World's Challenge Challenge
The World's Challenge Challenge invites all U of A students to propose an innovative solution to a major global issue. Compete for a $10,000 prize to bring your project to life.
First prize winners go on to the Global Finals at Western University to compete for an additional $30,000.
Workshops are held in October to help you develop a strong proposal. All proposals work to address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Program Timeline
- Register NOW!
- January 31, 2023: Final Proposals Due (2023 Proposal Form)
- February 2, 2023: Ensuring Impact & Effectiveness (mandatory workshop)
- March 2, 2023: Semi-Finals
- March 23, 2023: UAlberta Finals
Information to help get you started:
- Register! Get in touch and start the process.
- Consider - what are you passionate about? Where do you want to make a difference.
- Research the global problem that you want to address.
- Consider: why does this problem exist? What are its root causes? What are others doing about it? Where are the gaps? What can you (and your team) uniquely offer?
- Secure a team of 2-4 UAlberta students. Though it is not a requirement, we recommend your team be made up of students from different Faculties/Departments to ensure a diverse knowledge base. Of course, you also want people who are just as passionate as you to carry the project through.
- Make use of campus and community resources to help define your problem and refine your solution.
- Who, on-campus or in the community, is already studying or working on this problem? Connect with them to learn more about their work.
- Review the scoring rubric to see what participating teams will be judged on
- Submit your final proposal.
Need inspiration? Check out a few of the past team projects.
"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 regard 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

- UAlberta WCC 2019 team

"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
Additional resources
- UAlberta Faculty of Science's Student Innovation Centre
- UAlberta eHUB
- Expertise finder (filter your search by the University of Alberta)