As we look ahead to this summer’s TED Summer School, delivered by Immerse Education in partnership with TED, we are excited to launch the TED Ideas Competition. This global public speaking challenge invites young people to begin exploring ideas worth spreading and to take their first step towards communicating them with clarity and confidence.

The competition acts as a starting point. For selected participants, it may lead to full or partial scholarships to attend TED Summer School – a two-week immersive programme where students develop, structure, and deliver their own TED-style talk to a live audience.

What Is the TED Ideas Competition?

The TED Ideas Competition, also known as the Learning to Be Heard – Global Public Speaking Challenge is a free, global public speaking competition for high school participants aged 14 to 18. It invites young people to share an idea, message, or question that matters to them in a one-minute video.

Participants respond to a single prompt. Imagine everyone in the world is listening to you for one minute. What would you say, and why?

This is not a polished speech competition. Instead, the focus is on ideas in progress, early thinking, and personal motivation. Judges look for clarity, originality, and a genuine reason for speaking up, rather than perfect delivery or advanced public speaking skills.

Selected participants may be awarded full or partial scholarships to attend TED Summer School, delivered by Immerse Education in partnership with TED. The competition offers a first step into exploring ideas and learning how to communicate them with confidence.

Where Is the TED Ideas Competition Held?

The TED Ideas Competition is an international public speaking competition held entirely online. Because of this, participants from around the world can enter by submitting a one-minute video, with no in-person event required.

Because the competition is virtual, students can take part from anywhere, using a phone or laptop to record their entry. As a result, the challenge feels accessible across different countries, time zones, and backgrounds. Visit the TED Ideas Competition page to enter.

Submissions are reviewed online, and selected participants may be offered full or partial scholarships to attend TED Summer School in London, New York, Singapore, or through the virtual programme.

Communication & Public Speaking

In-person

Find your voice and build on your public...

TED Summer School
Ages: 15-18

Communication & Public Speaking

In-person

Develop ideas with impact in New York, a...

TED Summer School
Ages: 15-18

About Learning to Be Heard and TED Summer School

What Is TED Ideas Competition/Learning to Be Heard?

Learning to Be Heard is a free, global public speaking challenge designed to help young people begin expressing ideas that matter to them. Open to participants aged 14 to 18, the challenge encourages clarity of thinking, originality, and personal motivation rather than polished delivery.

Inspired by TED’s belief that ideas deserve to be heard, this public speaking competition creates a supportive space for participants at all confidence levels. At the same time, it keeps the focus on exploring ideas, asking questions, and taking a first step toward finding your voice.

What Is the TED Summer School?

TED Summer School is an immersive programme delivered by Immerse Education in partnership with TED. We welcome participants aged 15–18 on our residential programme and ages 14–18 on our virtual programme, both designed for young thinkers who want to develop, structure, and confidently communicate their ideas.

The programme runs for two weeks in July or August and is available in London, New York, Singapore, and online. During the programme, participants learn through theory, practical sessions, coaching, and a final TED-style talk delivered to a live audience.

Selected entrants may receive full or partial scholarships to attend TED Summer School, using the challenge as a starting point to develop their ideas.

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Key Details

  • Subjects: Public speaking, communication, idea development
  • How to Enter: Visit the TED Ideas Competition page to enter. To enter, you’ll record and submit a one-minute video responding to the challenge prompt through the official online entry form
  • Age Range: High school students aged 14–18
  • Competition Format: Submit a one-minute video online. Judges assess clarity, originality, and personal reflection.
  • Recognition: Full or partial scholarships to attend TED Summer School delivered by Immerse Education in partnership with TED
  • Sample Task: Share a one-minute video explaining an idea, message, or question you would want the world to hear, and why it matters to you

Important Dates

  • Competition opens: 23rd January 2026
  • Submission deadline: 26th February 2026
  • Results announced: By 20th March 2026
  • Scholarship redemption deadline: 15th April 2026
  • Programme dates: July and August 2026

Our Tips for Succeeding in This Competition

With the potential to win a full or partial scholarship to attend TED Summer School, it’s worth taking time to approach your entry thoughtfully. So, here are a few tips to help you make the most of the one-minute format and communicate your idea clearly.

  • Choose one clear idea: Focus on a single message, question, or insight rather than trying to say everything at once.
  • Keep it simple: Clear, direct language is easier to follow and more impactful than complex explanations.
  • Make it personal: Share why this idea matters to you through a brief experience, observation, or reflection.
  • Speak naturally: Record in a quiet space with good lighting and sound. Aim to sound conversational rather than rehearsed.
  • End with purpose: Reinforce your key message or leave your audience with a thought to reflect on after watching.

FAQs

How Competitive is This Competition?

The TED ideas competition is open to students worldwide, and our judges review submissions for idea clarity, originality, and personal motivation. Judges focus on potential rather than polished delivery, making it accessible to participants at all confidence levels.

Do I Need Previous Public Speaking Experience to Enter?

No. We designed this challenge for beginners and more confident speakers alike. You don’t need formal public speaking experience to take part.

Can This Competition Support Future Applications?

Yes. Taking part can help you demonstrate initiative, communication skills, and the ability to express ideas clearly. These skills are valuable across academic and future career pathways.

If I Don’t Win, Can I Still Apply to TED Summer School?

Yes. You can apply for TED Summer School without entering the challenge. The competition offers an additional pathway to full or partial scholarships.

Who Can Enter The Challenge?

Any high school participant aged 14 to 18 can enter. The challenge is open globally, with no restrictions on nationality or background.