Challenge Brief

How can we improve the world? The TCS’ Ignite Innovation Student Challenge wants to inspire students in 6th-8th grade and at least 10 years old to answer this question by sharing an idea for a digital solution, like a mobile app, website, robot, or wearable tech. Work with a team (up to 4) or on your own to define a problem that can be solved through a digital innovation in the areas of Health, Our Planet, or Education. All you need is an idea communicated via a 1-2-minute video that addresses how the digital solution will improve the world and the computational thinking strategies that were used to guide to the solution to win BIG!

 

Tata Consultancy Services, (TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, and Discovery Education, the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms, are launching the second year of igniting innovation through computational thinking.

 

The TCS’ Ignite Innovation Student Challenge encourages sixth through eighth-grade students to use computational thinking to create digital solutions that improve the world and solve problems impacting TCS’ three social responsibility pillars: Our Planet, Health, and Education. Digital solution ideas will be communicated through 1-2-minute video entries submitted by April 9, 2020. The winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship and a virtual mentorship with TCS team members and partners. 

“TCS is committed to preparing the next generation of young innovators by providing resources to foster their creativity so they can find solutions to societal challenges,” said Balaji Ganapathy, Head of Workforce Effectiveness, TCS. “We’re excited to see the fresh ideas, spirit and innovation that come out of this year’s TCS’ Ignite Innovation Student Challenge.”

 

Launched in 2017, Ignite My Future in School is an initiative that combines the best of digital content, lesson plans, career vignettes, and professional learning to help teachers prepare their students for careers of the future. The TCS’ Ignite Innovation Student Challenge launched in 2018 connecting computational thinking strategies and real-world problem solving.

 

“Ignite My Future in School provides educators and students with useful resources that offer hands-on practice applying the concepts of computational thinking,” said Lori McFarling, Senior Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Discovery Education. “The ‘Ignite Innovation Student Challenge’ takes that practice a step further, empowering students to truly believe in their ability to solve real-world problems.”

 

1st Place:

$10,000 scholarship, a virtual mentorship with TCS employees and the chance to work with TCS to make your idea come to life!

Top Pillar Prize:

$7,500 scholarship for top entries in Health, Our Planet and Education.

Winner's Circle:

Six $1,000 scholarships

 

Learn More > https://www.ignitemyfutureinschool.org/challenge