How to Host an Innovation Challenge: Inspire Student Creativity and Problem-Solving

Want to bring entrepreneurship and innovation to life in your classroom? The Innovation Challenge module offers everything you need to host an exciting, fast-paced competition where student teams develop and pitch business ideas to solve real-world problems. With this hands-on event, students practice teamwork, creative thinking, and pitching skills while competing for recognition and prizes.

What's in the Module?

This comprehensive module includes:

• How to Host an Innovation Challenge: Step-by-step guidance for organizing the event, setting up teams, and choosing a compelling challenge topic.
• Student Handout: Tools for students to brainstorm, prototype, and prepare their presentations.
• Judge’s Handout: Instructions and tips for judges on evaluating student ideas and offering constructive feedback.

Overview of an Innovation Challenge

An Innovation Challenge is a timed competition where student teams collaborate to create business ideas based on a real-world issue. Teams prepare a 3-minute pitch, presenting their ideas to a panel of judges who offer mentorship and evaluate each presentation. Originally developed for the e-Fest® undergraduate pitch competition, this activity has empowered thousands of students to innovate and think entrepreneurially. It’s a unique experience that connects classroom knowledge with practical problem-solving and entrepreneurial action.

Who Can Host an Innovation Challenge?

Schools, community organizations, and youth programs can adapt this module for high school and college students, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. Whether hosting with a large group or a small class, this module is flexible and scalable, offering an engaging experience for all participants.

Why Host an Innovation Challenge?

This event gives students the chance to:

• Develop practical solutions for real-world challenges.
• Build teamwork and communication skills in a fun, competitive environment.
• Gain insights from experienced judges, including entrepreneurs, educators, and industry professionals.

Hosting an Innovation Challenge brings energy and excitement into the classroom, inspiring students to push their limits, collaborate, and find innovative solutions to big problems.

Student Handout: e-Fest Innovation Challenge

How to Host an Innovation Challenge

Innovation Challenge Judges Handout