Thrive Labs Innovation Challenge Series #1
Rules, submission guide, judging criteria, and participation information for K–8 students, families, schools, mentors, and community partners.
1.0 Overview
The Thrive Labs Innovation Challenge Series #1 is a free K–8 student innovation competition where students identify a real-world problem, design a STEM-based solution, and submit a short pitch deck explaining their idea.
Students may participate individually or in teams. Finalists may be invited to present their ideas live over Zoom to judges, mentors, sponsors, and Thrive Labs organizers.
2.0 Eligibility
The challenge is open to K–8 students. Students may participate through a school, club, after-school program, homeschool group, or independently.
- Students may participate individually or in teams of up to 4 students.
- There is no cost to participate.
- Parent or guardian information may be required for finalists and award recipients.
3.0 Challenge Prompt
Students should identify a real problem and design a STEM-based solution that could help solve it. The solution does not need to be fully built. Students should clearly explain the problem, their idea, how it works, who it helps, and why it matters.
Project areas may include health, education, environment, safety, accessibility, community problems, or everyday problems students notice around them.
4.0 What Students Submit
Each student or team must submit a pitch deck. Recommended length: 5–8 slides.
- Project title
- Student name(s), grade level(s), and school or organization
- The problem and who it affects
- The proposed STEM-based solution
- How the solution works
- Why the solution is creative, useful, or meaningful
- Drawings, prototypes, research, diagrams, or examples
- What the student or team would improve next
Accepted formats may include a Google Slides link, PDF file, or PowerPoint file.
5.0 Timeline
- Submissions open: TBD
- Submission deadline: TBD
- Finalists notified: TBD
- Final presentations: TBD
- Awards announced: TBD
All dates may be updated by Thrive Labs if needed. Updates will be posted on the website or sent by email.
6.0 Finalist Presentations
Selected finalists may be invited to present their projects live over Zoom. Finalist presentations should be approximately 3–5 minutes, followed by brief judge questions.
- Students should explain the problem, solution, STEM thinking, and next steps.
- Students should be able to describe their idea in their own words.
- Parent or guardian approval may be required for participation in live presentations.
7.0 Judging Criteria
| Category | What judges look for | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Problem Understanding | Clear explanation of the problem and who it affects. | 20 |
| STEM Thinking | Thoughtful use of science, technology, engineering, math, design, or research. | 25 |
| Creativity | Original, interesting, or fresh approach to the problem. | 20 |
| Feasibility | The idea could realistically work with more time, support, or development. | 15 |
| Clarity | The pitch deck is organized, understandable, and well explained. | 10 |
| Impact | The solution could help people, communities, schools, families, or the environment. | 10 |
Total: 100 points.
8.0 Originality and Fair Participation
Students should submit their own ideas and explain their work honestly. Students may receive help from parents, teachers, mentors, or online resources, but the final idea and explanation should reflect the student’s own understanding.
- Students may not copy another student’s project or claim someone else’s work as their own.
- Students may use AI tools for brainstorming, editing, or organization, but they should be able to explain the project in their own words.
- Projects that are incomplete, inappropriate, copied, or misrepresented may be removed from consideration.
9.0 Awards
The Innovation Challenge Series #1 includes a $700 total prize pool. Awards may include First Place, Second Place, Third Place, and special recognition awards.
Prize amounts and award categories may be adjusted based on the number of submissions, sponsor support, and judge decisions.
10.0 Parent Permission and Recognition
Because this challenge is for K–8 students, a parent or guardian may be required to approve participation, finalist presentations, and prize distribution.
Thrive Labs may recognize finalists or winners on its website, social media, emails, or sponsor materials. No student photo, video, or personal information will be publicly shared without parent or guardian permission.
11.0 Questions
For questions about the Innovation Challenge, contact Thrive Labs through the website contact links.