A national innovation competition for K-12 students, held virtually so students anywhere in the U.S. can take part. Students work alone or in teams of up to three to develop an invention or venture concept through unstructured problem-solving tied to core STEM standards, then submit it for judging. Students enter through a partner organization or the Independent Innovator Challenge, registration is $30 per student with scholarships available, and top innovators advance to Nationals.
Offered by National Innovator Challenge. Competition for high school students in USA. Format: Online. Cost: Free. Grades 9–12. Deadline: rolling or not yet announced.
Fields: Business, STEM, Engineering
Info checked October 2026.
No date is posted for the 2026-27 cycle yet. Check the official page for when applications open.
Yes. U.S. National Innovator Challenge is free to take part in.
High school students in grades 9 to 12. It runs online. Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.
More academic competitions for high school students