Competition
XTF Global Innovation Challenge 2026
XTF
Summary
A free global research and innovation challenge for students aged 13–24 across eight tracks, with Grand Finals in Geneva.
About
The XTF Global Innovation Challenge is a free, worldwide student research competition spanning eight innovation tracks and three age divisions, with travel, accommodation and visa support fully covered for every finalist. Eight tracks: Artificial Intelligence & ML; Climate & Sustainability; BioTech & Health; Robotics & Hardware; Quantum & Computing; Space & Aerospace; Cybersecurity & Privacy; and Social Innovation Technology. Key dates for the 2026 cycle: • 1 March 2026 — registration opens • 1 April 2026 — mentor matching begins (rolling through July) • 31 August 2026, 23:59 UTC — project submissions due (final research paper, video and supporting materials) • 1–25 September 2026 — peer and expert review; every submission read by at least three independent reviewers • 1 October 2026 — shortlist announced; top 5% per track advance • 7 November 2026 — virtual semi-finals • 5–6 December 2026 — Grand Finals in Geneva • 6 December 2026 — Awards Ceremony
Eligibility
Students aged 13–24 (as of 31 December 2026), competing solo or in teams of up to four. Divisions: Junior (13–15), Senior (16–18), Collegiate (19–24). Mixed-division teams compete in the division of the oldest member. Must be enrolled in formal education or equivalent — home-schooled and self-taught students are explicitly welcome (parent/guardian endorsement required for under-18 divisions). Mixed-school and international teams are allowed and encouraged. Each participant may join only one team per cycle, and each team may submit only one project. Projects must be original work completed within the cycle (1 March – 31 August 2026).
Benefits
Cash prizes, lab residencies and continuation grants. Long-term mentorship (up to 24 months) and university recommendation letters. A published paper in the XTF Proceedings. Fully covered travel, visa and accommodation for every Grand Finalist, plus one supervising adult per under-18 team. Written, signed reviewer feedback for every entrant.
