Registrations open for the iFest Challenge Competition 2026, Catalonia's challenge competition for young people
The competition is aimed at young people aged 18 to 30, who can take part in teams of 2 or 3 in the Senior Category to solve real-life challenges proposed by companies and organisations, or to submit their own project.
At the Grand Final, three winning teams will be selected and will receive a trip to London to develop their project, explore the entrepreneurial ecosystem and take part in mentoring sessions.
Registration is open from 26 January to 19 February (2:00 pm).
The iFest Challenge Competition promotes young talent in science, technology and innovation through real challenges set by companies and organisations. The aim is to foster creative, viable and high-impact proposals, connecting participant teams with concrete needs and professionals from the innovation ecosystem.
At UAB, student and alumni participation takes place within the Senior Category (18–30 years old), in teams of 2 or 3. Teams can either:
- Choose a challenge proposed by the participating partner organisations.
- Submit a free challenge, i.e., their own project (a new idea or an already ongoing project).
To complete registration, teams must fill in the project’s key information (description, solution, expected impact, feasibility, target audience, etc.) and submit a presentation video of up to 3 minutes.
The programme includes online semi-finals and a Grand Final, where finalist teams pitch their projects to an expert jury. The Grand Final will take place on 12 May 2026, followed by the iFest Acceleration phase in June 2026.
Senior Category prize: a stay in London
On the day of the Grand Final, three winning teams from the Senior Category will be selected. They will enjoy an international trip to develop their project, get to know the entrepreneurial ecosystem and benefit from several mentoring sessions. This year, the stay abroad will be in London.
Registration is open from 26 January (9:00 am) to 19 February (2:00 pm).