Space Ideation Challenge: Advancing America’s Leadership in Space

America’s Space University invites you to help shape the future of space.

The UCF Space Ideation Challenge calls on bold thinkers to develop practical, high-impact ideas that strengthen U.S. leadership in space. Hosted by UCF, a university that was founded to help land humans on the moon, this national competition challenges participants to design innovative, market-shaping policy solutions—ideas that can accelerate space innovation, advance national security and science, and grow the space economy.

The best proposals won’t just win prizes they’ll be shared with top decision-makers shaping America’s space future.

PRIZES

• $125,000 total prize purse

• Includes $25,000 reserved for top undergraduate and graduate student papers

• Individual prizes range from $5,000 to $25,000, awarded at an on-campus event at UCF

KEY DATES

• Challenge Launch: Jan. 29, 2026

• Papers Due: June 30, 2026

• Judging Complete: Aug. 15, 2026

• Delivery to Policymakers: Sept. 1, 2026

• Prize Announcement: UCF Space Week, Fall 2026 (Date TBD)

More information: https://business.ucf.edu/space-ideation-challenge/