NFTE World Series of Innovation

# NFTE World Series of Innovation The **NFTE World Series of Innovation** is an exciting global program hosted by the **Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship** that empowers high school students to tackle real-world challenges through the lens of entrepreneurship. This free, fully virtual initiative invites students to develop innovative solutions to pressing global issues aligned with the **United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)**. Participants have the chance to win prizes, gain recognition, and make a meaningful impact while honing their business and innovation skills. ## Program Structure The **NFTE World Series of Innovation** is conducted entirely online, making it accessible to students across the United States. Each year, the program releases a series of challenges that focus on different UN SDGs. Students can choose one or more challenges to participate in, with each challenge requiring them to create innovative, entrepreneurial solutions to a specific problem. Participants can work individually or in teams of up to three students. Once submissions are complete, entries are reviewed by a panel of judges, including industry professionals and business leaders, who evaluate the creativity, feasibility, and impact of the proposed solutions. Winning entries receive prizes, and students gain exposure to a network of entrepreneurs and changemakers. The program runs on an annual cycle, with challenges typically announced in the fall and submissions due a few months later. Winners are announced after a thorough evaluation process. ## What Students Experience Students participating in the NFTE World Series of Innovation engage in activities that sharpen entrepreneurial thinking, foster creativity, and encourage collaboration. By working on real-world problems, participants develop skills in **problem-solving**, **business ideation**, and **presentation**. Throughout the challenge, students are encouraged to think critically about how to design sustainable and impactful solutions to global problems. While there is no formal mentorship component, the program provides access to valuable resources, including challenge guidelines, innovation tips, and examples of successful past projects. Participants also gain experience in pitching their ideas effectively, a skill critical for future endeavors in business and beyond. Winners not only receive monetary prizes but also gain recognition for their innovative ideas, which can help build confidence and provide motivation for future entrepreneurial pursuits. ## Why It Matters for College Applications The NFTE World Series of Innovation stands out on college applications by demonstrating a student’s commitment to **entrepreneurship**, **innovation**, and **social impact**. By participating, students showcase their ability to tackle complex global challenges, work collaboratively, and think creatively—qualities that colleges value. Winning or even participating in this program highlights initiative, problem-solving skills, and a passion for creating change, all of which strengthen college applications and set students apart from their peers. Additionally, the program’s alignment with the UN SDGs reflects a forward-thinking mindset and a global perspective, further enhancing its impact on applications. ## Eligibility The NFTE World Series of Innovation is open to students in **grades 9-12** across the United States. No prior experience in business or entrepreneurship is required, making this an excellent opportunity for students of all backgrounds to explore innovation and make a difference. The program is completely **free** to participate in, removing financial barriers for interested students. ## How to Participate To participate, students must register online through the **Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)** website. Once registration opens, students can browse the available challenges and choose one or more that align with their interests. Submissions typically involve completing a project proposal or presentation, which must be submitted by the specified deadline. For more information on the program, including specific challenge details, resources, and deadlines, visit the official NFTE World Series of Innovation website at [https://innovation.nfte.com](https://innovation.nfte.com). Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your ideas into real-world impact!