NFTE World Series of Innovation 2026-27
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
Prizes of $300 to $1,500
Idea challenge for youth aged 5 to 24 with cash prizes from $300 to $1,500. Entries due December 13, 2026. Excessive AI use can lower the score.
The NFTE World Series of Innovation is an idea challenge for youth aged 5 to 24 with an Imagination League (ages 5-12) and an Impact League (ages 13-24). Participants compete for cash prizes ranging from $300 to $1,500. Entries are due by December 13, 2026, with judging in February to April 2027. The competition is open to youth worldwide. NFTE's AI usage guide is restrictive: using too much AI can lower your score, and NFTE or judges may deduct points or disqualify entries if AI use is excessive. It is an idea challenge for young people, not a typical business grant.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Foundation
- Amount range
- $300 – $1,500
- Realistic amount
- Cash prizes between $300 and $1,500.
- Deadline
- Submissions due December 13, 2026
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
Who qualifies
- Ages 5 to 24: Imagination League (ages 5-12) and Impact League (ages 13-24)
- Open to youth worldwide
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Youth prize money
Ineligible expenses
- See official program guidance
How to apply
-
1
Choose a league and challenge
Imagination League or Impact League.
~0.5 hrs
-
2
Submit the entry by December 13, 2026
Challenge pages were not opened, so entry questions are unknown.
~5 hrs
Write the entry yourself and use AI only to improve it, since NFTE says excessive AI use can lower your score.
Deadline & timing
"Submit Your Entry by December 13th!" Judging runs February to April 2027. AI POLICY (NFTE AI Usage Guide): "Using too much AI can lower your score"; "NFTE or Judges may deduct points or disqualify entries if AI use is excessive"; use AI to improve an entry, not to create it from scratch. Covers ages 5 to 24, so many entrants are minors.
Deadline: December 13, 2026 — put it in your calendar before you close this tab.
Includes reminders one week and one day before. Verify on the official program page — funders move dates.
Applications are open — don’t lose the window
GrantCompass tracks NFTE World Series of Innovation 2026-27’s application windows in the live catalog. Leave an email and we’ll warn you before this window closes — and tell you when the next round opens.
Free. One email when the window moves, deadline warnings on your watchlist, and the monthly closing-soon digest. Unsubscribe anytime.
Required documents
- Online entry (challenge pages not opened)
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Last updated October 17, 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.