Western University World Challenge Challenge

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Think you have a unique solution to a global challenge? Become a global innovator and an international change maker through the World Challenge Challenge (WCC), an initiative of Western University, Canada. Apply by 3rd February 2019 for your chance to compete at the global finals of the World’s Challenge Challenge, hosted by Western University in London, Ontario, Canada!

WCC is an amazing opportunity to debate global issues from a global perspective and create the possibility of real change. The University of Liverpool will be hosting a prestigious competition to select a team of three students to represent us at the finals. Teams of three students, including at least one undergraduate (preferably from at least two different subject areas) must choose a global issue and design a unique solution. Teams will then pitch their idea to a panel of judges.

The winning team from the Liverpool competition will represent Liverpool at the global finals (2nd to 7th June 2019) at Western University (and compete for a chance to win up to $30,000) as well as winning return flights from Manchester, UK to London, Ontario, a £5000 investment for their solution from Santander Universities Enterprise Fund and support to implement their idea through the Santander Business Incubator.

Apply for the World's Challenge Challenge.

The second and third placed teams from the Liverpool competition will win:

  • Second place: a £3500 investment for their solution from Santander Universities Enterprise Fund and support to implement their idea through the Santander Business Incubator
  • Third place: a £1500 investment for their solution from Santander Universities Enterprise Fund and support to implement their idea through the Santander Business Incubator

Apply for the World's Challenge Challenge.

Learn more about the World Challenge Challenge, an initiative of Western University, Canada.

Who can participate?

The World’s Challenge Challenge at the University of Liverpool is open to teams of three students. All team members must be a current University of Liverpool student and there must be at least one undergraduate as a member of the team. You can be a full or part-time students. Teams are encouraged to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds or areas of study. Only teams of 3 will be accepted to compete in the finals.

How to apply

Submit your application through the World Challenge Challenge application form by 11.59pm on Sunday 3rd February 2019.

  • A maximum of 30 teams will be invited to deliver presentations on their solutions at semi-finals to be held on Wednesday 13th February 2019
  • Presentations should be no more than 7 minutes long
  • Six teams will be chosen to move on to the Liverpool grand final to be held on Tuesday 26th February 2019

Please review the World Challange Challenge scoring rubric‌ to see how participating teams will be judged and make sure that you are free for ALL the important dates (see right hand side of this web page).

How does it work?

You will form diverse teams of three and think of a global challenge the world is currently facing. To make your solution as effective as possible, you are encouraged to explore issues that affect your own lives or one you feel passionate about. There is no limit on the topics you could pick from, but you're encouraged to consider the UN's 17 Sustainable Global Development Goals as your starting point.

Each team of three will then deliver 7 minute presentations on their solutions to a panel of judges. A maximum of 30 teams will be selected to present in this initial semi-final round. Six finalist teams will be selected to present to our panel of VIP judges one week later.

The six shortlisted teams will make their presentations to a panel of judges at the finals competition on 27th February. The winners of this round will be sent to the finals at Western University which run from 2nd to 7th June 2019.

Timeline and important dates

3rd February 2019 - Project Submission Deadline

11:59 p.m

Wednesday, 13th February 2019– Semi-Final Presentations

1pm to 5pm

Venue TBC, University of Liverpool

Tuesday, 26th February 2019 - Finals & Celebration Event

5pm to 8pm

Victoria Gallery and Museum, University of Liverpool

2nd to 7th June 2019 - Global Finals

Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

Scoring Information

World Challange Challenge scoring rubric

World Challenge Challenge score sheets

Need More Information?

Please contact Rich Dunning, Deputy Head of Study Abroad via email at rdunning@liverpool.ac.uk.