Conrad Challenge Competition Explained for Students

Updated: 19.05.2025

Read time: 3 min read

What Is the Conrad Challenge?

This multi-phase innovation and entrepreneurship competition asks student teams to identify a real-world problem, develop an innovative solution, and create a business plan and prototype; teams submit their work and pitch to judges, with winners selected for creativity, feasibility, and potential impact.

Enter this competition and explore hundreds of others through Succeed.

Where Is the Conrad Challenge Held?

The Conrad Challenge, presented by Equinor, is a global competition conducted mostly online, with teams submitting proposals and prototypes digitally. Finalists may be invited to attend in-person pitch events, typically in the US. Teams worldwide can participate.

Business Management

In-person

Cultivate leadership skills in New York, where multinational...

Ages: 15-18

Coding

In-person

Master the language of technology in Cambridge, a...

Ages: 16-18

About the Conrad Challenge: Empowering Student Entrepreneurs to Change the World

The Conrad Challenge is organized by the Conrad Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2008 in honor of astronaut Charles “Pete” Conrad, the third man to walk on the Moon. Founded by Nancy Conrad, Pete Conrad’s wife and a strong advocate for innovation in education, the foundation is dedicated to transforming how students engage with STEM by blending science, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem solving.

The challenge is managed by the Programs and Innovation team at the Conrad Foundation, which partners with educators, industry leaders, and government agencies to provide a dynamic platform where students become entrepreneurs. Participants, aged 13–18, work in teams to identify global challenges and develop commercially viable solutions in areas such as aerospace, energy, health, and cyber-technology.

Unlike traditional science fairs or competitions, the Conrad Challenge emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and market readiness. Teams pitch their ideas to panels of experts, mirroring the real-world startup process, and receive mentoring along the way.

Now in its second decade, the Conrad Challenge continues to inspire the next generation of change-makers by equipping students not just with technical skills, but with the mindset to lead innovation and drive meaningful impact on a global scale.

Join the Immerse Education 2025  Essay Competition

Follow the instructions to write and submit your best essay for a chance to be awarded a 100% scholarship.

Join competition

Key Details

Subjects: Innovation, entrepreneurship, STEM

How to Enter: Form a team, register online, identify a real-world problem, and submit proposals and business plans through multiple phases.

Age Range: Students aged 13–18 (global)

Competition Format: Teams progress through phases: registration, innovation brief, business plan, and pitch presentation (often virtual).

Recognition: Awards, scholarships, and opportunities for mentorship and entrepreneurship.

Sample Task: Develop and pitch a prototype for a sustainable water purification device.

Our Tips for Succeeding in the Conrad Challenge

Work with your team to identify a real-world problem that inspires you, and brainstorm innovative solutions. Develop a detailed business plan and prototype, and divide tasks according to each member’s strengths. Practice pitching your idea clearly and confidently, and seek feedback from mentors. Stay organized, meet deadlines, and be ready to adapt your project based on judges’ feedback.

FAQs

Is the Conrad Challenge Competitive?

The Conrad Challenge is competitive, with teams worldwide submitting innovative projects and advancing through multiple judging phases to win awards.

Can the Conrad Challenge Enhance College Applications?

Yes. It highlights innovation, entrepreneurship, and teamwork, which are attractive qualities for colleges, especially if you advance to the finals or win.