Deadline: October 24, 2025
The SharkNinja Innovation Challenge invites student innovators, including STEM-focused majors, to reimagine how they positively impact lives around the world.
The SharkNinja Innovation Challenge, in collaboration with MassChallenge, provides a platform for student-led startups and early-career innovators to develop bold ideas that can improve everyday life. Finalists gain eight weeks of hands-on support, including guidance through the patent application process, resources to test and build their ideas, and direct access to leaders who can accelerate progress.
Selected teams will present their solutions at a live pitch event in Boston before a panel of judges, including SharkNinja executives, investors, and tech experts. The challenge culminates in awards, mentorship, and other resources designed to fuel the next stage of growth. Finalists will also receive full travel and lodging coverage for the event.
During the program, participants work closely with innovation, marketing, and pitch experts to refine their ideas, file patent applications, and prepare for the final pitch. Each team also receives a $5,000 prototyping grant to support product development and testing.
Cash awards recognize top-performing individuals or teams, with the grand prize valued at $25,000, second place at $15,000, and third place at $10,000. Additionally, the SharkNinja CEO may award a special “Golden Ticket” to a finalist team, providing exclusive mentorship, visibility, and tailored support.
The challenge invites solutions across three priority categories. Consumer Problem Solving Innovations encourage participants to transform everyday problems into practical, innovative solutions. Sustainability and Circularity challenge students to reimagine products and packaging, reduce climate impact, and extend the life of materials and products through new materials, circular designs, and waste reduction strategies. Universal Design focuses on creating inclusive and accessible products, packaging, and experiences for all consumers, regardless of age, ability, or background.
Through this challenge, SharkNinja aims to equip bold entrepreneurs with the resources, guidance, and recognition needed to disrupt the status quo and make a meaningful impact on daily life.
For more information, visit MassChallenge.
