๐ Gen-next Challenge 2026
๐ 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
From registration
to the final pitch.
Follow the complete journey, know what happens at each stage and stay ahead of every key deadline.
3-5students per team
2FEI challenge topics
ENsubmission language
27 NovFinal Pitching Day
Challenge roadmap
Seven steps. One clear journey.
Each phase has one purpose: help your team move from a real sport challenge to a solution that is clear, feasible and ready to pitch.
01
1 June - 31 August 2026
University confirmation
Academic partners confirm their participation with ThinkSport.
- Universities contact the organisers and complete the participation agreement.
- Confirmation deadline: 31 August at 12:00 Central European time.
02
1 - 30 September 2026
Student registration
Students create their profiles and form their teams on Agorize.
- Create a team of 3 to 5 students and select one challenge topic.
- Use the format UniversityName_TeamName for the team name.
- Register before the kick-off whenever possible.
03
15 September 2026 · 15:00-17:00
Kick-off event
Meet the organisers, understand the two FEI topics and start with clarity.
- The live session covers the challenge, deliverables, judging criteria and next steps.
- Attendance is strongly recommended; a recording will be available.
- Professors are welcome to join.
04
21 September - 9 November 2026
Develop, learn & submit
Build your solution with expert workshops and feedback from your mentor.
- Two FEI deep-dive workshops take place between 21 September and 5 October.
- Submit a maximum 5-slide proposal, plus title and closing slides.
- Add a 3-minute demo video; a prototype is recommended but optional.
- Submission deadline: 9 November at 23:55 Central European time.
05
9 - 15 November 2026
Local selection
Present locally and earn your place at the final.
- Universities may adapt the presentation date to their academic schedule.
- Teams pitch to their supervising professor or local judging panel.
- One team per challenge topic may be selected for the Final Pitching Day.
06
16 - 20 November 2026
Final preparation
Turn a strong concept into a clear, convincing final presentation.
- Refine the 5-slide proposal and the prototype, if available.
- Use mentor feedback to strengthen feasibility, value and delivery.
- Submit the final version by 20 November.
07
27 November 2026 · 15:00-19:00
Final Pitching Day
Pitch directly to an expert jury at the FEI Headquarters in Lausanne.
- 5-minute pitch followed by a 5-minute Q&A.
- Participation is possible on site or online.
- Results are announced at the end of the event.
Your first submission
Show the idea.
Show the idea.
Prove the value.
Deadline: 9 November 2026 at 23:55 Central European time.
01
5-slide proposal
Problem, solution, how it works, feasibility and expected impact. Title and closing slides do not count toward the limit.
02
3-minute video
Demonstrate the solution clearly in MOV or MP4 format. Videos exceeding three minutes are not accepted.
03
Prototype
Optional, but strongly encouraged. Use a mock-up, workflow, interface, overlay, card concept or practical example.
2027
What could come next
Testing phase · to be confirmed
Promising solutions may be considered for further exploration or testing with FEI after the challenge.