Young Innovators Shine in NFTE’s World Series of Innovation
The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has showcased an inspiring cohort of winners through their Imagination League in the World Series of Innovation (WSI). This annual competition, recognized since 2009, invites the creativity of young minds to address pressing global challenges that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Expanding Innovation Reach
This year marked a pivotal moment with the introduction of the Imagination League, specifically tailored for children aged 5-12. By offering this competition in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, and Hindi, NFTE encourages a diverse range of participants to engage with innovative solutions.
Encouraging Global Thinking
Dr. J.D. LaRock, NFTE’s President & CEO, emphasized the program’s goal: to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to develop critical thinking skills and innovative solutions for global challenges. He expressed excitement about witnessing the potential of young innovators contributing to a sustainable future.
Highlights from the Competition
This year's competition attracted an impressive 5,112 participants from 82 countries. Among them, 1,161 young innovators participated in the Imagination League, competing for prizes that totaled up to $600. Each challenge was intricately linked to specific SDGs, prompting participants to approach real-world issues thoughtfully.
Winning Innovations
The winners of this year's competition include:
- Harlyn Bowns & Becca Dean from Randall Middle School, who developed the CWW project, a long filtration pipeline designed to purify contaminated water.
- Michal Lucian Prenoveau and Avi Dhillon from Hillsborough County Public Schools, creators of Stock Up on Jobz, a unique app helping kids explore new ways to earn money.
- Myra Saxena from Herbert Hoover Elementary School, who won for Healthy Littles, a platform dedicated to diabetes management and healthy habits for children.
Looking Ahead
Anticipation builds for the announcement of the Impact League (ages 13-24) scheduled for the near future. NFTE continues its commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and encouraging young people to devise solutions to significant challenges.
About NFTE
Founded in 1987, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship ignites an entrepreneurial spirit through innovative learning experiences. NFTE is dedicated to empowering students from all backgrounds to envision and realize their futures through high-quality entrepreneurship education. With a reach of over a million students globally, NFTE is democratizing access to entrepreneurial knowledge through in-person, online, and hybrid models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the World Series of Innovation?
The World Series of Innovation is an annual competition organized by NFTE that invites youth to create solutions to global challenges while addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Who can participate in the Imagination League?
The Imagination League is open to children ages 5-12, encouraging young innovators to develop creative solutions to pressing societal issues.
What were the key challenges presented this year?
This year’s challenges included those focused on clean water, economic opportunity, and health and well-being, encouraging participants to link their projects to specific SDGs.
How many participants were involved this year?
In total, there were 5,112 participants from 82 different countries, highlighting the global interest in innovation and entrepreneurship.
How can I learn more about NFTE and its initiatives?
You can visit NFTE’s official website to find detailed information about their programs, challenges, and educational resources aimed at inspiring young entrepreneurs.
