World's Challenge Challenge

It starts with one idea, one discussion. Who knows where your ideas may lead?
The World's Challenge Challenge invites student teams to propose an innovative solution to a major global issue. Thanks to the Lee Global Education Awards, the team with the best proposal will win $10,000 to make their solution a reality.
The World's Challenge Challenge is an exciting way to engage in discussions about the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the complex global problems that they seek to overcome. It challenges the university community to be a source of new ideas and inspiration and brings together active global citizens who seek to make a positive and tangible impact on the world.
"The experience at World's Challenge Challenge helped to refine and develop our aims of addressing Sustainable Development Goals 12.5 and 13.3, through biodegradable seed embedded wrapping paper. We are grateful for the support and feedback of the local entrepreneurs and community judges, and hope that this project will plant a seed for more sustainable practices." - UAlberta WCC 2022 team

"The World's Challenge Challenge Competition gave us a jumpstart to pursue our mission of eliminating the use of non-biodegradable materials in the Cosmetics industry. Through the feedback and multiple stages, we have gained the knowledge and confidence to put our idea into action. Our experience at the WCC Competition also makes us feel fortunate to be part of a cohort that prioritizes positive change!" - UAlberta WCC 2021 team

"Through our experience with WCC, we have been able to work collaboratively to create a life-saving solution for drug testing on the street level. This opportunity has strengthened our ability to make necessary impacts within our community on a local, national, and international scale in regards to SDG 3 Quality Health and Well-being. Together we hope to continue working towards equal access to life-saving resources for all individuals." - UAlberta WCC 2020 team
Congratulations to the WCC 2020 team for winning the global finals at Western University!


"Meeting World's Challenge Challenge participants from around the globe and learning of their innovative solutions to important world issues were incredibly inspiring and strengthened our desire to aid diabetic refugees with our project."
- UAlberta WCC 2018 team.
UAlberta Competition Prizes
- 1st Place: $10,000
- 2nd Place and 3rd Place: Education Abroad Individual Award for each team member to be used towards an international learning experience
Need more information?
Contact University of Alberta International at wcc@ualberta.ca
Need inspiration?
- 2020/2021 UAlberta Winning Team
- 2019/2020 UAlberta & Western Winning Team
- 2018/2019 UAlberta Winning Team
- 2017/2018 UAlberta Winning Team
- 2016/2017 UAlberta Winning Team
- 2019 Winning Teams (Western University)
- 2018 Winning Teams (Western University)
Additional resources
- World's Challenge Challenge @ Western University
- UAlberta Faculty of Science's Student Innovation Centre
- UAlberta eHUB
- Expertise finder (filter your search by the University of Alberta)
Connect with us!
Putting a Cap on Waste: Two UAlberta Students Plan to Reduce Harmful Packaging Materials in the Beauty Industry. Edmonton startup business creates eco-friendly menstrual pads Syringe that detects potentially lethal dose wins $100,000 first prize in TELUS Innovation Challenge Tackling an epidemic in the midst of a pandemic: UAlberta students propose a solution to combat the opioid crisis. U of A Social Enterprise Wins $10,000 to Make Biodegradable Menstrual Pads a Reality Creating an Impact: How UAlberta Students are Changing the Way We Think About Waste UAlberta Students Tackle Pressing World Issues with Innovative Ideas One world, many challenges, many minds.