Introduction
What is the Innovation Competition?
The Innovation Competition is an international online initiative for secondary school students across Europe. It is implemented within the framework of the AccessCoVE project, inspired by the successful Greek initiative “Inventive Students,” and aims to promote inclusive thinking, creativity, and awareness around accessibility.
What is the goal?
Students aged 12 to 18 are invited to develop and submit original ideas that address real-life accessibility challenges. The goal is to encourage young people to imagine solutions that improve the everyday lives of individuals by applying the principles of universal design, ensuring that no one is excluded from using a product, service, or environment.
Who can participate?
Each year, students from public and private schools across Europe can take part individually or in teams. Participation is free of charge.
How does it work?
All applicants will have the opportunity to attend five online mentoring sessions. These are open thematic meetings where invited experts present key concepts and share practical insights about accessibility, inclusive design, and innovation. These sessions are not coaching or team-specific workshops, but shared learning opportunities that support the development of ideas on an equal basis.
After the submission of proposals, five finalists will be selected by a transnational Committee of Judges composed of experts in accessibility and education.
Visibility and Impact
The Innovation Competition is promoted across national and European school networks through the AccessCoVE partnership and its stakeholders. All entries will be published online and shared through the competition’s web portal and media channels, helping to raise awareness about accessibility and to highlight the creativity of the next generation.