Build Innovations
Skills to Solutions
Design, build and test solutions to real-world challenges.
5K+
Innovators
500+
Mentors & Experts
350
Creations
70
Near Market Prototypes
13%
Venture Creation
25
Average Age
Results from Longitudinal Study (2013-2022) Click for the Full Report
From Learning to Action. From Ideas to Impact.
Building is Learning
Build Innovations is where ideas turn into action. Aspiring Innovators apply STEM and innovation skills to meaningful challenges, working in groups to design, build, test and improve solutions grounded in real-world contexts.
Tech Futures Challenge
A national, challenge-based program where teams design, build, and test solutions to real-world problems using advanced STEM tools and technologies.
[High School and Post-secondary]
Design Challenges
Student-centered design challenges immerse learners in real-world design thinking and innovation, fostering creativity, teamwork, and local impact.
[Grades 3-12, Post-Secondary]
Tech Futures Challenge
Tech Futures Challenge (TFC) is a national, challenge-based program where youth tackle real-world problems by designing, building, and testing solutions using advanced STEM tools and technologies. Working in teams, participants apply fields such as biotechnology, synthetic biology, coding, robotics, and digital design to turn complex challenges into practical innovations.
Supported by mentorship, collaboration, and targeted funding, TFC helps participants move from bold ideas to working solutions — building technical skill, resilience, and an entrepreneurial mindset through hands-on experience and iteration.
Design Challenges
Design Challenges support educators and students through hands-on, applied learning experiences focused on real-world STEM challenges. The program offers in-person and online professional learning for educators, alongside classroom and school-based experiences where students actively design, build, and test solutions.
Grounded in design thinking and project-based learning, Design Challenges provide flexible programming, adaptive tools, and practical resources — ensuring educators and youth have what they need to move from ideas to action.
What It’s Like to Build with MindFuel
Hear from learners, educators, and partners who’ve turned ideas into action through MindFuel programs.
“The Challenge [TFC] has given these kids the opportunity to explore STEM topics far beyond the scope of classroom learning and apply them to the real-world problems they are most passionate about.”
Owen K, TFC Judge & Mentor
“Being part of this team, I got to learn about things in high school that you don’t normally get a chance to explore until you’re doing your master’s degree in university. MindFuel’s program allowed me to engage in elite and advanced science on the back counter of our school science lab!”
Nikayla, MindFuel’s Young Innovators.
“We’re not solely focused on the science. We learn aboutthe ethical implications of our projects. We learn to do presentations, fundraising, lab work, project management, websites, and learn to work as a team.”
Talia, MindFuel’s Young Innovators
Stay Connected.
Keep Building.
Connect2Innovate brings learners, educators, mentors, alumni, and partners together – helping ideas and solutions continue beyond any single experience. Join a national network where innovators learn, build and launch real solutions.