Turn your idea into impact.
NOVA is an online competition for students, educators and professionals who want to solve a real problem. Present it. Pitch it. Be recognised.
— days left to submit, closing 20 November 2026
An idea becomes a solution in three steps.
NOVA does more than hand out medals. It helps you define the problem, test the idea, show who benefits and learn to pitch it. It is part of Lumina’s path from Inspire to Explore to Innovate.
- IdeaSpot a real problem and the people who live with it.
- InnovationBuild something original, backed by science, data or technical knowledge.
- ImpactShow who benefits and how the benefit lasts.
Soul
Ethical innovation that helps people and the planet.
Sense
Real problems, real users, real needs.
Science
Evidence, STEM principles and data.
Skills
Creativity, teamwork, communication and pitching.
Choose the track that fits you.
- Who it is for
- One fee covers
- One innovation entry for an individual or a team of up to 3.
- You submit
- A one-page poster, a summary of up to 500 words and a pitch video of up to 3 minutes.
- You may win
Seven areas. Pick the one that matters to you.
Green Technology, Clean Energy & Sustainability
Cleaner power and everyday sustainability.
Digital, AI & Smart Technology
Tools, models and devices that make life smarter.
Education & Future Learning
How we will teach and learn next.
Health, Well-being & Food Security
Healthier people and safer food.
Environment, Climate & Circular Solutions
Less waste, more reuse.
Social Innovation & Community Impact
Solutions built with communities.
Engineering, Product Design & Entrepreneurship
Products that work and last.
Four months, one finish line.
Every entry is scored on the same six things.
Judges score every entry the same way.
Results are confirmed only after moderation.
Entries declare originality and cite sources.
We collect only the participant data we need.
Recognition you can share.
Gold, Silver and Bronze are awarded by score range. Every complete entry receives an e-certificate of participation, and finalists and winners receive an e-certificate of achievement.
This first edition uses digital awards. Special prizes may be added if sponsors join.
Bring a class, a campus or a cause.
Schools and institutions
Encourage your students, teachers or innovation club to enter. Ask us about group and institutional registration.
Ask about group entrySponsors and collaborators
Support special prizes, join the judging network or explore an institutional edition of NOVA.
Talk to usQuick answers.
Who can enter?
Students from primary school to postgraduate level, teachers and educators, researchers and professionals. Choose the category that matches you.
Can we enter as a team?
Yes. An individual or a team of up to three people can submit one entry for a single fee.
Is everything online?
Yes. Submission and the final pitching on 30 January 2027 are both online, so you can join from anywhere.
Can I use AI tools or other sources?
Every entry includes a declaration of originality and must cite its sources. The panel may act on integrity concerns.
What do I receive if I am not a finalist?
Every complete entry that meets the requirements receives an e-certificate of participation.
Ready to enter?
Pick your track, check your fee and send your registration request. We will reply with the next steps.