The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) officially opened its 2026-2027 World Series of Innovation (WSI) challenge on September 9, 2026. This global competition invites young people between the ages of 5 and 24 to propose creative solutions for real-world issues. Participants align their entries with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Submissions remain open until December 13, 2026.
Structure of the Innovation Challenge
The WSI competition divides participants into two distinct groups: the Imagination League for children ages 5-12 and the Impact League for individuals ages 13-24. Each league focuses on specific challenges provided by corporate partners. The Imagination League tackles topics such as decent work and economic growth through the Aflatoun Kidpreneurs Challenge, alongside a health and well-being track supported by the MetLife Foundation. These categories encourage younger children to start thinking about community impact and economic viability early.
Older participants in the Impact League address more complex problems. Their tracks include an Artificial Intelligence category sponsored by EY, a food truck innovation task from Intuit, and multiple challenges centered on quality education and professional skills development. Fifth Third Bank and EverBank provide resources for these educational tracks. This tiered approach allows the program to scale in complexity based on the developmental stage of the youth involved.
Impact of the NFTE and BUILD Merger
This launch marks a significant shift for the organization following its recent merger with BUILD. The combined entity aims to lead a new phase of career-connected learning. Dr. J.D. LaRock, president and CEO of NFTE, stated that the competition intends to help students view themselves as actual problem-solvers. The organization wants to prepare this generation for a future marked by rapid technological shifts and complex global requirements. By working together, the expanded NFTE family hopes to strengthen the entrepreneurial mindset of students worldwide.
Participants gain more than just prize money, which ranges from $300 to $1,500 per winner. They also receive access to free, challenge-based learning resources. These tools guide students through the innovation lifecycle, from identifying a core problem to developing a pitch. Educators and parents often use these materials to structure their own classrooms or community workshops.
The global reach of this initiative is notable. NFTE accepts submissions in English, Spanish, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, and Hindi. This linguistic accessibility ensures that the competition remains inclusive for learners across different continents. By lowering barriers to entry, the organization aims to attract a diverse array of perspectives on the United Nations goals.
Future Implications and Participation
Looking ahead, the winners will receive their awards in the spring of 2027. The competition serves as a bellwether for the types of issues currently occupying the minds of the next generation. As the program progresses, it highlights how private sector foundations and nonprofits work in tandem to influence secondary education. Monitoring the submissions could reveal which global goals resonate most strongly with students in different regions.
The broader context is the ongoing effort to modernize classroom learning. Standard academic curricula often struggle to keep pace with the changing needs of the modern workforce. Programs such as WSI fill this gap by providing experiential opportunities that prioritize soft skills like collaboration and critical thinking. The effectiveness of this model will likely determine how other nonprofits structure their educational outreach in the coming decade.