Build the Future. For Real.

Join a global competition to design a real sustainable city powered by clean energy, digital infrastructure, and bold ideas.

Apply Now Contact

Applications open globally • Teams of 10 • Free, Fully funded participation

Introducing The SEED Junior Enterprise World Innovation Competition

The Junior Enterprise World Innovation Competition is a global challenge, open to all eligible youths from anywhere in the world. Your team will work together to design and build a digital model of a green, sustainable district over the competition period. Your team will receive mentorship from renowned experts and financial assistance during the competition period. You'll be required to maintain an active social media presence as well. Mini-conferences are scheduled throughout the year, making this an interactive competition rather than everyone working solo.

Overall, your district model must demonstrate your team's understanding of the principles of urban design and the incorporation of SDG 11 with other ESG frameworks into your urban planning.

Beyond the opportunity to design a sustainable city, the competition offers teams many other benefits. The use of current and emerging technologies is strongly encouraged.

The grand prize of $50,000 awaits the team with the best district model.

Prizes

Prize breakdown

A grand prize of USD50,000 will be awarded to the competition winner. Other cash prizes await the top 10 finalists. The prize-giving ceremony will take place at the site of the SEED, in Solapur, Maharashtra, India, in April 2027. In this competition, everyone is a winner. No finalist team will go home empty-handed!

First Prize

USD 50,000

Second Prize

USD 10,000

Third Prize

USD 5,000

Remaining 7 finalists

USD 7,000

Participation Support

Each participating team shortlisted into the first design phase will receive the following grants:

Participation Grant

USD 2,500

Material upgrade (audio, video, equipment) grant

USD 500

The Competition Structure

The Competition is divided into five phases. Please note that this competition is a year-long commitment. It is possible to visit the SEED site in India at any time during the competition.

Phase 1: April - May 2026: Registration and set-up

This is the signup phase where teams will register their name, logo, structure, and team composition.

Important: Each team must include two students from Indian institutes of higher learning. This is important to provide the teams with matters of localisation and matters relating to the SEED and India. Assistance to contact these Indian students can be provided if required.

Phase 2: May - Mid-June 2026: The Initial Concept

In this phase, teams will focus on developing their district concepts. Districts must incorporate energy systems, ESG frameworks, and early financial modelling.

Teams will receive weekly mentoring sessions, delivered online once per week. Expect up to 16 mentors, all experts in their field. Teams will also participate in the first mini-conferences, conducted in-person and also delivered online.

The first mentoring and conference cycle will be complete at end June 2026.

Phase 3: Mid-June - Mid-September 2026: Consolidation and first evaluation

This is the period when teams will perform research, consolidation and refinement of their projects.

Two rounds of evaluation and shortlisting will take place in June and August. Ten teams will proceed to the final phases, with funds disbursed for their projects.

- USD 2,500 content grant - to assist with teams' social media - USD 500 technical grant - for development of teams' city models

Phase 4: Mid-September - First week December: Mentoring & finalisation

This is the building phase. The shortlisted teams will now focus on technical consolidation, ESG governance structuring, financial modelling and investment readiness, and preparation of their final outputs.

The next online mentoring and mini-conference cycle will also restart. Teams that make it to this phase will be able to directly engage with mentors.

Phase 5: 30 January 2027: Final Submission Deadline

All remaining teams must submit their program deliverables by this date, for review by the jury.

Results: March 2027

The winning team will be announced and a date set for the award ceremony. This award ceremony will be an in-person event in India, at the site of the SEED.