XPRIZE Connect

XPRIZE Connect nurtures a global generation of bold entrepreneurs and moonshot thinkers who identify root causes, challenge assumptions, and build transformative solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.

For more than three decades, XPRIZE has designed and run the world’s most ambitious incentive competitions — mobilizing thousands of teams around the globe to compete for breakthroughs in space exploration, ocean, health, carbon removal, learning, and beyond. It turns bold, seemingly impossible problems into structured challenges that unlock ingenuity and innovation.

XPRIZE Connect takes that same proven competition model and brings it to the next generation. Rather than waiting for today’s youth to become tomorrow’s competitors, XPRIZE Connect gets them started now — as young as 13 — building the mindset, judgment, and skills that XPRIZE has spent over 30 years using to unlock breakthroughs for humanity’s future.

Four Capabilities We Build

Problem Selection Choosing problems that matter, the single most valuable judgment call in a world of abundant creation.

First Principles Reasoning Reasoning from fundamentals rather than pattern-matching to stay ahead of AI-generated consensus.

AI-Leveraged Execution Using AI as a force multiplier to prototype and test at speeds that were impossible a decade ago.

Moonshot Framing Designing solutions for 10x outcomes, not 10% improvements, the scale AI and modern capital actually reward.

Alexander Nicholas, Ph.D. EVP, Learning + Society

As the world evolves at a remarkable pace, XPRIZE Connect equips a global generation of creators, changemakers, and inventors to architect a sustainable and equitable future for all. We're fostering a transformative mindset shift, leveraging the power of digital innovation and cultivating the power of curiosity.

Community

Testimonials

Do it — 100%. I didn’t expect XPRIZE to be what it is. My mind was blown from day one. Learner, USA
I used to think I couldn’t solve big problems. Now I’m inspired to make an impact. Learner, Japan
These materials help students slow down; the resources are fresh and powerful. Educator
Out of all the programs I’ve joined, this one stands out. Learner, USA
It exposes you to the real world—CEOs, professors, students from Harvard and MIT. Learner, USA
It’s the best networking opportunity I’ve ever had. Learner, USA
This showed kids they don’t have to wait to make an impact. They can contribute right now. Educator

How It Works A six-month competition-driven program for students 13-18, run across two phases.

Phase 1 | The DEFINE Experience – building mindsets, identifying a challenge, and refining a Vision Pitch for Youth Challenge qualification.

Phase 2 | Youth Challenge – qualified teams research, design, prototype, refine, and deliver a solution judged by XPRIZE experts, culminating in the XPRIZE Connect Global Championship.

Our Global Reach

XPRIZE Connect has reached 20,000+ students across 30 institutions in 10 countries: Australia, Canada, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, and the United States.

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Sponsors + Partners

Sponsors fund the prize journey from bold idea to breakthrough—shaping each competition, supporting global teams, and accelerating solutions that scale. Their backing powers impact that lasts well beyond the prize.

Partners play a hands-on role in our prizes + programs—supporting operations and helping scale solutions with their expertise, resources, and global reach.

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Advisors + Operations

The XPRIZE Connect Advisory Board is composed of adult professionals and teen innovators who know that a new generation of go-getters is ready to build a more bold, equitable, and sustainable future through new technologies. XPRIZE Connect is primed to teach and connect with youth ages 13-18, thanks to the increased adoption of learning enrichment programs and EdTech institutions, and we need your expertise to help bring this to reality. With you on board, we leverage this technology to build on established knowledge, change ways of thinking, and guide students through the discovery process necessary to propose community-changing ideas for XPRIZE global youth competitions.