Participants of the competition are invited to propose solutions to the world's most significant problems as defined by the UN's challenges. The three best ideas from young innovators aged 13 to 24 will be awarded cash prizes: $1,500 for first place, $600 for second, and $300 for third.

The World Series of Innovation (WSI) by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is an international educational and entrepreneurial competition that encourages young people from 20 countries worldwide to think on a global scale. They propose ideas to solve some of the world's most serious problems and contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Ukrainian youth gained access to this competition through the partnership between NFTE and Ukrainian Future, the business incubator of the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

UN Goals and WSI Objectives

The global goals were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to ensure that, by 2030, all people live in peace and prosperity. There are 17 goals in total, which complement each other. WSI participants are encouraged to seek solutions for six of these goals:

• Goal 11. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES. Aramco Connected Cities Challenge. Your challenge is to consider how you can use Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to improve transportation systems in your community.
• Goal 15. LIFE ON LAND. BMO Biodiversity Challenge. Your challenge is to come up with an idea that can protect the Earth's biodiversity from challenges posed by climate change. What animals and affected communities can you help support?
• Goal 8. DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH. Citi Foundation Skills for Success Challenge. The challenge is to consider an innovative solution that empowers young people, like you, to adapt and be well-equipped to succeed in the workplace.
• Goal 16. PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS. EY Inclusive AI Challenge. Your challenge is to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to make your community more inclusive, peaceful, or sustainable.
• Goal 3 GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING. MetLife Foundation Good Health and Well-Being Challenge. Your challenge is to consider innovative ways you can provide a product or service that promotes or improves upon the wellbeing of people in your community.
• Goal 13. CLIMATE ACTION. Zuora Subscription Economy Challenge. In this challenge, we’re asking you to think about creative ways a subscription-based innovation can help fight climate change and preserve the planet. How can a subscription product or service provide alternative solutions to a more sustainable future?

How to Join WSI

If you are between 13 and 24 years old, fluent in English, have innovative ideas, and are passionate about promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the World Series of Innovation is perfect for you!

To not only participate in the challenge but also significantly increase your chances of winning, you should register for the World Series of Innovation training series offered by Ukrainian Future. Here, you will learn about the specifics of the competition, how to generate competitive ideas, and how to turn them into projects capable of winning. Finally, you will be able to submit a thoroughly developed project for the competition.

Topics for the World Series of Innovation Training (6 hours)

No. 1. World Series of Innovation: Generating Ideas to Solve Global Human Challenges and Moving Towards SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

• Competition opportunities and participation conditions.
• Global human challenges and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Introduction to the challenges.

No. 2. Creating a Breakthrough Idea. Design Thinking Tools.

• Who is our future customer? Customer persona.
• Identifying the problem – "pain points of the customer."
• Idea generation: brainstorming.

No. 3. Turning the Idea into a Project. Business Model.

• How does your idea relate to the challenge?
• How will your idea reach the customer?
• Creating competitive advantages.
• Building brand awareness through creativity: designing a logo.

Please note that you can apply for the training individually or as a group of up to 3 individuals, but only one member of the team should submit the application.

Important Dates:

October 26, 2023: Start of registration for the World Series of Innovation training.
November 16, 2023: Training #1.
November 17, 2023: Training #2.
November 20, 2023: Training #3.
November 20 — December 10, 2023: Submission of prepared projects for the competition.
February 9, 2024: Announcement of the top 10 finalists.
February 25, 2024: Finalists must submit videos.
March 1, 2024: Final round Judging Begins.
April 15, 2024:  World Series of Innovation winners in each challenge are announced during World Creativity and Innovation Week!

Prizes

The three highest-scoring entries in each category receive cash prizes.

1st Place: $1500 USD.
2nd Place: $600 USD.
3rd Place: $300 USD.