Young innovators from around the world are invited to solve the challenges of the 21st century by creating breakthrough technologies for the Conrad Foundation‚s 2014 Spirit of Innovation Challenge. 

Competition finalists will travel to the Innovation Summit April 6-8, 2014 at Space Center Houston, 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston. This year‚s categories for team entries are: aerospace and aviation, cybertechnology and security, energy and environment, and health and nutrition.

The challenge is a collaborative effort between NASA and the Conrad Foundation established in 2008 to honor the legacy of Apollo 12 astronaut, Charles „Pete‰ Conrad, and his three-decade pursuit toward innovation and entrepreneurship.

Twenty student teams from the U.S. and abroad will meet at Space Center Houston to compete in the final phase of the annual challenge. They will pitch their products and services „Shark Tank‰ style to judging panels comprised of experts in business, research and industry for the chance to win one of four $10,000 innovation grants in each category. 

NASA Johnson Space Center Education is a vital part of the community continuously working with area schools, colleges and universities, private industry, and other community partners linking communication, providing training facilities and facilitators, and participating in many ways to advance science education. This collaboration with the Conrad Foundation will serve to support NASA‚s efforts to attract and retain students in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines.

Schedule of Events:

8 a.m.-4:45 p.m. CDT, April 6: Conrad Creative Collaboration
9 a.m.-10:45 a.m., April 7: Aerospace & Aviation, Cybertechnology and Security presentations
9 a.m.-10:45 a.m., April 8: Energy and Environment, Health and Nutrition presentations
7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., April 8: Award Ceremony

For media to register to attend any portion of the event, visit:

https://www.regonline.com/2014innovationsummit

For more information about the Conrad Foundation and an updated schedule, visit:

http://www.conradawards.org/ 

For more information about NASA’s education programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education

For more information, contact Carrie Taylor, Conrad Foundation by phone, 832-864-7223 (office); 281-642-6981 (mobile); or email Carrie.Taylor@conradawards.org.