Harvard University is calling upon its student body to identify real-world problems and develop innovative solutions, with a prize pool of $500,000 (approximately Rs 4.69 crore) up for grabs in the annual President's Innovation Challenge (PIC). The competition, now in its eleventh year, encourages students to take initiative and think outside the box, with support and guidance throughout the process.
The PIC is open to all 13 Harvard schools, attracting students from a variety of academic backgrounds, countries, and industries. The theme for this year's competition is 'Unprompted', encouraging students to identify problems they observe and develop solutions without waiting for direction.
The competition offers grants ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 for 25 finalists, with additional support for idea-stage ventures through the Ingenuity Awards. The prize money is funded annually by the Bertarelli Foundation, which supports scientific research and social impact initiatives.
The competition features three student tracks: healthcare and life sciences, social impact, and an open category. This allows students from different disciplines and industries to bring their proposals to the table. The deadline for applications is December 8, 2026. Through the PIC, Harvard Innovation Labs aims to help students move beyond identifying problems and take concrete steps towards solving them.
Harvard President Alan Garber announced the challenge to university affiliates in October, encouraging students to participate in the annual initiative. The competition is a testament to Harvard's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among its student body.