Horizons Challenge

Define the Problem to:

Compete in Horizons challenge to define problems that create million-dollar opportunities. Win the prize of $2,040 USD in seed funding to bring your idea to life.

September 15, 2025

Registration Begins

September 15, 2025

Registration deadline

September 15, 2025

submission deadline

September 15, 2025

Evaluation

1992

winner announcement

How it works

Select a focus area and develop a topic that needs to be solved. This is your pitch.

Food and water

Health

Safe and Sustainable Food

Education

Society

Infrastructure

Portable, Off-Grid Artificial Intelligence

Education

Society

Peak Physical and Mental Performance

Health

Society

Autonomous Health Diagnosis and Monitoring

Who is eligible to compete?

To be eligible for the Horizons Challenge, teams must meet the criteria outlined below, ensuring a diverse mix of skills and perspectives to tackle global challenges. Teams must meet the criteria outlined below:

At least 18 years of age
At least two members, no more than seven
Individuals currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. higher education institution, as well as alumni who have graduated within the last 24 months
If members are from both a university and community college, they must be in the same state

How to register

You can join our premier entrepreneurial ecosystem for students by signing up through our Teams Portal.

Register for programs, form teams, and access exclusive resources
Participate in events, meet teammates, and connect with mentors
Access mentorship, funding, and resources to launch your venture

Evaluation Criteria

PLACEHOLDER. Needs to be edited.

Innovation and impact
Business model viability
Execution and traction
Team strength and leadership

Why You Should Join

Solve Big Problems

Work on real global challenges that go far beyond typical class projects.

Build a Founder Mindset

Learn to collaborate, innovate, and think like an entrepreneur across disciplines.

Access Real Support

Get mentorship, tools, and potential funding to turn ideas into real ventures.

Ready to Compete?

Kick off your application and jump into the competition through the Teams Portal.

Horizons Challenge 2026

The Horizons Challenge is your chance to identify the critical focus areas that will lead humanity to the Moon by 2040 and solve major global challenges.

Registration Closes

March 15, 2026

Grand Prize:

$2,040 USD

Finals:

May 20, 2026

Past Competitions

Horizons Challenge 2025

Highlights from last year’s competition, featuring standout student innovations and the final winning team.

12

Teams

400

Xperts

$2,040

Awarded

Horizons Challenge 2024

A look back at the first Horizons Challenge, where top student teams competed for the final prize.

6

Teams

150

Xperts

$1,500

Awarded

Fund Your Students

Schools can sponsor student entries to help remove financial barriers and encourage wider participation. Support your teams and empower their ideas to thrive.

Frequently asked questions