Future Impact Challenge 5.0

Pre-registration required: Link 🌍 About the Challenge What if your next school project could become an actual company? The Future Impact Challenge isn't just another hackathon. It's a 4-month journey from idea to impact, hosted by Applied Computing Foundation in Silicon Valley, where teens build real technology solutions for sustainability—and the best teams launch actual startups. Past FIC participants have: Built traffic optimization AI now being tested in real cities (Trafiki) Created EV charging network optimizers used by municipalities (CITYPLUG) Launched sustainable packaging companies with actual customers Gone on to Stanford, MIT, and Berkeley Raised funding from VCs who first met them at FIC This year, it's your turn. 🎯 The Mission 66% of Gen Z feels anxious about climate change. Only 8% feel empowered to do something about it. We're changing that ratio. FIC challenges teens worldwide to apply technology to solve real sustainability problems—not theoretical exercises, but working prototypes that could actually make a difference. Every project must address environmental sustainability using technology. Beyond that, you choose the problem you're passionate about solving. 🏆 What You'll Win Cash Prizes 🥇 First Place: $1,000 🥈 Second Place: $1,000 🥉 Third Place: $1,000 Beyond the Money ✅ Silicon Valley Mentorship - Learn from actual founders, not career coaches ✅ Startup Launch Support - Winners can join ACF's accelerator program ✅ Investor Introductions - Present to VCs who back teen founders ✅ Global Community - Network with 150+ teams from 25+ countries ✅ Certificates & Recognition - Competition credentials that matter for college ✅ Media Coverage - Feature opportunities in tech and education press ✅ Ongoing Support - Post-competition mentorship continues 📅 Competition Timeline 🔵 ROUND 1: Registration + Qualification January 1 - February 19, 2026 What You'll Submit: Survey (market research for your idea) Pitch Deck (presenting your solution) Deliverable (blog post or video explaining your concept) Fee: $10/team (financial aid available) All teams eligible to participate Semi-Finalists Announced: February 24, 2026 🟢 ROUND 2: Product Development February 25 - March 26, 2026 What You'll Build: Working prototype or MVP of your solution Video demonstration (product walkthrough) User testimonials (real feedback from testing) What We Provide: Dedicated mentor matching Weekly technical workshops Office hours with experts Product development resources Fee: $250/team (covers intensive mentorship) Semi-finalists only Finalists Announced: April 7, 2026 🔴 ROUND 3: Impact Pitch April 25, 2026 The Big Day: Live presentation to panel of Silicon Valley VCs and industry experts Q&A session with judges Peer presentations (bonus points) Format: Virtual (Zoom) Schedule: Block A: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT Block B: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM PT Mentor Talk: April 26, 2026 (Sunday) - Post-competition session FREE - Finalists only Winners Announced: May 5, 2026 💡 What Makes FIC Different 🚀 Silicon Valley Authenticity This isn't "inspired by Silicon Valley"—it's FROM Silicon Valley. Real connections, real mentors, real startup ecosystem access. 🌱 Sustainability-First Every project must address environmental impact. We're training the next generation of climate tech founders. 📈 Track Record of Real Companies 5+ FIC alumni teams are still operating as actual businesses. Your project could be next. 🎓 Comprehensive Support System Unlike competitions that just collect submissions, we actively help you succeed with workshops, mentors, and resources at every stage. 🌍 Global & Inclusive Students from 25+ countries. Financial aid available. Virtual format—compete from anywhere. ⏰ Long-Term Value This isn't a weekend sprint. It's a 4-month intensive that teaches you how to actually build and launch. ✅ Eligibility & Requirements Who Can Participate ✅ Ages 13-19 (high school or equivalent level) ✅ Homeschool students welcome ✅ International students encouraged ✅ All skill levels (we provide training) Team Requirements Team Size: 2-5 members (no solo participants) Coaches: Each team needs 1-2 adult supervisors/coaches Commitment: Teams must participate for the full competition duration Project Requirements Must be original work (or express permission from content owners) Must address sustainability/environmental impact Must be technology-enabled (app, hardware, platform, etc.) Can be an idea worked on within the past year No plagiarism (disqualification from present and future FIC) 🎓 What You'll Learn This competition covers the entire startup journey: Technical Skills: Product development using Lean methodology Prototyping and MVP creation User research and validation Technical presentation skills Business Skills: Market research and competitive analysis Pitch deck creation Financial planning basics Go-to-market strategy Soft Skills: Team leadership and collaboration Presentation and public speaking Networking with industry professionals Handling feedback and iteration Sustainability Knowledge: UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Environmental impact measurement Climate tech landscape Responsible innovation principles 🛠️ Resources Provided We give you everything you need to succeed: Templates & Examples Survey templates with expectations and rubrics Pitch deck examples from past winners Deliverable samples (blog posts, videos) Video demonstration guidelines User testimonial frameworks Workshops & Mentor Talks Technical skills (coding, design, hardware) Business fundamentals (pitching, marketing) Industry expert sessions Guest speakers from leading companies Past winner Q&As Ongoing Support Weekly office hours Discord community (200+ active members) Dedicated mentors in Round 2 Resource library access Peer feedback opportunities All materials available at: [Your Resources Page URL] 🌟 Past Winners FIC 3.0 Champions 🥇 Trafiki - Traffic Light Intelligence System Team: María Alejandra Gómez, Gianluca Tamburrelli (Colombia/Italy) AI-powered traffic light optimization reducing urban emissions by 30%. Now in pilot testing with actual cities. 🥈 Mangopacks - Sustainable School Supplies Team: Andrew Chung, Seoha Kim, Pauline Kang, Jeongwoo Lee (International) Made-for-schools sustainable packaging solutions. Partnered with educational institutions. 🥉 Terratech - Smart Urban Farming Team: Ricardo Howard, Franccesca Cravioto (Mexico) IoT-enabled precision agriculture for urban environments. Cultivate. Monitor. Grow. Alumni Companies Still Operating VOBYUS - Automotive safety research and development CITYPLUG - EV charging infrastructure optimization 🤝 Partners & Sponsors Title Sponsor: 1517 Fund Venture capital firm backing teen founders, dropouts, and deep tech scientists. The prize money comes directly from 1517's commitment to youth entrepreneurship. Hosted by: LettuceBuild Silicon Valley-based organization empowering teens through technology and entrepreneurship education. Interested in sponsoring FIC 2026? Contact: weare@lettuce.build