Celebrating 20 years, the global competition invites young innovators to help shape the future
Houston, Texas (August 27, 2026) – What is the next idea that could potentially change life as we know it? Youth innovators around the world are invited to answer that question as the 2026–2027 Space Center Houston Conrad Challenge, presented by Equinor, begins on August 27.
Recognized globally as a leading science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) innovation and entrepreneurship competition, the Conrad Challenge is open to students ages 13 to 18 and empowers middle and high school innovators to develop STEM-based solutions to real-world challenges. Innovators compete in one of five categories: Aerospace and Aviation, Cyber-Technology and Security, Energy and Environment (sponsored by Equinor), Health and Nutrition, and Water.
The Conrad Challenge, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, encourages students to design practical, scalable solutions with the potential for global impact. Throughout the competition, teams of two to five students develop and refine an original innovation, build the entrepreneurial case for their solution, and receive feedback from industry experts. Top teams earn the opportunity to present their ideas at the Conrad Challenge Innovation Summit at Space Center Houston in April 2027. Students may form teams with classmates, siblings, or friends from anywhere in the world, and returning participants are welcome if they are eligible.
“Every breakthrough in history began with a question and a person bold enough to pursue the answer,” said Daniel Newmyer, Chief Learning Officer at Space Center Houston. “The Conrad Challenge gives students the platform, mentorship, and inspiration they need to create a successful pathway to college and career readiness.”
Through this challenge, students develop valuable innovation and leadership skills while gaining a unique opportunity to enhance their resumes and take meaningful steps toward achieving their future academic and career goals.
Founded in 2007 by Nancy Conrad in honor of her late husband, NASA astronaut Charles “Pete” Conrad, the challenge continues his legacy of fearless exploration and entrepreneurial spirit.
“It’s amazing how many kids participate every year,” said Nancy Conrad, founder and chair of the Conrad Foundation. “Pete believed innovation wasn’t reserved for adults; it belonged to anyone with imagination and courage. Today’s students aren’t just preparing for the future; they’re actively building it. Their ideas have the power to reshape industries, communities, and lives, and that’s such a powerful thing to witness.”
A Transformative Experience
Participants in the challenge gain experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and communication while accessing resources, expert perspectives, and feedback to strengthen their ideas. They also join a global community of young innovators and professionals who share their passion for solving real-world challenges.Last year’s Conrad Challenge drew more than 8,000 students from over 70 countries.
The Activation Stage of the Space Center Houston Conrad Challenge, presented by Equinor, begins August 27 and ends October 29. Virtual webinars will be held throughout the activation and innovation stages, focusing on a series of topics related to innovation, research, and design. Our next webinar entitled, “Innovation Insight: Research like a Professional”, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 4 p.m. CDT.
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About Equinor
Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. Their purpose: Energy for people. Progress for society. Searching for better. Headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, Equinor is present in around 30 countries worldwide, including the U.S. where it has delivered safe and reliable energy to help power American society for nearly 40 years. Equinor’s U.S. portfolio includes oil, gas, renewables, lithium and low-carbon solutions. Learn more at www.equinor.com.
About Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston’s shared purpose is to bring people and space closer together. Over 1.3 million visitors and more than 250,000 students and educators visit each year to explore the significance of space exploration and pursue a path in STEM, or to follow along as incredible feats of human spaceflight continue to make new discoveries. Space Center Houston is owned by the Manned Space Flight Education 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and generates an annual economic impact of $185.5M to the Greater Houston area. Space Center Houston is the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate, a Certified Autism Center, and is recognized by USA TODAY as a 10Best Science Museum. Learn more at spacecenter.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rashena Franklin
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rfranklin@spacecenter.org
713.301.4577
Kennedy Copeland
Public Relations Specialist
KCopeland@spacecenter.org
281.283.4796
