NFTE World Series of Innovation 2026
By NFTE
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Quick Answer
Free online innovation challenge for ages 13–24 worldwide (Impact League). Pitch an idea for a sponsor's UN SDG challenge; cash prizes from US$300 to US$1,500 (about ₹1.4 lakh).
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- NFTE
- Application deadline
- 37d — 14 Dec 2026
- Eligible stage
- Idea
- Location
- International
About this competition
The NFTE World Series of Innovation (WSI) 2026 is an online competition run by NFTE (the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship), a New York organisation. Young people pick a challenge set by a sponsor company, link it to a UN Sustainable Development Goal, and pitch a new product, service or initiative. The Impact League is for ages 13 to 24, the top three entries in each challenge win cash prizes of US$300 to US$1,500 (about ₹28,500 to ₹1.4 lakh), and entries close on 13 December 2026 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time (10:29 AM IST on 14 December). The source says participation is completely free and that you do not need to be a US citizen.
What the program offers
Each challenge in the Impact League pays cash to its first, second and third place winners. The challenge page lists US$1,500 for first place, US$600 for second and US$300 for third. It also lists a People's Choice prize of US$500 for the most-voted innovation in a challenge. Prizes cannot be transferred to someone else, and winners are responsible for any taxes on what they receive.
Beyond money, NFTE offers free learning support: a toolkit, Innovation Lab episodes in October (on pitching and communicating, generating ideas, and mindset and resilience) and virtual office hours where you can ask questions during the season. There is also a separate Imagination League for younger children, with prizes of up to US$600 for the student, teacher, school or program in the top spots.
Who can apply
The agreement allows teams of one to four young people aged 5 to 24. The Impact League, which is the one covered by this listing, is for ages 13 to 24, and students can compete alone or as a team. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or legal guardian to read and accept the participation agreement on their behalf. The source does not limit entry to particular countries, and states that participants do not need to be US citizens. Entries must not break US law or the law of the country where the entrant lives.
For India, this means a school or college student can enter from home, as long as they are within the age range. It does not suit adult founders aged 25 or over, or established companies looking for funding. It is a good fit for a student or youth team that wants a first experience of turning an idea into a pitch.
How to apply
Choose one of the five Impact League challenges and sign up with the Accept Challenge button. The 2026 challenges are the MetLife Foundation Good Health and Well-Being Challenge, the Fifth Third Bank Skills for Success Challenge, the EverBank Smart Hustle Challenge (helping young people manage gig, freelance or entrepreneurial income), the Intuit Food Truck Challenge and the EY Responsible AI Challenge. Develop your idea within the time limit, then submit through the online entry platform. A PDF offline entry form is also available. A practical tip: if you are under 18, ask a parent or guardian to complete the agreement early so it does not hold you up near the deadline.
How applications are judged and what happens next
A panel of judges scores entries in January 2027. The source says entries are judged on the innovativeness of the idea, how clearly it is described, the target market, a marketable name, and the market opportunity and competitive edge. The challenge page adds creativity, connection to the Sustainable Development Goal and potential impact.
The top ten in each challenge are announced as finalists on 8 February 2027 and send a one-minute pitch video by 2 March 2027. The top three winners in each challenge are announced live on 21 April 2027. Judges' decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
About NFTE
NFTE, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, is based at Wall Street in New York. It runs the World Series of Innovation as part of its work with the Global Entrepreneurship Network and Global Entrepreneurship Week. The competition site is available in Hindi, which helps young Indian entrants.
Things to check before you apply
- This is a prize competition for young people, not a grant for a registered business. The source does not describe any equity being taken.
- The source says nothing about travel. Finalists send a video and winners are announced live online.
- Read the participation agreement and the AI Use Policy that NFTE links from the site before you start, because they set the rules for how you may use AI tools in your entry.
- Time zone matters: the deadline is evening in New York, which is the next morning in India.
- The source does not say how prizes are paid out to winners outside the US. Ask NFTE through the competition site if you reach the top three.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
Cash prizes go to the first, second and third place winners in each Impact League challenge category. Across the competition, prizes range in value from US$300 to US$1,500 (about ₹28,500 to ₹1.4 lakh). Winners are responsible for any taxes. All participants can join free virtual Innovation Lab sessions and office hours.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Judges score entries in January 2027 on the idea, how clearly it is described, the target market, the name and the market opportunity. The top ten in each challenge are named finalists on 8 February 2027 and send a one-minute video by 2 March 2027. The top three in each challenge are announced live on 21 April 2027, and judges' decisions are final.
Application Process
- 1
Submit entry
Send the online entry form by 13 December 2026.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter the NFTE World Series of Innovation 2026?
Teams of one to four young people aged 5 to 24 can enter, and the Impact League covered here is for ages 13 to 24. Students can also compete alone. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to accept the participation agreement.
Can Indian students apply for the NFTE World Series of Innovation?
Yes, the source says participants do not need to be US citizens and it does not restrict entry to specific countries. Entrants must follow the law of the country where they live. The competition site is also available in Hindi.
How much can you win in the NFTE World Series of Innovation?
In each Impact League challenge, first place receives US$1,500 (about ₹1.4 lakh), second place US$600 and third place US$300 (about ₹28,500). The challenge page also lists a US$500 People's Choice prize for the most-voted innovation. Winners are responsible for taxes on their prizes.
How are the prizes paid?
The source says cash prizes go to the first, second and third place winners in each challenge and that prizes cannot be transferred. It does not say how or in which currency payment reaches winners outside the US, so ask NFTE if you win.
What is the deadline for the NFTE World Series of Innovation, and what if it has passed?
Entries close on 13 December 2026 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time, which is 10:29 AM IST on 14 December 2026. The source does not say whether there will be a late round or a 2027 edition, so if you miss it, watch the NFTE site for the next season.
Is the World Series of Innovation a grant or equity?
It is a prize competition, not an investment. The source describes no equity or ownership being taken by NFTE or the sponsors. You pitch an idea, and the best ideas in each challenge win cash.
What do I need to submit for the World Series of Innovation?
You need an online entry describing your idea for the challenge you chose, submitted through the entry platform. A PDF offline entry form is also available. Finalists later send a one-minute pitch video, and the source does not list other documents.
Do I have to travel to take part?
The source mentions no travel. The competition is online, finalists submit a video and the top winners are announced live on 21 April 2027.
Is it free to enter the World Series of Innovation?
Yes, the participation agreement says it is completely free to participate. Free resources such as the toolkit, Innovation Lab episodes and virtual office hours are also provided.
When are the finalists and winners announced?
The top ten in each challenge are announced on 8 February 2027 and must send a one-minute pitch video by 2 March 2027. The top three winners in each challenge are announced live on 21 April 2027.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
