What is Challenge X?
Think of a hackathon, but smarter, deeper, and stretched over several weeks.
Challenge X is a multidisciplinary innovation challenge connecting students with real organizations to solve real-world problems—spanning multiple industries.
How It Works
- Submit a Challenge – Present a real issue your company is facing
- Student Collaboration – Multidisciplinary student teams work on your problem
- Mentorship and Support – Guide students with insights and feedback
- Final Showcase – Attend the finale where students pitch their solutions
Program Timeline
Why participate?
🏢 For Organizations/sponsors:
Bring fresh ideas
→ Tap into creative, multidisciplinary student thinking to find new perspectives on real challenges
Identify future talent
→ Observe high-performing students in action — ideal for internships or full-time pipelines
Strengthen your brand
→ Position your organization as a leader in innovation and social impact among the next generation
🧑🏫 For Mentors/Partners:
Inspire & guide
→ Help shape students' growth while sharing your career experience and insights
Give back
→ Contribute to the academic and personal development of emerging innovators
Sharpen leadership skills
→ Strengthen your mentorship, communication, and coaching abilities in a team-based setting
🎓 For Students:
Work on real challenges
→ Solve actual problems faced by real companies — not theoretical case studies
Build your portfolio
→ Showcase your work, ideas, and collaboration in a way that stands out to employers
Network and win prizes
→ Meet industry mentors, potential employers, and earn recognition
Ready to work on problems that actually matter?
Challenge X isn’t just another campus event — it’s your chance to team up with real companies, create real solutions, and get noticed by industry leaders.
Time Commitment:
-
5–8 hours/week over 9 weeks
-
Flexible format: Hybrid (Virtual + In-person events)
🗓️ Registration is open! Deadline: SEPTEMBER 10th
Limited seats available. Register today and ask your team members to do so.
Sponsors and Partners
Challenge Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
1. What is Challenge X?
Challenge X is a 9-week, multidisciplinary innovation challenge where student teams collaborate with real-world organizations to solve actual industry problems. It’s like a smarter, deeper version of a hackathon — extended over several weeks to allow for thoughtful development, mentorship, and measurable impact.
2. Who can participate in Challenge X?
Undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students from all majors are welcome. Whether your background is in tech, business, design, policy, or another field, you can contribute meaningfully.
3. How is Challenge X different from a hackathon?
Unlike a weekend hackathon, Challenge X gives you 9 weeks to research, prototype, receive mentorship, and build a real solution. It’s more structured, team-oriented, and focused on producing tangible results with real-world relevance.
4. When will the program take place?
Challenge X will run from September 13 to November 15. The program includes a mix of virtual and in-person events, team collaboration, and mentorship check-ins.
5. Is parking available?
No — parking will not be provided.
6. What if I have other questions?
You can reach out to us at cectalnt@gmu.edu for any inquiries about the program, registration, or participation.
Program Participation & Commitment
6. What’s the time commitment for students?
Participants should expect to spend 5–8 hours per week on team collaboration, mentor meetings, and project work throughout the 9 weeks.
7. What will I be doing?
You’ll work in a team to address a real-world problem provided by a sponsoring organization. Activities will include brainstorming, research, solution design, and prototype development, all guided by industry mentors. At the end, you’ll present your solution at the Challenge X Showcase.
8. What do I get out of participating?
-
Hands-on project experience with real companies
-
A strong portfolio piece to showcase your skills
-
Mentorship from industry experts
-
Recognition, awards, and networking opportunities
Team Formation & Registration
9. Should I register my own team?
Yes — you’ll need to bring your own team, and each team member must register separately.
10. What is the team size?
Teams can have up to 4 members.
