Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Provider
- LSE Generate - the entrepreneurship hub of the London School of Economics - and Crimson Education
- Deadline
- 8/4/2026
In short
The LSE Generate Global Innovation Challenge is a virtual problem-solving competition for high school students (ages 13-18) to develop scalable solutions to real-world problems using the UN SDGs, competing for up to $2,500 in cash, virtual internships, and expert mentorship.
LSE Generate Global Innovation Challenge
By LSE Generate - the entrepreneurship hub of the London School of Economics - and Crimson Education
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 8/4/20264 days left
$2,500
Top cash prize
Virtual internships
Experience with LSE Social Enterprise Founders
High school students (13-18)
Open to
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Challenge theme
Fully virtual
Format
Overview
The LSE Generate Global Innovation Challenge (LGIC) is a global, fully virtual innovation and problem-solving competition designed for high school students aged 13–18. Hosted in partnership with LSE Generate, the entrepreneurship hub of the London School of Economics, and Crimson Education, LGIC encourages students to create scalable solutions addressing real-world issues by aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This international competition in 2026 provides a platform for students worldwide to pitch their meaningful ideas, acquire valuable entrepreneurial skills, and vie for world-class prizes. These include virtual internships with LSE Social Enterprise Founders, cash prizes up to $2,500, expert mentorship, and global recognition. Participants will develop critical thinking, structured writing, persuasive communication, and analytical reasoning skills, which are highly valued by top universities. LGIC offers access to expert-led webinars, curated resources, and frameworks that teach students innovative thinking and solution building. The competition is fully virtual, removing location barriers, and requires no prior experience, only creativity, curiosity, and a desire to solve problems. It's an opportunity to make a real impact regardless of prior entrepreneurial background.
What to build
Participants must develop scalable solutions to real-world problems, aligning their innovations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This involves creating meaningful ideas and proposals for addressing global challenges.
Prizes
Top prize
Gain hands-on experience with LSE Social Enterprise founders and earn a recognized certificate while building key leadership and strategy skills. Additional benefits include internships, mentorship sessions, exclusive access to LSE Generate events, and global publication.
Up to $2,500
Key dates
- Early Bird DeadlineMay 31st, 2026
- Regular Registrations OpenJune 1st, 2026
- Final Registration DeadlineAugust 4th, 2026
Eligibility
The competition is open to all high school students aged 13-18. Entries are also accepted from 9th graders who have not yet turned 13, as well as recent high school graduates who are taking a gap year and are not enrolled in university credits. Participants can join individually or in teams of 2–4 students. The registration fee applies per person.
How to enter
- Register for the competition individually or as a team of 2-4 students. Note that a registration fee applies per person.
- Upon registration, receive free access to pre-recorded bootcamps and webinars led by industry experts.
- Develop and submit innovative solutions to real-world problems aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sponsors & partners
LSE GenerateCrimson Education