Information about the
Horizons Challenge

Realizing NASA’s 2040 Vision, one idea at a time.

The NEXPLORE 2040 Horizons Challenge isn’t just a competition—it’s your chance to help build a path to 2040.

Hosted by xFoundry in collaboration with NASA, this nationwide challenge invites university teams to reimagine NASA’s goals and pitch compelling problem areas that have the potential to launch game-changing enterprises by 2027.

This is more than a pitch—it’s the start of a journey. Together, we’ll identify the pressing challenges shaping our world today, laying the groundwork for innovations that will fuel exploration by 2040 and beyond.

$
2,040
prize purse
4
Focus areas

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Horizons Challenge, teams must meet the criteria outlined below, ensuring a diverse mix of skills and perspectives to tackle global challenges. Teams must meet the criteria outlined below:

  • At least two team members

  • All members must be currently enrolled in a university or community college

  • If members are from both a university and community college, they must be in the same state

  • Members must be from at least two different TEAMS categories (Technology, Entrepreneurship, Arts & Athletics, Marketing, Science).

Technology

We harness cutting-edge technological tools to drive innovation. Our students have access to advanced AI resources, state-of-the-art hardware, and software toolkits that enable them to prototype and develop groundbreaking solutions.

By integrating technology into our approach, we empower students to tackle grand challenges with the most up-to-date tools available.

Entrepreneurship

We cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in our students, equipping them with the skills to turn ideas into impactful ventures.

Arts & Athletics

Creativity and resiliency are essential for solving complex problems. We integrate arts to foster innovative thinking and leverage the mindset of athletes to build perseverance and teamwork.

Marketing

Effective communication is crucial for any social impact initiative. Our marketing and creative services support students in developing compelling narratives for their projects.

Science

By integrating scientific thinking across disciplines, we prepare students to develop robust, scalable solutions to grand challenges.

The Horizons Challenge timeline

Registration opens
February 12
  • Universities and students can officially register via the ConneXions platform.
  • Resources for team formation and competition guidelines become available.
Kickoff events
Begins February 24
  • Virtual and on-campus events introduce the challenge, highlight NASA’s needs, and provide training for participants.
  • Teams can attend webinars with NASA experts to understand focus areas.
Preliminary Research
March 31 - June 30
  • Teams explore problem areas, conduct market research, and engage with mentors through the ConneXions platform.
  • Teams begin outlining their problem area pitch document and video script.
Submission window
July 7-28
Teams finalize and submit their:
  • Problem area pitch document: Detailed analysis of the identified challenge.
  • Video presentation: A 2–3 minute pitch summarizing the concept, supported by a PowerPoint deck.
  • Transcript: Accompanying text for the video presentation.
Preliminary Judging
August 4-15

Submissions are evaluated across multiple metrics including quality, innovation, viability, and impact by experts from industry, NASA, and academia

Semifinalists announced
August 18

Semifinalists will be invited to NEXPLORE to pitch their topics live to the summit audience.

Live Judging, Finals & Award ceremony
NEXPLORE Day 2
September 10
  • Semifinalist teams go head-to-head at a rapid-fire at speed-dating “rumble” participants for NEXPLORE attendees.
  • Working sessions to refine pitches.
  • Finalists pitch live in front of a high profile panel of judges from NASA and industry.

Competition deliverables

REGISTER