Conrad Challenge

About

The Conrad Challenge is a multi-phase global competition that invites students to develop sustainable solutions for pressing global problems in sectors such as aerospace, health, and energy. It focuses on the intersection of STEM and business, requiring students to not only design a technical innovation but also build a comprehensive business model and marketing plan. Participants progress through three stages: the Activation Stage for team formation, the Innovation Stage for business plan development, and the Innovation Summit for final presentations. The program's mission is to empower the next generation of "entrepreneurial innovators" to tackle world-changing challenges by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. It offers students the unique opportunity to interact with subject matter experts from NASA, major corporations, and leading academic institutions. The challenge concludes with a high-stakes pitch competition at the Innovation Summit, held at the Space Center Houston.

Quick Info

HybridPaidHoustonTexasUS8th9th10th11th12thCompetition

Category

Business/EconomicsEngineeringHealthcare/Pre-MedResearchSTEM

Eligibility

Open to International Students

Deadlines

Phase 1: Activation Stage (Application Opening): Aug 28, 2025, Oct 30, 2025
Phase 2: Innovation Stage: Oct 31, 2025, Jan 8, 2026
Financial Aid: Feb 27, 2026, Mar 6, 2026
Summit Registration & Payment Deadline: TBD, Mar 26, 2026
Finalist Materials Due: TBD, Apr 2, 2026

Program Dates

Competition Cycle: Aug 28, 2025 - Apr 25, 2026
Phase 1 (Activation): Aug 28, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
Phase 2 (Innovation): Oct 31, 2025 - Jan 8, 2026
Lead Judging Deadline (Phase 2): Invalid Date - Feb 17, 2026
Finalists Announcement: Invalid Date - Feb 27, 2026
Innovation Summit: Apr 22, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026

Application Requirements

EssayVideo

Financial Aid

Need-based aid offered