Summary:
World Series of Innovation registration opens today at innovation.nfte.com
Youth worldwide can participate; no NFTE connection is required
First place winner receives $1,500
Youth invited to ideate transformative solutions for global problems identified by the United Nations and addressed by 17 Sustainable Development Goals

NEW YORK, NY (Sept. 15, 2022) – According to the United Nations, eight years remain if the world is to promptly meet 17 critical goals outlined in its report “Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

Starting today, youth ages 13 to 24 can compete for cash prizes in the annual World Series of Innovation (WSI) presented by Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and Citi Foundation. Prizes range from $300-$1,500, and no previous connection to NFTE is required. Eligible teams and individuals worldwide can sign up at innovation.nfte.com.

NFTE believes the entrepreneurial mind is well-suited to ideate solutions for sustainable development challenges—from hunger and poverty to climate change. In addition to presenting creative solutions to preserve our future, the thousands of WSI competitors will experience the entrepreneurial mindset and design-thinking learning style.

“The next generation of diverse entrepreneurs is focused on solving problems not only in their lives, but also in their communities,” said NFTE CEO Dr. J.D. LaRock. “Our World Series of Innovation motivates young people to think big and bring forward innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. Teams of competitors from around the globe will showcase their creativity, passion, and ambition to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, inspiring us all to do the same.”

Each fall, NFTE announces a new set of WSI challenges as a lead-up to Global Entrepreneurship Week. The robust global competition concludes Dec. 11, and winners will be announced in April 2023 during World Creativity and Innovation Week.

This year’s 10 online challenges will advance the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 3, Healthy Lives: MetLife Foundation Good Health and Well-Being Challenge
SDG 4, Quality Education: Mastercard Financial Education Challenge
SDG 6, Water and Sanitation: Bank of the West Fresh Water Action Challenge
SDG 7, Energy: ServiceNow Carbon Killer Challenge
SDG 8, Economic Growth: Citi Foundation Future of Work Challenge
SDG 11, Cities/Settlements: Link Logistics Green Buildings Challenge
SDG 13, Climate Change: Maxar Climate Mapping Challenge
SDG 13, Climate Change: Zuora Subscription Economy Challenge
SDG 14, Oceans and Seas: Mary Kay Global Oceans Conservation Challenge
SDG 15, Terrestrial Ecosystems: EY Accelerating Environmental Sustainability Challenge

The Citi Foundation is committed to supporting efforts that help boost the employability of underserved young people around the world through leadership and skills training, experiential learning, and access to professional networks,” said Brandee McHale, Head of Citi Community Investing and Development and President of the Citi Foundation. “It’s a privilege to continue our support for NFTE and the World Series of Innovation in its work of nurturing the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs by giving them the opportunity to unlock their potential through challenges that positively impact their communities around the globe.”

Learn more at www.nfte.com/innovation. See the World Series of Innovation Hall of Fame at www.nfte.com/wsi-winners.

About NFTE
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school, and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit nfte.com to learn more.

About Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant communities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit citifoundation.com.

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Media Contacts

Denise Berkhalter, APR
NFTE National Communications Director
(212) 232-3333

Joanne Lessner/Lambert & Co.
(212) 222-7436

mediainquiries@nfte.com