🎓 Gen-next Challenge 2026

The FEI Gen-next Sport Innovation Challenge invites post-secondary students to develop bold, practical solutions that can help shape the future of equestrian sport, with a focus on fan engagement, technology, fairness, and the next generation of sports innovation.

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FEI Gen-next Sport Innovation Challenge 2026

Build it.
Show it.
Explain it.

A strong submission combines a relevant solution, solid reasoning, practical demonstration and clear communication. Upload your first complete version to Agorize by 8 November 2026 for the local selection stage.

8 NovAgorize submission deadline
5 slidesmaximum proposal
3 minmaximum video
4 criteriaused at both selection stages

By 8 November · on Agorize

Your submission for local selection.

Submit these three elements before your university's local selection. Together, they should help the jury quickly understand the problem, your solution, how it works and why your approach makes sense.

01

5-slide proposal

Maximum 5 content slides, plus a title slide and a closing slide.

Explain the problem, your solution, how it works, its feasibility and the value it could create. Structure the story in the way that best communicates your idea.

02

Demo video

Maximum 3 minutes · MOV or MP4

Use the video to make your proposed solution easy to understand. The complete video must not exceed three minutes.

Topic 1 · required video structure 60 seconds maximum: demonstrate the solution itself. Up to 2 additional minutes: explain the rationale, key features, development process or supporting choices.
03

Prototype

Optional, but strongly encouraged.

Use a mock-up, clickable interface, workflow, visual overlay, card concept, simulation or another practical representation to show how the solution could work.

A prototype is not mandatory. It is not evaluated simply on whether one exists. What matters is how convincingly your submission demonstrates and supports the proposed solution.

From submission to the final

Your first submission is the basis for local selection. Finalist teams can reuse it or improve it before presenting to the final jury.

By 8 November Submit on Agorize

Upload the proposal, video and optional prototype for local selection.

9–15 November Present locally

Present the project to your university during its local selection process.

16–20 November (Flexible dates) Refine if selected

Finalists may adjust and strengthen their materials using feedback received.

27 November Final Pitching Day

Deliver a 5-minute pitch, followed by a 5-minute jury Q&A.

The same four evaluation criteria apply throughout the challenge. Finalists may build on their original submission and make adjustments before the final.

How your project will be evaluated

The same framework is used during university selection and the Final Pitching Day. Each criterion contributes to the team's overall score.

Before you submit

Check the Categories page and make sure your project covers all the expected outputs for your selected topic. These requirements are considered alongside the criteria below.

Criterion 01 20%

Challenge understanding & relevance

Does the team understand the selected FEI challenge, its context and the people affected? Does the solution directly respond to the problem?

What we look for
  • Clear understanding of the challenge
  • Relevance to the selected use case
  • Focus on the real user or stakeholder need
Criterion 02 · highest weighting 35%

Solution quality, innovation & feasibility

Is the solution effective, thoughtful and original? Does it meaningfully improve the current situation while remaining realistic for equestrian sport?

What we look for
  • Quality and strength of the solution
  • Originality or meaningful improvement
  • Practical and technical constraints considered
Criterion 03 25%

Demonstration & supporting evidence

How well does the team make the solution tangible and support its choices? Evidence may include research, data, examples, feedback, mock-ups, workflows, prototypes or simulations.

What we look for
  • Clear demonstration of how it works
  • Support for key assumptions or choices
  • Practical examples that make it tangible
Criterion 04 20%

Clarity & communication

Can the jury easily understand the problem, the proposed solution, how it works and the reasoning behind it?

What we look for
  • Clear and logical storytelling
  • Simple explanation of the solution
  • Effective use of slides, video and supporting material

Keep in mind

We are looking for a solution that responds strongly to the challenge, is thoughtfully developed, can be demonstrated clearly, and could realistically create value in equestrian sport.

Understand the challengeStart from the actual problem.
Build a strong solutionInnovation should serve a purpose.
Make it tangibleShow us how it could work.
Tell the story clearlyMake your reasoning easy to follow.