IYNC’s international innovation contest, Innovation4Nuclear (I4N), is a platform designed to recognize and reward inventive ideas that focus on nuclear technologies or applications contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our goal is to catalyze young energy into creating innovative solutions while providing visibility and discussion for these groundbreaking ideas.
I4N aims to be the worldwide competition for winners from national and regional nuclear innovation contests. IYNC actively engages with existing innovation contests aligned with our mission and also supports the development of new national or regional nuclear innovation contests.
All winning teams from local and regional partner contests become participants in I4N, competing for the international winner position during IYNC’s biennial congress. To facilitate this, IYNC provides travel grants to each team attending and competing in the Global I4N competition.
As of now, our competitions reach across North America, Africa, and Europe. Partner with us to expand our initiatives to new regions, amplifying the impact of our shared commitment to a sustainable and innovative future.
Rules & Regulations
- All team members must be under 35 years old as of 2024.
- Participants from countries that are members of a regional group must liaise with the regional representatives and, if required, engage in their respective contests.
- The contest language is English. While presentation abilities will be evaluated, proficiency in English will not be a barrier.
- If a country falls within the sphere of influence of any organization, it is mandatory to communicate with the representing umbrella organization and participate in their contest.
Application Guidelines
- Teams must submit their application form via email, including a written thesis statement and a “roadmap.” Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of nuclear industry experts.
- The top teams from our partner organization contests will be chosen to present their projects at the IYNC event.
- The winning team will be selected and announced during the I4N IYNC contest.
Scoring Criteria
- Description of the idea: Ensure clarity and thoughtful use of illustrations or video.
- Innovative contribution: Demonstrate forward-thinking, creativity, and solutions to current problems and limitations.
- Applicability of the idea: Showcase the ability to implement the idea effectively using various resources within an uncertain timeframe; propose a business plan, highlight stakeholder interests, and provide in-depth research, quality arguments, and analysis.
- Contribution to Sustainable Development
- Bonus points
Global Innovation4Nuclear Competition
The Global Innovation4Nuclear Contest serves as a nexus for the brightest minds in nuclear science and technology, where regional champions converge to present their pioneering ideas during IYNC2024. This prestigious event provides a platform for contestants to not only showcase their innovations but also to engage in spirited competition for the coveted global prize.
Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp
The Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp, in partnership with IYNC, is hosting an international innovation contest starting in 2021 to identify and train students and early career professionals in the skills needed for nuclear energy innovation through group projects.
Innovation4Nuclear Africa
In partnership with the African Young Generation in Nuclear (AYGN), the International Youth Nuclear Congress hosts Africa4Nuclear, the region’s Innovation4Nuclear contest. Stay tuned to our social media channels for program updates and details.
Innovation4Nuclear North America
Together with the Atomic Allies, which include the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), U.S. Women in Nuclear (WiN), and American Nuclear Society (ANS), the International Youth Nuclear Congress organizes Innovation4Nuclaer North America.
Innovation4Nuclear Europe
The inaugural European Nuclear Innovation Contest was initiated in 2021 by the European Nuclear Society – Young Generation Network (ENS-YGN) and the International Youth Nuclear Congress. For additional details, please visit the provided link.
Is your region missing from our Innovation4Nuclear Contest?
We’re eager to expand our reach worldwide. Reach out to us and let’s discuss how we can bring the transformative power of nuclear innovation to your area.