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Events

Challenge 2026

Challenge 2026
July 3, 2026 /In-Person
Location icon
Omni Hotel, Ft. Worth, TX

What is the Challenge ?

The Challenge is the Mensa Foundation’s guided program that helps people turn a real-world problem into a plan they can actually carry forward.

It takes place on July 3, 2026 (three-hour session) during American Mensa’s Annual Gathering at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth, TX.

It is open to Annual Gathering registrants, and Mensa membership is not required.

Participation is limited and requires an application. Applicants must be 15 or older. If you are 15–17, you may participate only with parent/guardian permission (required at registration).

We will select 10 presenters and up to 50 collaborators.

Applications are due June 5, 2026, and selections will be notified by email by June 10, 2026.

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Details

How it will work.

Presenters briefly share their problem statement, then receive clarifying questions and practical feedback from collaborators in the room. Next, presenters work solo or with collaborators to build a practical action plan. The program ends with presenters sharing their plan and what support they need to move it forward.

 

01.

Present problem statement

Share the problem you want to address, who it affects, and why this matters now.

02.

Action plan sprint

Work solo or with collaborators to shape a clear, workable action plan.

03.

Present action plan

Share the plan and requested support.

Prompt

Describe the problem you want to address, the solution direction you want to test, and why this matters now.

In 2026, we are especially interested in ideas connected to brain health, but we welcome strong proposals across a wide range of topics.

You do not need a polished plan. During the Challenge, we’ll help you strengthen your solution and turn it into a clear, workable action plan you can carry forward.

Ready to take the first step?

Join Challenge 2026 and move from a problem you care about to a practical first version of a solution you can carry forward.

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Schedule

Timeline

The Challenge is a 3-hour, in-person working session. Presenters share a problem and proposed solution, get live feedback and questions, then work solo or with collaborators to build an action plan and share their plan and ask before leaving.

Kickoff (10 min) :

How the session works, timekeeping, and how collaborators can join teams.

Presentations (50 min) :

Presenters share their problem statement and proposed solution, followed by questions and rapid feedback from the room.

Action Plan Workshop (20 min) :

A guided session on turning your idea into a clear, workable action plan.

Action Plan Sprint (60 minutes) :

Teams or individuals build their action plan, including next steps, success measures, and what support is needed.

Final Presentations (30 minutes) :

Presenters share their plan and make their support needs known.

Closing (10 minutes) :

Wrap-up, awards, and what happens next after the event.

Awards

We’ll wrap up by recognizing a few standout moments from the session, from clear problem framing to generous collaboration.

01.

Best Problem Statement

Recognizes the clearest, most compelling articulation of a real-world problem and why it matters.

02.

Most Innovative Solution

Recognizes originality, creativity, and a strong match between the solution and the problem.

03.

The Real MVP

Honors the participant who elevates the entire room through collaboration, generosity, and genuine support for others.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Contact us.

Do I need to be a Mensa member to apply?

No. Mensa membership is not required, but you must be registered for the Annual Gathering to participate.

How many spots are available?

Presenter spots are limited to 10. Collaborator spots are limited to 50.

Is there an age requirement to participate?

Yes. Applicants must be 15 or older. If you are 15–17, you may participate only with parent/guardian permission (required at selection/registration).

Can I attend if I don’t want to participate as a presenter and collaborator?

Yes. You can join us as an observer. No registration is required.

How long is the event?

The Challenge is a three-hour event on July 3, 2026.

When will I hear back?

Applications are due June 5, 2026. Selection decisions will be emailed by June 10, 2026.

How do you select presenters?

We select presenter proposals that fit the format and can benefit from rapid feedback and action planning in a three-hour session. Strong proposals typically include:

  • A clear, specific problem with a defined audience or context

  • A plausible proposed solution direction that can be workshopped

  • A strong “why now” that explains urgency or timeliness

  • Openness to feedback and willingness to adapt in real time

In 2026, we are especially interested in ideas connected to brain health, but we welcome strong proposals across a wide range of topics.

How do you select collaborators?

We select collaborators to create a room with diverse perspectives and practical support for presenters. Strong collaborator applications typically show:

  • A constructive, curious approach to feedback

  • Clear interest areas and the ability to engage across disciplines

  • Experience, skills, or lived perspective that can strengthen projects

  • Willingness to ask clarifying questions and offer practical suggestions

  • Readiness to participate actively, including small-group work

We aim for a mix of backgrounds so presenters can test assumptions and refine plans from multiple angles.

What if I am not selected?

If you are not selected, you may be offered a place on our waitlist. If presenter spots fill, you can apply as a collaborator. If collaborator spots fill, you may still attend as an observer if space allows. We will include your options in your notification email.