🎓 Gen-next Challenge 2026 (copy)
🎓 Gen-next Challenge 2026 (copy)
This challenge invites all post-secondary participants to present their ideas to foster innovation in sustainability for a better future!
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Welcome to the FEI Gen-next Challenge 2026 for the chance to make a real difference!
As part of ThinkSport's Sport Innovation Challenges, the Gen-next Challenge is designed to inspire and engage participants from bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs by giving them the opportunity to tackle real-world problems faced by the sports industry.
In its 7th edition, the challenge is run by ThinkSport in partnership with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sport.
Student teams research, develop, and pitch innovative solutions to two real problems FEI is actively working to solve. The best teams advance to an on-site final event in December 2026.
We believe that the talent, creativity, and fresh perspectives of the next generation can help move sport forward. By joining the FEI Gen-next Challenge 2026, universities give their students the opportunity to work on concrete sport innovation topics, connect academic learning with real industry needs, and contribute with ideas that can support the future of equestrian sport.
Ready to take part? Register your university and give your students the opportunity to work on real innovation challenges with FEI.
Choose from 2 Categories
Topic 1
Make equestrian sport instantly understandable for new fans
How can equestrian sport become easier to understand for first-time viewers?
Teams will design a simple visual solution that helps new audiences quickly understand what is happening, why it matters, and what to watch.
You can have access to more details on the page "Categories".
Topic 2
How can technology support more consistent and transparent flag judgements in Eventing cross-country?
How can technology support officials in close and complex flag judgement situations?
Teams will explore decision-support solutions that can improve consistency, transparency, and confidence in the review process.
You can have access to more details on the page "Categories".
Timeline
Registration Phase for Universities
1 September 2026 - 31 September 2026
Participation confirmation for Academic partners, and promotion of their institution.
•••
Kick-off Event
15 September 2026
Participants Registration, team creation, and selection of their category.
Please register for the Kick-off event by clicking on this link.
Access to the streaming video here.
•••
Workshop & Mentoring Phase
21 September 2026 - 5 October 2026
Prepare your project, take part in workshops and sessions with your dedicated coach to prepare your project.
WORKSHOP #1 - TBC | TBC CEST
FEI Deep Dive Topic #1 - Gather further insights to fuel your project
WORKSHOP #2 - TBC | TBC CEST
FEI Deep Dive Topic #2 - Gather further insights to fuel your project
•••
Local Selection Phase
09 November 2026 - 23 November 2026
Live presentation in front of the dedicated professor.
The top project of each university will be shortlisted by the professor.
One team per university is selected for the Final Pitching Day.
•••
Final Preparation Phase
23 November 2026 - 26 November 2026
Prepare your final presentation deck and prototype to showcase in front of the jury.
You can still contact your dedicated coach to finalise your project.
•••
Final Pitching Day
27 November 2026
The top finalist will be chosen to pitch in front of a jury at the FEI Heaquarters in Lausanne.
5’ pitch presentation per group (live)
5’ Q&A (live)
•••
Testing Phase (TBC)
Current 2026
Prizes
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
1st
Each member of the First Place team for the Topic 1 will win:
- A support in developing their brillant project
- A bottle of champagne
- A ticket to THE SPOT 2026, ThinkSport's annual flagship event
- Women’s World Cup 2026 Berlin Game balls
- A Vaucher (game tickets) for the FIBA Women's World Cup Berlin 2026
- An opportunity to present their findings at the Women in Basketball Forum, held alongside the FIBA Women’s World Cup Berlin 2026 (optional)
- An Internship opportunity at FIBA Women's World Cup Berlin 2026 (optional)
Each member of the First Place team for the Topic 2 will win:
- A support in developing their brillant project
- A bottle of champagne
- A ticket to THE SPOT 2026, ThinkSport's annual flagship event
- Women’s World Cup 2026 Berlin Game balls
- A Vaucher (game tickets) for the FIBA Women's World Cup Berlin 2026
- An opportunity to present their findings at the FIBA Equipment & Venue Centre Partners Summit, held alongside the FIBA Women's World Cup Berlin 2026 (optional)
2nd
Each member of the Second Place team will win a range of fantastic gadgets including:
- A bottle of champagne
- Women World Cup 2022 Game balls or Men World Cup 2023 Game balls
3rd
Each member of the Third Place team will win a range of fantastic gadgets including:
- A bottle of champagne
- Mini basket balls Olympic Games Paris 2024 Mini-basket balls
Final Pitching Day
At the final event in December 2026, selected finalist teams will be invited to pitch their solutions to an expert judging panel composed of key representatives from FEI and the sport innovation ecosystem.
This final stage will give students the opportunity to bring their ideas to life, present their work in a professional setting, and show how their solutions could help make equestrian sport more accessible, transparent, and engaging for future audiences.
Get ready to pitch your ideas and help shape the future of equestrian sport!