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.

Register to Participate

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:

How does it work?
Each team must register, briefly outlining the problem and their proposed solution. After registering, teams will receive feedback and can refine their plan before submitting a more detailed proposal January 31. A maximum of 21 teams will be selected to present their proposals during a semifinals competition at the beginning of March. From there, a maximum of 9 teams will move on to the final UAlberta competition.
Where do I start?
  • 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. 
What happens if my team is selected?
If you are selected to participate in the semi-finals, you will be asked to give a 5-minute presentation to an expert panel of judges. A 3-5 minute question and answer period will follow. Teams will have an opportunity to practice their presentations in front of WCC organizers before the semi-final round.

Need inspiration? Check out a few of the past team projects.

untitled-design.jpg"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

wcc-combined.jpg

"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

WCC 2020 UAlberta Winners, Simran Dhillon, Adarsh Badesha and Ajaypartap Gill

"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"Our experience with World's Challenge Challenge has been an amazing catalyst for our aim of creating environmentally-friendly feminine hygiene products. With a focus on UN Sustainable Development goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), we hope to make a global impact."
- UAlberta WCC 2019 team
UAlberta Team: Syeda, Raeha and Ronja, at World

"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

Questions?
For questions or information, contact Li Mao, Global Learning, University of Alberta International li.mao@ualberta.ca