Youth Innovation Challenge Winner Photos Jan 13 2026 Photo Selects

Youth Innovation Challenge

Deadline: November 13, 2026

The Youth Innovation Challenge is a reverse-pitch competition that gives Idaho high school students the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges facing their communities and state, using entrepreneurship as the vehicle. Students will form teams, choose one of three problem statements, and record a video detailing their solution.The winning team will receive a $3,000 cash prize, with an additional $1,000 awarded to their school.

Challenge 1: Transportation

In Idaho, many people rely on cars to get to school, work, doctor’s appointments, and other important places. In growing communities, this can mean more traffic, while rural residents may have to travel long distances to reach the services they need.

 

 

Question:

What tool, service, or idea could help people get to school, work, or important services more easily by making better use of the transportation resources their community already has?

Challenge 2: Waste

As Idaho’s population grows, we produce more waste, putting pressure on local landfills and waste systems. At the same time, many things that could be reused, recycled, donated, or repurposed still end up in the trash.

 

 

 

Question:

What tool, service, or program could make it easier for households or small businesses to reduce their waste, reuse materials, or keep useful items out of local landfills?

Challenge 3: Community

Every community has problems that affect the people who live there. Some are easy to notice, while others have become so common that people simply work around them. Think about the challenges people face at school, at work, or in their neighborhoods.

 

Question:

What problem do people in your community face, and what can you do to help solve it?

 

 

Please review the Civic Entrepreneurship guidelines for additional guidance on how to approach this prompt.

Rules & Eligibility

The Youth Innovation Challenge is open to high school students across Idaho. Please review all rules and eligibility before submitting an application. All questions can be directed to Trailhead's Director of Operations, Kelby Andrew (kelby@trailheadboise.org).