Written by Applications are now open for the QS ImpACT Skills Challenge 2026, a free international competition that brings young people together to tackle real-world challenges linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through social innovation, creative collaboration, and digital gameplay.
The QS ImpACT Skills Challenge uses digital video games as a learning and problem-solving tool, enabling participants to build practical skills while working in diverse, global teams. The challenge is designed to strengthen creativity, teamwork, critical thinking, and social impact awareness among youth worldwide.
About the Challenge
The QS ImpACT Skills Challenge is an interactive, skills-based competition that combines gaming, innovation, and sustainability. Participants collaborate in teams to address SDG-related challenges, developing solutions through gameplay, group engagement, and creative problem-solving. The experience encourages youth to think beyond traditional learning methods while contributing ideas that promote a more sustainable future.
Why This Matters
Young people play a crucial role in shaping solutions to global challenges, yet often lack accessible platforms to develop practical skills and apply them to real issues. The QS ImpACT Skills Challenge provides a fun, inclusive, and global space where participants can build employability skills, engage with the SDGs, and collaborate across cultures while competing for prizes.
Who Can Apply
- The challenge is open to young people from around the world who are interested in social impact, innovation, sustainability, and collaborative learning.
- No prior gaming or professional experience is required, making the challenge accessible to participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Benefits and Prizes
- Participants gain hands-on experience in teamwork, creative thinking, and SDG-focused problem-solving.
- Top-performing teams will share a total cash prize of $2,000, in addition to gaining international exposure and recognition through the QS ImpACT platform.
Key Dates
Application Deadline: March 10, 2026
Challenge Dates: March 16 to March 29, 2026
How to Apply
Interested participants should register through the official QS ImpACT Skills Challenge webpage.
Application link:
https://qsimpact.org/skillschallenge/