How to enroll
A team of 2–5 registers in the Conrad portal, with an adult coach.
- Form a team and ask a teacher or parent (18+) to coach
- Register every member in the official Conrad portal
- Submit the one-page Lean Canvas
By Oct 29
Register on the Conrad site ↗In plain words
A team invents a product for a real-world problem, such as energy, aerospace or sustainability, then builds it up in stages: a one-page Lean Canvas this fall, a fuller design in January, and later rounds for the strongest teams.
Great for
Builders and problem-solvers who like working on a team
Less ideal if
There's no adult who can coach, or the team can't meet regularly
What it takes
Cost
Free to start · $499 for the Innovation Stage (financial aid available)
Format
Online, then finals in person in Houston
Who
Team of 2–5 · adult coach required
Time
Steady team work from October to January
Step by step
- 1Form a team of 2–5 and ask a teacher or parent (18+) to coach
- 2Register in the official Conrad Challenge portal
- 3Complete the Registration tab and a one-page Lean Canvas by Oct 29
- 4Submit the Innovation Stage online by Jan 7
Where it leads
- Lean CanvasOct 29
- Innovation StageJan 7
Brief, video and website, judged online
- Finalists announcedFebruary
- Innovation SummitApr 21–24, Space Center Houston
Finalists compete for scholarships and the title of Pete Conrad Scholar
Key dates
- 5 DAYSRegistration and Lean Canvas dueThu, October 29, 2026, 11:59 PM Central
- 75 DAYSInnovation Stage (online) dueThu, January 7, 2027, 11:59 PM Central
Free prep
Add these dates to my calendar
Dates update on their own when an organizer changes them. Nothing about your child is stored.
Checked against 2026–2027 Conrad Challenge Student Guide on October 9, 2026. Suggestions, not guarantees: always confirm with the organizer.