Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge 2026Thank you for registering for the Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge 2026! This platform is your go-to place for everything you need throughout the challenge—including challenge information, resources, webinars, mentor support, project creation, important updates, and more.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/ideation/image/upload/dpr_auto,q_100,w_320/v1/id-xylem-2026-487665/mn2qnzvzhuuv7ukspbbv.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil">About the ChallengeThe Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge 2026 brings together students ages 13–25 from around the world to develop innovative solutions addressing critical global water challenges. Over eight weeks, you’ll turn your ideas into action while applying science, technology, entrepreneurship, creativity, and problem-solving to help build a more water-secure world.Why Participate?<ul data-spread="false"><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Compete for $20,000 USD in prizes, with $10,000 dedicated to the High School Track and $10,000 to the University Track.</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Make a real-world impact by developing an innovative solution to a pressing global water challenge.</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Learn from Xylem experts and mentors through webinars, resources, and mentorship opportunities throughout the competition.</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Build new skills and gain hands-on experience turning an idea into a solution with real-world potential.</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Showcase your innovation on a global stage alongside students from around the world.</li></ul><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/ideation/image/upload/dpr_auto,q_100,w_320/v1/id-xylem-2026-487665/vthe7wusxg61t2ulbmef.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil">The Problem StatementsThe Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge 2026 features three problem statements focused on critical areas of global water security:<ul data-start="191" data-end="526" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><li data-section-id="153r8mo" data-start="191" data-end="301" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Water Quantity: Explore innovative ways to better manage water resources and meet growing water demands.</li><li data-section-id="1ljbodz" data-start="302" data-end="406" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Water Quality: Develop solutions that help protect water resources from pollution and degradation.</li><li data-section-id="1vl9deb" data-start="407" data-end="526" data-is-last-node="" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Water Access: Create solutions that help improve reliable and affordable access to water and sanitation services.</li></ul>Explore the challenge cards below to learn more about each problem statement, including the full challenge overview, supporting information, solution hypothesis, submission requirements, and helpful resources to support your project development.<a href="https://xyleminnovationchallenge-platform.bemyapp.com/#/sponsors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Explore All Problem Statements →</a><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/ideation/image/upload/dpr_auto,q_100,w_320/v1/id-xylem-2026-487665/tz7xpcdqsmlab1ywnkfe.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil">PrizesParticipants in both the High School and University tracks will compete for a share of $20,000 USD in total prizes, with $10,000 USD awarded per track.High School Students<ul><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Grand Prize: $4,500  </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Second Place: $2,000  </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Third Place: $1,500  </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Diploma of Excellence: $1,000  </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Community Choice: $500 (x2)</li></ul>University Students<ul><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Grand Prize: $4,500  </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Second Place: $2,000  </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Third Place: $1,500  </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Diploma of Excellence: $1,000  </li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Community Choice: $500 (x2)</li></ul>To see what past winning ideas looked like, view the <a href="https://www.xylem.com/en-us/sustainability/community/xylem-ignite/innovation-challenge/videos/#winning" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2022 Innovation Challenge winning projects</a> for inspiration.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/ideation/image/upload/dpr_auto,q_100,w_320/v1/id-xylem-2026-487665/hjrrocf1ljokflxibfof.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil">Judging CriteriaAs you develop your solution, keep the judging criteria in mind. Your final project will be evaluated across the following three areas:<ol><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Impact - How meaningful is the potential impact of your solution? Judges will consider its potential reach, market opportunity, and the positive effect it could have on communities, people, or the environment.</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Challenge Fit & Feasibility - How well does your solution address the problem statement you selected? Judges will consider how relevant your approach is to the challenge, how effectively it solves the identified problem, and whether it could realistically be implemented in a real-world setting.</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Innovation - How original and forward-thinking is your solution? Judges will consider whether your project introduces a new or disruptive idea, takes a fresh approach to an existing problem, and delivers a compelling solution for its intended users.</li></ol>Project Submission Deadline: November 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM PT / 4:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM UTCCreate and complete your project page on the platform, including all required submission materials. When your project is ready, click “Publish” on your project page to officially submit it for judging. Your project will not be considered submitted until it has been published.<a href="https://xyleminnovationchallenge-platform.bemyapp.com/#/projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Create Your Project →</a>