Exciting Opportunities for Young Innovators
Imagine a world where your ideas could shape the future. The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is making this dream a reality with the launch of the 2025 World Series of Innovation (WSI). This inspiring global competition invites young individuals aged 5 to 24 to devise innovative solutions to the world's pressing challenges.
A Platform for Creative Solutions
The WSI strives to empower the next generation of thinkers and doers. Young innovators from across the globe can participate for free, allowing them to showcase their talent and creativity. This year's competition is designed to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging participants to think critically about social issues and how they can drive change.
Competition Structure and Participation
This exciting initiative is supported by notable sponsors including Aflatoun, CBT Technology, Comerica Bank, Ernst & Young LLP, EverBank, MetLife Foundation, and PayPal. Participants can submit their individual or team projects by December 12, 2025, creating a unique opportunity to highlight their skills.
Prize Opportunities
Winners will receive prizes ranging from $300 to $1,500, and a special recognition will be awarded to the school or organization with the highest number of submissions. This not only incentivizes participation but also fosters a spirit of collaboration among students.
Categories of Competition
The WSI features different categories catering to various age groups and interests:
WSI Imagination League (Ages 5-12)
- Aflatoun Better Together Challenge – addressing inequality with SDG 10
- EverBank Little Savers Challenge – focusing on quality education represented by SDG 4
WSI Impact League (Ages 13-24)
- CBT Tech Climate Solutions Challenge – aiming to combat climate change with SDG 13
- Comerica Bank Skills for Success Challenge – promoting decent work and economic growth via SDG 4
- EY Responsible AI Challenge – ensuring responsible use of technology linked to SDG 16
- EverBank Financial Success Challenge – enhancing financial literacy and related to SDG 4
- MetLife Foundation Good Health & Wellbeing Challenge – dedicated to health and well-being outcomes in SDG 3
- PayPal Opportunity for All Challenge – fostering economic growth and equality with SDG 10
The Power of Young Minds
Dr. J.D. LaRock, NFTE's president & CEO, expressed excitement about the creativity displayed in the competition. He emphasized that when provided with the right tools and encouragement, young individuals can develop groundbreaking solutions that can genuinely impact their communities and the world at large.
Global Engagement
The WSI is not just about competition; it’s about building vital skills. Participants, regardless of their background, will learn entrepreneurship and innovative problem-solving through hands-on experiences. The challenges are carefully crafted to resonate with the UN SDGs while enhancing essential workplace capabilities.
Language Accessibility
The competition is inclusive, accepting submissions in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, and Hindi. This ensures that young innovators everywhere can share their voices and ideas.
For Further Information
To learn more about the competition, the available challenges, and the esteemed sponsors, the NFTE invites interested parties to explore their official platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the World Series of Innovation?
The World Series of Innovation is a global competition by NFTE that encourages youth ages 5-24 to develop solutions for global challenges aligned with the UN SDGs.
Who can participate in the competition?
Young individuals aged 5-24 from around the world are welcome to participate either individually or in teams.
What types of challenges are included?
The competition features various challenges categorized by age groups, focusing on different SDGs ranging from quality education to climate action.
How are the winners selected?
Winners are determined based on the creativity, feasibility, and potential impact of their proposed solutions. Prizes are awarded to top submissions in each category.
When is the submission deadline?
All entries must be submitted by December 12, 2025, to be considered for the competition.
