NASA Launches TechRise Student Challenge 2025

NASA has launched its annual TechRise Student Challenge. The competition invites young innovators to design science experiments for flight. It targets students in grades 6 through 12 across the United States.

The deadline for submissions is November 3, 2025. Winning teams will see their experiments launched on a high-altitude balloon or a suborbital rocket. This initiative aims to build critical STEM skills for the future workforce.

Prizes and Support for Winning Student Teams

A total of 60 winning teams will be selected. Each team will receive a $1,500 grant to build their proposed experiment. They will also get a flight box starter kit from NASA.

Technical support will be provided by Future Engineers advisors. These experts will help students turn their concepts into reality. The experience offers unparalleled hands-on learning in engineering and electronics.

Eligibility and Judging Criteria for Schools

U.S. public, private, and charter schools are eligible to enter. Each team must have a minimum of four students. A teacher or school employee must serve as the team lead for submission.

According to the official rules, proposals will be judged on several factors. The educational impact on the team carries the most weight at 40 points. The idea’s connection to NASA’s mission and its scientific design are also critical.

This challenge represents a significant investment in the next generation of scientists and engineers. The NASA TechRise Student Challenge provides a rare, real-world opportunity for young minds to contribute to space exploration.

Info at your fingertips

Who can apply for the NASA TechRise Challenge?

Teams of students in grades 6-12 from U.S. public, private, or charter schools can apply. Each team must have at least four students and be led by a teacher or school employee.

What do you win in the NASA TechRise Challenge?

Winning teams receive $1,500, a flight box kit, and a secured spot for their experiment on a NASA-sponsored flight. They also get mentorship from technical advisors.

What types of flights will the experiments fly on?

Experiments will fly on either a high-altitude balloon or a suborbital rocket. The balloon flight lasts hours, while the rocket experiences about three minutes of microgravity.

What is the deadline for the 2025 challenge?

All proposals must be submitted by November 3, 2025. This deadline is strict for all participating student teams across the country.

How are the experiment proposals judged?

Proposals are scored on educational value, connection to NASA’s mission, hypothesis alignment, and design feasibility. The educational impact is the most important factor.

Trusted Sources: NASA, Future Engineers Official Rules.