electrical Challenge
Deadline: 2019-02-18Award: £25,000
Open to: UK Undergraduate students*
Rolls Royce would like your ideas for heat waste management. As the sponsor of this challenge they want your creative input on how to reduce heat waste, or how to repurpose it to improve their product performance.
2019 Automotive Technology Challenge
Deadline: 2019-02-18Award: £25,000
Open to: UK Undergraduate students*
Sports car products and processes have the potential to be used a the wider automobile market. Which ones can you present that will achieve the weight needed for sports cars, but also be advantageous for other vehicles as well?
2019 Defence Technology Challenge
Deadline: 2019-02-18Award: £25,000
Open to: UK Undergraduate students*
What does the future of battlefield communication look like? The goal of this unique challenge is to design technology for the future that will allow armed forces personnel to stay highly connected.
World Vision Social Innovation Challenge
Deadline: 2019-02-22Award: $25,000
Open to: Innovators*
World Vision invites imaginative innovators to take part in this challenge designed to help communities in the Philippines improve their waste management. The goal is to develop a business model that can turn this waste into resources.
European Commission's Horizon Prize for Social Innovation
Deadline: 2019-02-28Award: €2,000,000
Open to: EU entities*
With an estimated 88 million people expected to reach the age of 65 or older by the year 2030, this social innovation challenge asks for inspiring and replicable ideas to increase mobility options that will decrease social exclusion and support independent living.
KidneyX: Redesign Dialysis Prize
Deadline: 2019-02-28Award: $2,625,000
Open to: Everyone*
The first of a new series of prize competitions, the goal of this challenge is to help those suffering from kidney failure. Innovative solutions for the areas of prevention, diagnosis and treatment are being sought.
Borealis Student Innovation Award
Deadline: 2019-03-01Award: €9,000
Open to: Students Worldwide*
Offering bachelor, masters and PhD students internationally an opportunity to showcase their innovative thinking and trailblazing solutions. Including a cash prize the winner will also have an incredible networking opportunity.
3D Pioneers Challenge
Deadline: 2019-03-15Award: €35,000
Open to: Design students and professionals*
Often working tirelessly in the background, 3D Printing plays an intricate role in industrial manufacturing processes. This annual global challenge asks true visionaries to push the envelope and bring 3D printing forward to become the main focus.
Consider Corn Challenge II
Deadline: 2019-03-20Award: $150,000 will be split equally between 3-6 winners
Open to: Global participation*
The National Corn Growers Association invites proposals for new uses of field corn as a feedstock for producing sustainable chemicals with quantifiable market demand.
Indigenous Homes Innovation Challenge
Deadline: 2019-03-31Award: $30,000,000 CAD
Open to: Indigenous communities and organizations*
The goal is to offer inspirational designs and construction that celebrate and showcase the culture of First Nation, Inuit and Metis and enhance both rural and urban communities.
Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition
Deadline: 2019-04-01Award: $8,500
Open to: Design & engineering students*
The scope of possible applications for extruded aluminum is often missed by industry experts. This challenge invites imaginative students to create a product or system using this versatile material as a solution to a design problem.
Timber in the City
Deadline: 2019-04-03Award: $40,000
Open to: ACSA students worldwide*
For the 3rd year in a row the Timber in the City Challenge invokes creativity and imagination. Using a variety of wood technologies, students have the opportunity to incorporate affordable housing, a community centre and an early childhood centre in their Queens vacant waterfront project.
19th Annual Steel Design Student Competition
Deadline: 2019-04-03Award: $14,000
Open to: ACSA Students in US, Canada and Mexico*
Structural steel is fast becoming one of todays most widely used building materials. Curved steel is particularly ascetically appealing for architectural design. Working individually or as a team the challenge is to review possible design related issues with todays design and construction applications.
The ʻŌhi'a Challenge
Deadline: 2019-04-08Award: $70,000
Open to: Residents and Entities in the USA*
This challenge calls on you to help the treasured Ohi'a trees of Hawaii. Since 2014 these beautiful trees have been decimated by a fungal disease. Your goal is to offer a low cost solution for both early detection and containment of the fungus.
COINS Grand Challenge
Deadline: 2019-04-12Award: £11,500 in total
Open to: 18 years and Older*
Cost reduction, increases in efficiency, sustainability, quality control and compliance are the core focus of this technology challenge. Whether an entrepreneur, a student, a leader or innovator, if you have genius ways to improve these areas of the construction industry you are invited to participate.
Rome Collective Living Challenge
Deadline: 2019-04-19Award: $6,000
Open to: Everyone*
The cost of living in Rome has become exceedingly difficult for residents. Focusing on more affordability and better inclusion, the goal of this challenge is to bring back the concept of collective living spaces in Rome's city centre.
Jumpthegap Roca International Design Contest
Deadline: 2019-04-27Award: €26,000
Open to: Architects and designers*
The 8th annual jumpthegap challenge is now open for submissions. An exciting opportunity to showcase your very best ideas for the best bathroom space of the future. What does your future bathroom look like?
Differential Privacy Synthetic Data Challenge
Deadline: 2019-05-06Award: $150,000
Open to: Mathematicians, data scientists*
This exciting marathon challenge asks mathematicians and data scientists to design and launch their own synthetic data generation algorithms and compete against other algorithms to offer proof that theirs can satisfy differential privacy.
Individuals Taking Energy Action in Manufacturing (ITEAM) Prize Competition
Deadline: 2019-05-15Award: $75,000
Open to: US citizen 18+ employed by US manufacturer*
This ideas challenge asks participants to submit their most ingenious solutions for saving energy at United States manufacturing facilities.
Global Cooling Prize
Deadline: 2019-06-01Award: $3,000,000
Open to: Cooling providers, researchers, students*
Disrupt current residential cooling practices with your most creative technology innovations! This challenge asks you to design an environmentally conscious cooling system that can replace current residential air conditioning systems.
Joan B. Calambokidis Innovation in Masonry Competition
Deadline: 2019-11-30Award: $30,000
Open to: Architects, engineers, students*
This year, working in a large metropolitan area of the participants choice, the goal is to use innovative masonry construction techniques to create a high-rise building with a masonry envelope enclosure.
Alzheimer's Germ Quest
Deadline: 2020-12-31Award: $1,000,000
Open to: Research Scientists*
Billions have been spent on Alzheimer's research, but what if the cause was as simple as a germ? If you're a research scientist and think it's possible the cause of Alzheimer's could be a simple germ this is a great challenge for you.
Fuel from the Sun: Artificial Photosynthesis
Deadline: 2021-01-01Award: €5,000,000
Open to: Everyone*
Synthetic Fuel could be the way of the future! This contest asks you to build a functional prototype that offers just that - an artificial photosynthesis based system able to produce an alternative synthetic fuel.
Low-Cost Space Launch
Deadline: 2021-06-01Award: €10,000,000
Open to: Everyone in an EU Member State*
Using a holistic approach and going further than existing solutions, find a creative and affordable solution which can be easily implemented for launching light satellites into low earth orbit (LEO)
* Details may apply. See contest website to confirm eligibility.
