• Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge
• Who: Teams of students from ages 13 to 18
• Prizes: Scholarships, technology, funding toward patent application
• Register by November 2, 2018
• Download Investor Pitch form (Due November 2, 2018)

“Unleashing students to change the world,” is the bold motto of the Conrad Challenge. Created by astronaut Pete Conrad’s widow, the annual innovation and entrepreneurial competition invites 13- to 18-year-old students  from around the world to use STEM skills to develop products and services that solve such pressing problems as cybersecurity and pollution. Along the way, coaches, world-renowned scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs act as mentors to help turn their ideas into a reality – and even patents.

This year, participants will develop projects around one the following six categories: Aerospace & Aviation, Cyber-Technology & Security, Energy & Environment, Health & Nutrition, and, new for the 2018-2019 Conrad Challenge, Transforming Education with Technology and Smoke-Free World.

Download the Team  Handbook for timeline, details about each category, and prizes.

Conrad Challenge winners from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida, were recognized at the American Society for Engineering Education’s 2018 annual conference in Salt Lake City:

Teams must consist of two to five students and have one team coach (adult supervisor) 18 years old or older. Students must be at least 13 years old at the time of registration and no older than 18. Teams may compete in multiple categories. Each team coach must acknowledge that he/she has read and understands the terms and conditions set forth in the competition rules in order for the team to be eligible for any awards. The competition is open internationally; there are no geographic restrictions on eligibility.

Julia Bray and Ashton Cofer, the 2017 Conrad Challenge winners in the Energy & Environment category from Columbus Academy and Gahanna Lincoln High School in Columbus, Ohio, were recognized at ASEE’s 2017 Annual Conference and presented their Styro Filter project:

Photo of Conrad Challenge winners Julia Bray and Ashton Cofer ©Mary Lord for ASEE

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Tags: Competitions for Students, Conrad Challenge, Contest, Engineering, entrepreneurship, Grades 9-12, patent, Spirit of Innovation