The Conrad Challenge is a worldwide student innovation and entrepreneurship competition administered by Space Center Houston and presented by Equinor. Teams of young people design a product or venture that tackles a real problem across categories such as aerospace, energy, health, and cyber-technology, then develop it through a multi-stage cycle judged by industry experts.
It runs annually from late summer to the following spring, culminating in an in-person Innovation Summit at Space Center Houston in Texas. The program is open to students internationally and is built around team-based, coach-supported innovation rather than individual submissions.
Benefits & funding
- Entering and competing in the opening Activation and Lean Canvas stages is free.
- Top ventures in each challenge category are named Pete Conrad Scholars.
- Winners can receive an all-expenses-paid trip (presented by Equinor and United Airlines) with visits to STEM institutions and industry networking.
- Additional benefits include free patent support from intellectual-property lawyers and academic scholarships toward higher education.
- Further named honours are awarded at the Summit (e.g. Power Pitch, Best Entrepreneurial Innovator, Donald James Citizenship Award, Equinor “Searching for Better” Award).
- Note on costs: advancing to the Innovation Stage costs US$499 per team, and attending the Innovation Summit costs US$499 per guest; financial aid is available for both.
Eligibility
- Student competitors must be aged 13–18.
- Teams have 2–5 students and must keep at least 2 members throughout; members cannot be added after the Activation Stage is submitted.
- Each team needs one adult coach or supervisor (minimum age 18).
- Open to students internationally; participants must ensure entry does not conflict with the laws of their own country.
- Returning competitors may re-enter if they disclose prior participation and show significant advancement of their idea.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
High School
Age requirement
13–18 yrs
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Application process
- 1Assemble a team of 2–5 students (13–18) and secure an adult coach.
- 2Register online through the Conrad Challenge awards platform while the Activation Stage is open.
- 3Complete the free Activation Stage (team formation, idea development) and Lean Canvas.
- 4Advance to the Innovation Stage to develop the full business model, research and prototype/video submission.
- 5Selected finalist teams present in person at the Innovation Summit at Space Center Houston.
Program timeline
27 August 2026
The 2026–2027 cycle launches; registration and the Activation Stage open.
Free virtual workshops for teams on research, the design cycle, business insights and protecting an idea.
September–November 2026
Activation Stage closes — the registration cut-off; the Innovation Stage begins.
30 October 2026
Financial aid applications open for the Innovation Stage.
2 November 2026
Innovation Stage submissions close.
8 January 2027
Innovation Summit and finalist presentations at Space Center Houston.
21–24 April 2027