Catalyst for Change Challenge 2025 (Second Edition)
In partnership with Allen Global
Overview
The Catalyst for Change Challenge returns for its second edition in 2025, building on the overwhelming response to its inaugural run This flagship initiative is designed to inspire high school students to think innovatively, tackle real-world problems, and build sustainable solutions that make a tangible difference
Organized by MU20 School of Opportunity in collaboration with Allen Global, the challenge focuses on equipping young changemakers with the mindset and skills to address critical social, environmental, and infrastructural issues
Structure and Format
The challenge will be executed in three progressive rounds:
Round 1: Independent Ideation
● Participants will be given a choice of real-world challenge themes (listed below)
● Each student must select one theme and develop a product or service idea that can address the specific issue
● They will submit a two-page document explaining:
○ The problem and its context
○ How their proposed solution can benefit affected communities or masses
○ The potential for scalability or long-term impact.
● A jury will review all submissions and shortlist candidates for Round 2.
Round 2: Team Collaboration and Detailed Presentation
● Shortlisted students will be grouped into teams of three, matched based on similar theme choices from Round 1
● Each team will refine their collective idea into a consolidated, stronger solution.
● Teams will present their solution in a 5–7 minute presentation, demonstrating:
○ Why the refined product/service is critical.
○ How it addresses the selected problem effectively
○ Evidence of need, feasibility, and possible implementation
● Evaluation will focus on clarity, innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving depth
Round 3: Elevator Pitch (Finals)
● Finalist teams will deliver an elevator pitch before an expert jury.
● The pitch must be short, impactful, and investment-ready, integrating both the solution and the business side of the model
● Teams will be judged on their ability to:
○ Demonstrate the product/service’s necessity and scalability
○ Present a viable and sustainable business approach.
○ Convince the panel why their solution deserves support
Themes (Aligned to SDGs)
Participants will select one of the following ten themes for Round 1
1. Clean Drinking Water for Every Community
How can we make safe, affordable drinking water available to people in places where it’s scarce or unsafe, using simple, creative, and affordable solutions? (SDG 6)
2. Supporting Mental Health in Young People
Design ways to help teens and young adults feel heard, supported, and cared for, especially in times of stress or crisis, using both online and offline ideas (SDG 3)
3. Reducing Food Waste and Feeding More People
How can we stop good food from being thrown away and make sure it reaches those who need it most, in schools, markets, or communities? (SDG 2, SDG 12)
4. Teaching Digital Skills for the Future
Create fun, easy ways for people in your community (especially in rural areas) to learn computer skills, internet safety, and how to use new technology confidently. (SDG 4, SDG 9)
5. Bringing Renewable Energy to Local Areas
Think of small, affordable projects that can give clean energy to schools, homes, or community spaces without relying on big power companies (SDG 7, SDG 11)
Outcomes and Impact
● Drive youth-led innovation to solve real challenges
● Encourage collaboration and creative problem-solving
● Build participants’ skills in ideation, communication, and pitching.
● Showcase young talent on a platform recognized by Allen Global and leading industry experts.
Timeline
● Round 1: Two-pager submissions – 15th August 2025
Results Round 1: 18th August 2025
● Round 2: Team presentations – 22nd August 2025
Results Round 2: 24th August 2025
● Round 3: Elevator pitches – 27th August 2025
Results Round 3: 31st August 2025
Who Can Participate?
● Open to high school students (Grades 9–12) from India and abroad
● Individual registration for Round 1. Teams will be formed by the organizing committee for Round 2 and 3
Why Participate?
● Gain experience in design thinking and real-world problem-solving
● Receive exposure to industry mentors and expert feedback.
● Compete for recognition from Allen Global and MU20 School of Opportunity
● Build lifelong skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership
Prizes, Scholarships & Certificates
Exciting Rewards Worth Over $2000 USD* for the Top Performing Teams!
Team Awards
● 1st Place:
○ Total Reward Value: Approx $1800 USD for the team
○ Worth $150 USD per team member
○ Premium Subscription to our Digital SAT AI Portal (Worth $200 USD per member)
○ 25% Scholarship on our Guaranteed Internship Program (Total worth $750 USD for the team)
● 2nd Place:
○ Total Reward Value: Approx $750 USD for the team
○ Worth $100 USD per team member
○ 15% Scholarship on our Guaranteed Internship Program (Total worth $450 USD for the team)
● 3rd Place:
○ Total Reward Value: Approx. $300 USD for the team
○ Worth $50 USD per team member
○ 5% Scholarship on our Guaranteed Internship Program (Total worth $150 USD for the team)
Certificates will be awarded to all participants.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Contact & Registration
Official guidelines and registration details will be available soon on the MU20 School of Opportunity platforms, mail at connect@mu20 co for any other details