2026 cohort — applications open
Next Gen
Competition
A yearly showcase for the projects students in grades 6–12 build, write, and figure out on their own. Submit your work; have it read closely.
About
The Next Gen Competition is an annual program for students who like to take an idea further than the assignment asked for — whether that means a lab notebook, a working prototype, a proof, or an essay you couldn’t stop revising. Your submission goes to a panel of judges who read it on its own terms.
Winners receive a certificate. Every applicant gets written feedback from the judging panel on what worked and where to push next.
Where your work fits
Six categories · pick the closest one
- 01
Science & Research
Experiments, investigations, and original research across biology, chemistry, physics, and the earth sciences.
- 02
Technology & Engineering
Software, hardware, robotics, and machine-learning projects that solve a problem you actually ran into.
- 03
Mathematics
Proofs, problem-solving, and applied work in algebra, geometry, number theory, and beyond.
- 04
Arts & Humanities
Visual art, creative writing, history, and philosophy — including projects that bridge the studio and the page.
- 05
Social Sciences
Sociology, psychology, economics, and community research that looks closely at how people behave.
- 06
Environment & Sustainability
Field studies and design work on climate, ecology, and living more lightly on a shared planet.
Key dates, 2026
- June 1Step 1
Applications open
- July 1Step 2
Submission deadline
- July 7Step 3
Finalists announced
- July 10Step 4
Finals & awards
Questions,
answered
- Who is eligible to apply?
- Any student in grades 6–12 at an accredited school. You can enter on your own or as a team of up to three.
- Can a team apply together?
- Yes. Teams of up to three students may submit one joint application. List every member with their school and grade.
- Is there an entry fee?
- There is a $65 entry fee per application, paid once your submission is reviewed and accepted.
- What should I prepare?
- A project title, a 250–500 word description with a shareable link to your work, your school details, and the category that fits best.
Ready to enter?
Applications close July 1, 2026.