Innovation Challenge Series

National platforms for high school students and college students to showcase bold ideas and original work in AI, innovation, data ethics, biomedical technologies, and more.

Innovation Case Challenge

Ding Lab
Johns Hopkins University

Fall 2025 Student Research & Innovation Competition

We’re thrilled to announce the Fall 2025 Annual Student Research & Innovation Competition—a national platform for high school and college students to showcase bold ideas and original work in AI, social innovation, ethics, biomedical technologies, and more. Proudly sponsored by the Johns Hopkins Ding Lab, this year’s competition will take the form of a case competition, where participants submit both a PowerPoint presentation and a final written report.

Projects may include prototypes, data analyses, literature reviews, or ethical case studies exploring the frontiers of emerging technologies.

Finalists will present their work to a panel of distinguished judges from academia and industry. Top teams will be recognized with awards, publication opportunities, and mentorship offers.

Whether you're investigating AI in mental health, proposing a biotech solution, or evaluating ethical implications in data science—this is your stage to be seen, celebrated, and supported.

Timeline

  1. Dec 15, 2025

    Applications open

  2. Mar 1, 2026

    Submission deadline

  3. Apr 3rd, 2026

    Preliminary selection of finalists

  4. May 1st, 2026

    Final competition (online presentations)

Categories & Guidelines

Innovation & Future Solutions

Creative concepts, prototypes, new products, emerging technologies, sustainability ideas, disruptive business models, platforms, and ventures across any industry (education, environment, finance, culture, energy, space, etc.).

Science, Technology & Human Advancement

Research, applied science, AI, engineering, design thinking, human performance, neuroscience, biotechnology, AR/VR, climate tech, urban design — anything that pushes knowledge or capability forward.

Society, Policy & Ethics

Ideas tackling real-world issues: governance, digital equity, legal frameworks, global challenges, public health, social innovation, ethics, human rights, future of work, cultural inclusion.

Teams of 2–4; HS or undergraduate.

Submit 12-slide PPT and 2,000–3,000 word report.

Awards & Recognition

  • First Place: USD $3,000, Certificate of Excellence, and publication opportunity
  • Second Place: USD $1,500, Certificate of Excellence, and publication opportunity
  • Third Place: USD $800, Certificate of Excellence, and publication opportunity

Selected projects may also be featured in the Student Research & Innovation Digest.

Honorable Mentions will be recognized for creativity, impact, and rigor.

Summer Research & Innovation Bootcamp

Our Summer Research & Innovation Bootcamp is an intensive, hands-on experience designed for curious and driven high school students (grades 9–12) who want to explore real-world problems through research, innovation, and leadership.

Held over 2–4 weeks during the summer virtually, the camp combines:

Program Components

  • Faculty-led workshops on AI, biomedical innovation, ethics, and data science
  • Research skill-building in writing, analysis, and critical thinking
  • Mentored group projects and presentations
  • Guest talks from university researchers and industry professionals
  • Optional track: AI Case Challenge accelerator

What You'll Gain

  • Deeper understanding of academic research
  • A polished and publication-ready project
  • Confidence to pursue future STEM opportunities
  • College preparation and application support
  • Network of peers and mentors

Students will leave this experience with a deeper understanding of academic research, a polished and publication-ready project, and the confidence to pursue future opportunities in STEM, policy, innovation, and beyond. Whether you're preparing for college, aiming for a journal publication, or ready to launch your first big idea, this is the summer to take your potential seriously.

All of our mentors and bootcamp trainers are renowned university professors, each holding a Ph.D. and active appointments at top institutions. They bring cutting-edge expertise, real-world insights, and a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of thinkers and leaders.

For more information, editor@young-innovator.org.

Occupational Health in Music

This Global Occupational Health Summit in Tertiary Music Institutions, offered as a Pre-Conference Event to the Performing Arts Medicine Association’s International Symposium in Washington, D.C., brings together scholars and experts to address the pressing need for health promotion, education, research, and professional accountability in higher music education. The program highlights the importance of specialized training for healthcare providers, the development of tailored care protocols, and the use of measurable outcomes to meet the unique health challenges musicians face. The summit advocates for tertiary music institutions to assume responsibility for safe learning environments and to recognize occupational health as an essential area of knowledge and competency for all musicians. Visit: OccupationalHealthinMusic.org.