2025 CONRAD CHALLENGE INNOVATION SUMMIT
Students from around the world have continued extraordinary collaboration without borders, proving that nothing will slow down this next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. All Finalists, Coaches, Judges, Alumni and other special guests and members of the Space Center Houston and Conrad Communities will come together for a four-day event filled with dynamic workshops, tours, community sessions, speakers, and of course, innovation pitching to a live panel of judges.
Teams are scored and provided on-the-spot feedback from the judging panel, a collegial and learning-oriented version of the hit TV show “Shark Tank.” The winning teams receive scholarships, patent assistance and other services to fine-tune their innovations to create companies or license their IP to top-tier corporations. Through these unique events, you will gain direct exposure to industry experts, corporations, investors, universities and like-minded students from around the world!
WHERE: HOUSTON, TEXAS, UNITED STATES
SPACE CENTER HOUSTON & NASA’S JOHNSON SPACE CENTER:
A leading science and space exploration learning center, Space Center Houston is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center. Located within a 2-minute drive from the Conrad Host Hotel, Space Center Houston will be the primary location for Summit activities including Finalist Power Pitches. The center features more than 400 space artifacts, permanent and traveling exhibits and experiences, as well as theaters related to the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human space-flight program. Participant registration covers daily admission to the center.
NASA’s Johnson Space Center has been a leader in human space exploration for more than half a century. As the nucleus of the nation’s astronaut corps and home to International Space Station mission operations, the Orion crew and a host of future space developments, the center plays a pivotal role in human space exploration and enhancing technological and scientific knowledge to benefit all of humankind. Every one of the NASA astronauts and space explorers from international partner countries who has crossed the threshold of the International Space Station or flown on the space shuttle has trained at Johnson.
HOST HOTEL: Hilton Clear Lake & SURROUNDING ATTRACTIONS
Hilton Clear Lake is located on the banks of Clear Lake, next door to Johnson Space Center, home to NASA Mission Control. Waterfront dining, shopping, and entertainment at Kemah Boardwalk are five miles away. Hilton Clear Lake will serve as our host hotel and all Summit guests are strongly encouraged to stay at the property.
Summit visitors will enjoy the Texas Gulf Coast with numerous attractions within 30 miles of the Conrad Host Hotel:
Kemah Boardwalk - Home to waterfront restaurants, amusements and shopping. Just 10-minutes from the hotel!
TRANSPORTATION:
*Space Center Houston will provide transportation from both William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Hilton Clear Lake on April 22nd and 26th.
For HOU, there will be 3 pick-up times on April 22 at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. CDT. On April 26, the pick-up times from Hilton Clear Lake will be 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. CDT.
For IAH, there will be 2 pick-up times on April 22 at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. CDT. On April 26, the pick-up times from Hilton Clear Lake will be 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. CDT.
2025 Innovation Summit Finalists
drumroll please… we are proud TO introduce the student teams who will compete in the INNOVATION SUMMIT of the 2024-25 conrad challenge.
The Finalist teams received the highest acclamation from the Judges and Conrad Challenge Team within their categories during the Innovation Stage. Five teams in each category have been named Finalists. As a result, they will participate in the 2025 Innovation Summit. In addition, five alternate teams are listed in each category. Those teams will be invited to the Innovation Summit in the event a Finalist team is unable to attend. Learn more about our Innovation Summit Finalists below!
Congratulations to our Finalists, Alternate Finalists and all Conrad Innovators! You never cease to amaze us!
Aerospace & Aviation
mO=On
United Kingdom
Oxford High School
Amy Webster, Aaron Smith,
Casey Nip, Christina Jin
Coach: Adrian Kewell
We are mO=On, the breath of Space exploration. We provide a sustainable service to extract, store and transport liquid Oxygen and Hydrogen to our customers on the Moon. These gases are used to fuel trips from the Moon to Mars, and the Oxygen can also be used by humans in the lunar settlements. Our target customers are Space agencies, companies and organisations who will own and operate settlements on the Moon and those who intend to use the Moon as a pit stop to travel to other planets. There are no services like this currently on the market and a reliable supply of Oxygen is both vital for life on the Moon and the sustainable Space travel that will enable us to explore the Universe. That is why mO=On is such an innovative and desperately needed solution.
SpaceBoost
Virginia, USA
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Rachel Du, Chenxi Xu
Coach: Katherine Du
Consider the challenges humanity’s space explorers would face if their hands were burdened with pain. Currently, astronauts face a significant health issue—fingernail delamination—caused by restricted blood flow in zero gravity.
We will not let painful nails derail bold missions. Our innovation, SpaceBoost, stops fingernail delamination in its tracks, keeping astronauts focused and infection-free. SpaceBoost is the first solar-powered, voice-controlled electric blood flow stimulator specifically designed to prevent the astronaut health challenge of fingernail delamination in zero gravity. Unlike existing solutions, it uses advanced microcurrent technology to prevent fingernail delamination while boosting blood circulation, ensuring convenience and functionality even in a spacesuit. Beyond space, its adaptability makes it valuable for additional customers such as the elderly, providing a versatile solution unmatched in its design and application.
A game-changer in space, SpaceBoost serves as a revolutionary tool to enhance astronaut health and advance humanity’s journey to the stars—one mission at a time.
Deltavee
Republic of Korea
Korea Science Academy of KAIST
Sukyoung Ha, Joonsung Kim, Onyou Lee, SeoHyun Chang, Oyun Kwon
Coach: Hyunbyuk Kim
WOLF maximizes the potential of CubeSats, which have been underutilized relative to their capabilities. CubeSats lack independent orbital transfer capabilities, meaning their orbits are passively determined by the primary payload. As a result, they cannot undertake specific missions that require operation in designated orbits.
However, with WOLF’s services, CubeSats can be placed in desired orbits, enabling cost-effective research. Unlike traditional demanding substantial capital, university research teams and private individuals can now carry out high-quality projects with CubeSats on a modest budget.
In addition to orbital transfer, WOLF offers a refueling service to extend the lifespan of CubeSats, allowing them to undertake long-term missions. WOLF also provides a de-orbit service, enabling CubeSat reuse and helping companies save redevelopment costs. With its 25-meter rail system, WOLF can launch CubeSats into lunar, Martian, or Venusian orbits. Through this, Deltavee will expand the space industry and become an indispensable force.
Weathering Heights | AirAnchor
Republic of Korea
Korean Minjok Leadership Academy
Changun Jeong, Seyoung Lim, Chanmin Chung, Yeonsoo Chu
Coach: Sukbum Hong
Unmatched stability. Unprecedented reusability. Unmatched potential. The AirAnchor is a groundbreaking innovation devised to revolutionize approaches to conventional meteorological measurements. With its lightweight Kevlar flaps and expanding compliant frame, the AirAnchor is able to reduce aircraft drift by more than 50%—greatly increasing the regional precision of meteorological data collection. Furthermore, with its masterful coordination of stepper motors, the AirAnchor also possesses the unprecedented ability to return home, ready for redeployment. The reusability of the AirAnchor, with our revolutionary lease-based system, dramatically cuts costs to lower the price of launching meteorological devices such as radiosondes from being well over two hundred dollars to just about the price of a cup of coffee. With climate change becoming an increasingly dire concern, the AirAnchor’s combination of precision and sustainability makes it an irresistible choice.
Sensair
Singapore
Singapore American School
Ishaan Puri, Anvay Mathur
Coach: Madhulika Sachdeva
SensAir is a cutting-edge aerospace sensor that detects clear-air turbulence (CAT), a major hazard for aviation. Unlike traditional radar, which fails to detect CAT due to the absence of particulates, SensAir employs pulsed lasers, photodetectors, and statistical mechanics to map turbulence in real time. It provides pilots with actionable data for timely warnings, optimized path adjustments, and fuel-efficient operations.
SensAir also fills a critical gap as the first dedicated backup system for turbulence detection. While most aviation systems have contingency measures, pilots currently depend on briefings and weather maps updated every six hours. With 75-80% of crashes linked to human error, SensAir’s real-time capabilities significantly enhance safety, offering immense business potential and operational benefits for airlines.
Our target customers include aircraft manufacturers (e.g., Boeing, Airbus), avionic system companies, and UAV developers. SensAir supports new aircraft, retrofits older models, and offers a subscription-based global turbulence database.
AEROSPACE & AVIATION ALTERNATE FINALISTS:
(Alphabetical order)
AeroHusk
GIS|Guardians In Suits | Celestron
Phoeni-Xenka
SkyGuard
Tena
Cyber-Technology & Security
SoberRide
North Carolina, USA
USA Enloe High School
Swayam Shah, Bhavik Kanumuri, Neil Patel, Krithin Visvesh, Shaurya Mantrala
Coach: Bhavik Shah
Imagine the empty chair, the silent room, and the ache of a family forever torn apart—all because of a singular, devastating mistake. This mistake is drunk driving, and it claimed the life of our neighbor. It’s a choice that steals 13,000+ lives each year in the US, shattering families and leaving people in a state of grief that no one should ever have to endure. This deeply personal loss opened our eyes to a global crisis, one that extends far beyond just our own community. To combat this, we created SoberRide, a quantum-optimized and multimodal intoxication detection device sold to vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) to eradicate drunk driving. With state-of-the-art facial analysis and an AI-enhanced sensor, SoberRide accurately identifies drunk drivers and prevents vehicle operation. A trillion-dollar infrastructure bill was recently passed requiring new vehicles to come with anti-drunk driving systems, so time is on our side.
Eyerobic
Illinois, USA
Naperville North High School & Neuqua Valley High School
Allen Xu, Steven He, Kyle Wang, Aiden Xie
Coach: Liqun Xu
You hear the rustle of leaves but see no trees. You feel the warmth of daylight but see no sky. This is no ordinary run. Exercise has never been easy for the 338 million people worldwide with moderate-to-severe visual impairment (worse than 20/70 vision). Activities like swimming and running demand constant assistance from guides or tappers, while stationary workouts feel isolating and demotivating, leaving fitness inaccessible and health compromised. While technology has made fitness more accessible for many, it overlooks people with disabilities who need it most. In response, we aim to harness AI to ensure swimming and running are propelled by possibilities, not bound by limitations.
Eyerobic is a dual-purpose assistive headband that helps visually impaired individuals swim and run independently and safely. Equipped with a camera, computer vision, and bone-conduction headphones, it provides real-time guidance on surroundings like pedestrians and pool walls.
Let’s empower exercise for everyone.
WiFind
Virginia, USA
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Nayel Rehman, Aayush Tendulkar, Arhan Menta, Rushil Kukreja
Coach: Ashish Tendulkar
In 2023 alone, natural disasters resulted in over 86,000 deaths as well as millions of injuries, with building collapses accounting for a significant portion [1]. Search and rescue (SAR) teams know that every minute counts and can be the difference between life and death. However, the technologies they rely on to locate people all have one fatal flaw: they require a direct line of sight.
WiFind is here to change that. By detecting disturbances in WiFi signals emitted from the device, WiFind can detect human micromovements through rubble and obstructions. In just a few minutes, SAR teams can set up a WiFind system and scan the area for survivors, pinpointing their exact location through our proprietary Signal & Disturbance Localization System (SDLS). Once individuals are detected, rescuers can access a real-time 3D map with their locations. With WiFind, we hope to speed up SAR missions exponentially, saving countless lives each year.
Allez Go: ArticiaI intelligence to make fencing more entertaining
New Jersey, USA
Secaucus High School
Anmol Gopalak, Dhruv Kotadia
Coach: Dipak Gopalak
The fencing sport’s complexity can make it challenging for spectators, especially newcomers, to fully enjoy. Allez Go uses AI to transform the fencing viewing experience by simplifying complex referee decisions and presenting them through accurate, easy-to-understand visuals. Our software integrates seamlessly with existing broadcasting setups, making fencing more entertaining.
We target streaming platforms and broadcasters of fencing competitions, helping them attract and retain audiences by demystifying the sport. These platforms face challenges drawing new viewers due to fencing’s intricacy. Through partnerships and licensing agreements, we offer a cost-effective and engaging solution, setting platforms apart in the competitive sports broadcasting landscape. Allez Go has secured partnerships with industry leaders, enabling us to refine our technology and develop exciting new features like blade tracking systems. With a focus on accessibility, accuracy, and innovation, we aim to set the standard for AI in fencing, expanding our presence to every major fencing event worldwide.
BuddyBear
California, USA
The Harker School
Janam Chahal, Oliver Chen
Coach: Nisha Talagala
BuddyBear is an innovative, AI-powered application designed to provide affordable, interactive speech therapy for children. According to the ASHA, 1 in 12 children ages 3-17 have a speech or language disorder, yet nearly 50% of them have not received intervention services. Speech disorders can hinder communication, confidence, and academic performance, yet traditional therapy is often expensive, inaccessible, or intimidating. BuddyBear bridges this gap by personalizing speech therapy to each user’s unique needs. The app evaluates speech patterns and delivers detailed progress reports to users. With a freemium model, BuddyBear ensures essential features are accessible to everyone, and we hope to provide premium subscriptions that offer unlimited activities and multilingual support. By combining AI, user-friendly design, and evidence-based methods, BuddyBear empowers children to practice consistently and achieve meaningful progress. With its scalable business model and vast market potential, BuddyBear will revolutionize speech therapy and improve the lives of millions of children.
CYBER-TECHNOLOGY & SECURITY ALTERNATE FINALISTS:
(Alphabetical order)
Dalea
SignSense: Machine Learning ASL Mobile Translator
Smart Traffic
Soteria
The Eye
Energy & environment
Presented by Equinor
Team Gevish: PureDae
Türkiye
Diyarbakir Bahcesehir College Science and Technology High School
Spain
The Academy International School & California, USA
Nujen Yuksel, Arda Bora Karahan, Bejan Yilmaz, Manuela Borba, Calixte de Belloy
Coach: Mustafa Özgür KELEŞ
Livestock contributes to over 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, simultaneously affecting air quality and sanitation inside barns. This, in return, increases the animals’ mortality rate, affects workers’ health, and has recently imposed a financial burden on those in this industry due to taxes. Since regulations in carbon and methane taxes are becoming increasingly common, the need for innovative solutions to reduce the livestock industry’s GHG emissions is growing exponentially. This is why PureDae emerges as a game-changing solution to achieve sustainability in an affordable and multi-dimensional way. PureDae’s technology reduces GHG emissions in two steps: filters trap carbon dioxide, ammonia, and VOCs, instantly enhancing air quality inside barns. Second, the air mixture passes through a selective membrane, leaving pure methane to be channeled and stored in a tank. We aim our product toward owners of fully closed or semi-opened barns in areas enforcing strict emission regulations.
Aventus
Singapore
NPS International
Devaganga Pillai, Devadath Pillai, Amvrin Paul, Arush Nair, Divyansh Barve
Coach: Kris Bhatt
The planet is in crisis, with energy systems relying on fossil fuels or Renewable Energy designs that are outdated technology. To change this is the idea of Aventus Turbines, an innovative concept wind Turbine design company. The Aventus Turbine concept is a Vertical Turbine covered in a shroud design combining Venturi effect with Vorticity and directing wind flow from horizontal to vertical.This is the only Wind Turbine design which is supported vertically, while still with an axial airflow increasing the efficiency of the fibonacci type screw rotor design. Aventus Turbines are more efficient and can be placed closer together allowing for up to 50% more efficient use of Land, interconnecting cabling and other resources needed in huge quantities by other Turbine types and designs. Aventus turbine designs can be scaled up from Urban skyscrapers in Singapore or fitted in rows together with a substation in the coastal waters.
Pump Fiction
Canada
Stratford Hall
Bobby Yang, Lucas Venugopal,
Willem Van Arragon Dengerink, Sameer Assanie,
Coach: Tarik El Babarti
Clogged sewer grates and drains cause billions of dollars in property damages globally year round, and with the weather becoming increasingly unpredictable due to climate change this is only set to escalate. Additionally, as water runoff travels on roads dangerous chemicals are swept away into nearby bodies of water causing harm to the ecosystem. Our innovation uses refined sensor technology to detect blockages and gathers information used to activate the compressed air pump to dislodge said blockage and free the grate. This is a multi-billion dollar industry that remains largely untapped. Governments and homeowners globally are facing an increase in property damage attributable to the expanding number of flooded drains, with our Innovation; Airlume, homeowners and governments will need not worry about residential flooding and other damages.
SPIRo: AI-Based Pipeline Leak Inspection Soft Robot
California, USA
The Harker School
Evan Zhang, Eddie Zhang
Coach: Xin Zhang
Most gas distribution pipeline leaks in the U.S. are fugitive, releasing 7 million tons of methane into the atmosphere annually. Our innovative product, SPIRo (Soft Pipeline Inspection Robot), is a cutting edge AI-based soft robotic system designed for real-time methane leak detection in upstream pipeline distribution systems. Combining bio-inspired soft robotics with advanced machine learning, SPIRo offers unparalleled flexibility, adaptability, and high accuracy (95% in the field). It addresses the challenges of existing methods, including costly hardware, low efficiency, and inaccessibility in complex environments such as underground or hazardous conditions.
BioPower
*Unable to attend Summit
Canada
St. George’s School
Warren Chen, Brian Shao, Frank Chen, Ryan Cai
Coach: Kimberly Orr
Over the past decade, data from the International Energy Agency showed that lithium-ion battery production surged 1400% in demand for efficient and affordable power sources [1]. Today, 95% of these batteries go directly to landfills, wasting scarce metals, leaching hazardous chemicals that will never degrade, and have unethical mining practices in the mineral extracting process. Enter BioPower, a revolutionary biodegradable battery that transforms agricultural waste into a high-performing, eco-friendly energy source. BioPower delivers energy comparable to a 1.75V lithium-ion cell while dramatically reducing production costs and eliminating disposal challenges. Designed as a scalable replacement for AA and AAA batteries, it has broad potential in electric vehicle cells, consumer electronics, and sustainability-driven original equipment manufacturers. As the world moves toward battery-centric solutions, BioPower will set the standard for affordability and sustainability in the global energy landscape.
Paperfect
*Unable to attend Summit
California, USA
Dublin High School
Veera Desale, Sanjana Jagtap, Riya Singh
Coach: Trupti Desale
At Paperfect, we are revolutionizing the $6 billion paper de-inking [1] industry with ultrasonic technology—a cleaner, chemical-free solution for recycling paper. Unlike traditional chemical-based and enzyme-based methods, our ultrasonic waves dislodge ink particles from paper fibers, reducing chemical use by up to 70%. This innovation not only produces premium-quality recycled paper with enhanced whiteness and strength but also promotes a sustainable circular economy. Using a monthly subscription-based model for paper delivery, we target schools, universities, and corporate offices as our primary customers, allowing them to cut costs by 10-30%. Additionally, we form profit-sharing partnerships with existing recycling companies to source and produce our high-quality recycled paper. With Paperfect, recycling isn’t just a necessity—it’s smarter, cleaner, and more impactful for businesses and the planet.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT ALTERNATE FINALISTS:
(Alphabetical order)
Pump Fiction *Attending Summit
Regenix
SILINOVA
Wildfire Wardens: Fire Guard AI
Vision of Grove
Health & Nutrition
Neuropod
California, USA
Cupertino High School
Vishresh Deepak, Nikhil Krishnaswamy, Anika Mukherjee
Coach: Deepak Balasubramaniam
Imagine if monitoring your brain’s activity was as easy as checking your phone. That’s what we’re bringing to life with Neuropod: a revolutionary, non-invasive mastoid EEG device that fits discreetly behind the ear, offering real-time insights into brain activity. Unlike current EEG systems which are bulky and expensive, Neuropod is designed to be affordable, easy to use, and part of your everyday routine. Though applications range from stress, sleep, or mental wellness tracking, we believe that Neuropod can make a big difference in the lives of those with epilepsy. Neuropod democratizes brain health monitoring, breaking down affordability barriers. Our target groups are patients with neurodegenerative diseases, persons interested in mental health and neurological wellness, and health and wellness technology companies. Neuropod's business potential is immense, tapping into the rapid growth in the health-tech market. Neuropod makes brain health attainable, paving the way for a healthier, more empowered society.
Positive Impact Maker
Republic of Korea
Branksome Hall Asia & North London Collegiate School Jeju
Diane Seyeon Lee, Tae Hyeon Jun, Seojin Kim, Gyumin Kim, Minseok Park
Coach: Hyun Lee
In the Halloween crowd crush in Seoul on October 29, 2022, 159 lives could have been saved if proper CPR had been administered. Worldwide, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) claims over 7 million lives annually, with survival rates below 10% due to the lack of affordable AEDs and training. Immediate CPR can triple survival chances, yet most bystanders hesitate to act.
Our innovation, the CPR Aid Kit, can change this reality. Designed for anyone, even without prior training, it provides step-by-step visual/audio instructions, real-time feedback, and ECG monitoring to check the patient’s condition. At about 1.5% the price of an AED, our innovation offers a readily accessible solution through massive distributions in schools, public spaces, and underserved regions.
Moreover, considering that 40 million AEDs are necessary in the US while there are only 4.5 million serviceable AEDs in the country, there exists a huge opportunity. Join us in saving lives.
DermaBeida
Thailand
XCL American School of Bangkok
Kittitouch Prasertsuntarsai, Ei Nyein Chan Po
Coach: Corbin Flint
Imagine transforming an environmental threat into a revolutionary medical innovation. Water hyacinth, an invasive plant, suffocates aquatic organisms and clogs waterways, causing environmental imbalance. Nevertheless, it holds untapped potential in the medical field. To harness this potential, we developed DermaBeida - a biodegradable, affordable, and practical transdermal patch using water hyacinth’s cellulose.
DermaBeida provides a non-invasive, continuous drug delivery system that enhances patient compliance, reduces side effects, and ensures better therapeutic outcomes. Not only does DermaBeida address major environmental issues, it also creates a sustainable alternative for pharmaceutical and biotech companies that desire more efficient drug delivery systems.
DermaBeida isn’t just eco-friendly, it’s cost-effective meaning it’s significantly cheaper than existing alternatives while being highly profitable. With an eco-conscious, patient-centered approach, DermaBeida is poised to revolutionize the drug delivery industry, offering an effective sustainable alternative. Together, we can treat patients and the planet: one step at a time.
MyBiome
Texas, USA
Meridian World School
Riya Palanki, Sumanth Pullakhandam
Coach: Ramya Nomula
Did you know that 1 in 6 US children face mental health challenges annually? Early-life medications, like antibiotics, disrupt the gut microbiome during critical brain development, impairing the gut-brain axis—a vital communication network between the gut and brain. This disruption increases the risk of disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. MyBiome is transforming pediatric care with AI-powered, personalized gut microbiome solutions that restore microbiome balance and reduce these risks by up to 30%, as supported by clinical trials. Our two-phase approach combines advanced AI insights with tailored therapies, addressing a critical gap in pediatric care. In North America’s $18.6 billion gut microbiome market, where true customization is lacking, MyBiome empowers parents and healthcare providers to turn life-saving medications into safe, sustainable solutions that support children’s emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. Together, we can redefine pediatric care and build a brighter, healthier future for every child.
ChemoCool
California, USA
American High School & Gunn High School & Independence High School & Yerba Buena High School & Milpitas High School
Jishnuu Senthil Kumar, Benjamin Liu, Caden Tan, Damon Huynh, Eusern Ng
Coach: Senthil Kumar Ramamoorthy
ChemoCool is a thermoelectric cooling device designed to mitigate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a side-effect of chemotherapy that affects millions of cancer patients annually. While Duloxetine is the only proven prevention method, it causes side effects like nausea and abdominal pain. Recent studies show that cooling the hands and feet to cause vasoconstriction substantially reduces the chance of getting neuropathy by preventing chemotherapy drugs from damaging peripheral nerves. However, these treatments are often below-freezing and highly intolerable, resulting in high dropout rates. Through interviewing professors at Stanford, we found that the vasoconstriction threshold is much higher, occurring at around 15℃. Taking advantage of this, our devices use Peltier modules and an efficient heat-dissipation system to cool the palms at 10℃, ensuring effectiveness and tolerability. With millions of patients getting CIPN annually and no standard prevention method, there is a vast underserved market for our device.
HEALTH & NUTRITION ALTERNATE FINALISTS:
(Alphabetical order)
CortisolX
Fibrometer
Know.Period
Reshaping Diabetes Awareness: Precision Inhibition for Improved Insulin Sensitivity and Health
VitaSense
Currents of Change: The Water Challenge
Oceanus
India
ardar Patel Vidyalaya & DPS faridabad sector 19 & K.R. Mangalam World School & BCM Arya International School
Sachi Jain, Saanvie Gupta, Tanvi Mittal, Manan Sharma, Shanaya Jain
Coach: Vishakha Dutta
Imagine a solution tackling both climate change and water scarcity. Our innovative system combines Direct Air Capture (DAC) with multi-step water filtration, using captured CO₂ to purify wastewater and convert emissions into activated carbon valuable for industries like energy and food processing. Targeting steel, cement, and oil refining industries, with a market potential exceeding $500 billion by 2030, we address CO₂ emissions and water treatment simultaneously. Unlike single-focus solutions, our technology cuts costs, ensures regulatory compliance, enhances environmental reputation, and generates revenue through byproducts. Scalable and customizable, it transforms sustainability into profitability, offering long-term ROI. By turning environmental challenges into opportunities, we create significant impacts on the planet and industries committed to a greener future.
Salt2Dew
Rhode Island, USA
Portsmouth Abbey School & Florida, The Bolles School & Massachusetts, Lexington High School
Yangzhi Wang, Tianzi Zhang, Shuxin Deng, Qingxin Deng
Coach: Johnny Zhong
Our innovation is a next-generation water purification system that delivers safe, affordable drinking water to underserved communities and urban households. Leveraging cutting-edge filtration, it effectively removes bacteria, heavy metals, and microplastics while retaining vital minerals. Unlike conventional solutions, it’s energy-efficient, cost-effective, and designed for minimal maintenance. This solution directly addresses the global water crisis by enhancing access to clean water, reducing health risks, and cutting dependence on single-use plastic bottles. Our system’s adaptability suits households, rural areas, and disaster response organizations.
With water scarcity intensifying globally, our innovation presents substantial business potential. It is scalable, customizable, and aligned with international sustainability initiatives. By forging partnerships with NGOs, governments, and corporations, we aim to create lasting social impact and provide a sustainable, life-saving resource for millions worldwide.
Aquaneers: Shells for water
Viet Nam
British International School Ho Chi Minh City
Quoc Huy Nguyen, Hoang Long Pham, Alexander Chau, Nha Tran Tran
Coach: Thuy Trang
Imagine waking up each day uncertain if potable water will be available—this is the harsh reality for 17 million people in Vietnam and 2 billion worldwide. At ChitoClear, we tackle this challenge head-on with a sustainable water purification system powered by chitosan, a non-toxic, biodegradable polymer sourced from seafood waste. Our innovation provides a cost-effective, non-toxic solution that operates three times faster than traditional chemical treatments, improving water quality while minimising environmental impact. ChitoClear not only provides clean water for rural and urban households but also fosters a circular economy by upcycling seafood wastes into a valuable resource, achieving sustainability, and acessability and affordability in water-scarce regions. We target rural households, enterprises, NGOs, and local governments with a scalable, affordable solution designed for high-impact adoption. Beyond Vietnam, we aim to serve water-stressed regions worldwide, opening markets in water-scarce countries like Kuwait hence contributing to global water equity.
The Octopus
Georgia, USA
North Hall High School
Spencer Perry, Elizabeth Reed, Elijah Williams
Coach: Curtis Durham
Imagine drinking a glass of water, unsure of what’s inside or if it’s safe. Over two billion people face this reality every day. That’s why we created the Octopus: a modular, cost-effective water monitoring station with eight interchangeable sensors that provide critical data on water health. By making water testing affordable and accessible, the Octopus empowers communities to take control of their water safety, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and improving overall health.
At 1/10th the cost of traditional systems, the Octopus is a game-changer for NGOs, municipalities, and families in need. With our goal to reach 10,000 communities in five years, we aim to prevent thousands of water-related deaths. At $500 per unit, we expect $445 million in revenue, targeting just 10% of the $4.5 billion global market. The Octopus isn’t just a product—it’s a transformative step towards safe water for all.
Next-Gen Dye Removal: ZnO-Coated 3D-Printed Biodegradable Scaffolds
*Unable to attend Summit
Thailand
International School Bangkok
Tats Hetrakul, Sirinda Chalermthiralert
Coach: Oratai Jongprateep
The innovative approaches reviewed herein have found that 3D printing ZnO-coated scaffolds is a powerful approach to the problem of industrial wastewater contamination - especially from the textile industries scaling 3D printing with precision and combining photocatalytic properties of ZnO. Our scaffold structures show unparalleled efficiency in the removal of dyes. 3D printing enables us to maximize surface area for increased rates of dye adsorption and degradation under UV light. The reusable technology is custom-tailored to adapt to a range of industrial needs without hazardous by-products, which are characteristic of chemical or adsorption-based methods of treatment. Besides, using biodegradable PLA as the scaffold material decreases the environmental footprint of production with regard to sustainability goals. Hence, rigorous standards for wastewater treatment become economically viable for the industries while leaving a lesser environmental burden. Solution to one of the biggest global problems offers a new, environmentally friendly direction that holds great potential.
WATER ALTERNATE FINALISTS:
(Alphabetical order)
AquaNova Solutions
MICkey | Mouse-Inspired Crawler
Puritree
Sip Simplicity: Untapped
Solar-Powered Drones for Real-Time PFAS detection, mapping, and removal
Innova-nation Finalist
OxyGen
Panama
The Oxford School
Tvisha Kamdar Mehta, Ashley Eyleen Chen Zhu, Alejandra Sofía Pinzón León, Suryansh Rawat
Coach: Karin Sempf
Medical oxygen shortage is a global crisis—a crisis OxyGen is trying to mitigate by focusing on creating an innovative plant that, inspired by the process of photosynthesis, produces medical-grade oxygen. We implement the latest technologies of direct air carbon capture (DACC) in its process, reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, specifically carbon dioxide. Our machine would meet the hospital’s oxygen demand in a more economically efficient manner in the long run, eliminating factors that influence the crisis, such as limited supply, high costs, and transportation logistics issues. OxyGen is unique to this market, providing a solution to a crisis while maintaining a positive environmental impact. Furthermore, our byproduct, methanol, helps us expand to a secondary income source, allowing us to provide more competitive prices. Our primary customers are hospitals; however, OxyGen has the potential to further expand its reach to industries such as metallurgy, chemicals, and building materials.
2025 Award Prizes
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Who will be invited to the 2025 Innovation Summit?
The Finalist Teams in each category were emailed on Friday, February 28 regarding this recognition and next steps. If you were named a Finalist and did not receive an email, please check your SPAM folder first and then reach out to us at info@conradchallenge.org.
What is the deadline for teams to accept their Finalist invitation?
All Finalist Teams must confirm their participation to attend the Innovation Summit no later than Monday, March 10 by 11:59 p.m. EDT. Once teams accept their invitations, they will receive a Finalist Student Guide with all instructions needed for Summit.
Will there be a financial requirement for the Conrad Challenge Innovation Summit?
Each participant (student, coach, chaperones and family members) who attends the in-person Innovation Summit are required to pay a $499 registration fee. We are sensitive to the current global economic landscape and worked with our sponsors and partners to provide the most cost-effective solution to our participants.
The registration fee covers the following during Summit: all meals during official programming, NASA Johnson Space Center Tour, daily Space Center Houston admission, transportation to/from the airports (William P. Hobby (HOU) Airport and George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) Airport) at scheduled times to host hotel (Hilton Clear Lake), to/from Space Center Houston each day, and return to the airport.
Attendees are responsible for their own airfare and hotel accommodations. We recommend staying at the host hotel (Hilton Clear Lake), where the Conrad Challenge has negotiated a discounted room rate including breakfast each day. The host hotel will also be the pickup/drop-off location for all Innovation Summit transportation.
Will there be financial aid available for Finalist teams to attend the Innovation Summit?
As with other fees associated with the Conrad Challenge, discounted Summit registration rates may apply for qualified title one schools or special circumstances. If you believe you are eligible for a discount, please contact us at info@conradchallenge.org. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer financial aid for travel or hotel expenses. Our team continues to work on securing corporate sponsors to supplement travel support in the future.
Does our entire team need to attend in person?
Student teams will not be penalized in any way if the entire team is unable to attend in-person. However, in order to qualify for judging, at least two members of the team must attend in-person. ALL members of the team must contribute to the development of and be showcased in Finalist pitch materials.
In addition, all teams must be accompanied by an adult chaperone over the age of 21. Chaperones are responsible for their students at all times during the Innovation Summit. Should a student have an accident, fall ill or need care, the chaperone will be responsible for taking the appropriate action to ensure the student's health and well-being.
Will the Innovation Summit be streamed live allowing others to view the event?
The Conrad team is still working to determine what portions of the programming may be streamed live and will share this information closer to the event along with instructions on how to share with others.
Will we have time to network/collaborate with others while at the Innovation Summit?
Absolutely! The Innovation Summit is a 4-day event filled with many opportunities to network, collaborate and have fun! We have created several scheduled opportunities for informal and formal networking. In addition, the Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) will host multiple sessions to promote teamwork and community building with the Finalist teams.
If a Finalist team can’t attend Summit, will the team be invited to a Virtual event?
No. The Conrad Challenge is not hosting a virtual event in 2025. Any team that cannot attend the Innovation Summit will forgo their participation in the Power Pitching portion of the Conrad Challenge. Teams will remain on the website as Finalists and retain their title as a 2025 Conrad Challenge Finalist for college scholarships and other references.
What will the structure of Finalist presentations look like?
Each team will present an 8-minute ‘pitch’ to live judges followed by a round of 20-minute Q&A with the judging panel. This section is scored on a judging rubric which will be provided to Finalist teams in advance. In addition, each Finalist team is required to promote their innovation during the EXPO where teams will receive a score based on active engagement with visitors and the marketing methods presented at their booth.
*** If your question was not answered above, please contact the Conrad team at info@conradchallenge.org.