The Challenge 2025

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The Challenge 2025

July 3, 2025

Chicago, IL

What is The Challenge ?

The Challenge is a pitch-style competition hosted by the Mensa Foundation.

It’s a space where brilliant minds can stretch their creativity, collaborate with peers, and propose tangible responses to relatable, real-life challenges. Not to save the world in a day, but to start thinking differently about it.

Registration Deadline: June 23, 2025

Prompt

Define human intelligence and describe how American society can better value it. How might this appreciation be achieved?

Your idea can be bold or simple. Just make us think.
Keep responses to 3 minutes.
No perfect answer required: The Challenge is where meaningful ideas begin.

Details

Competition Guide

Explore essential details about The Challenge.

Event Info

Date: July 3, 2025
Location: Hilton Chicago (American Mensa Annual Gathering)
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Eligibility

Open to all AG registrants and their guests aged 15 or older.
Individuals or teams of up to 2 people may enter.
No additional fee to participate.

Presentation Format

Each participant (or team) will have:

Up to 3 minutes to pitch their idea
Up to 2 minutes to respond to a clarifying question from a judge

Participants are welcome—but not required—to use slides or a visual aid during their pitch. The focus is on clarity, originality, and relevance—not production value.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on:

Originality and creativity
Clarity and focus
Relevance to the prompt
Feasibility or potential for real-world impact

Prize

The top pitch will be featured in Mensa Foundation publications.

Additionally, there will be a cash prize for the top 3 pitches.

1st place – $500
2nd place – $250
3rd place – $100

Schedule

Get the full rundown for the day

12:00 – 12:45 PM

Check-In

12:45 – 1:00 PM

Doors Open

1 – 1:15 PM

Welcome & Introductions

1:15 – 2:30 PM

Presentations

2:30 – 2:45 PM

Break

2:45 PM – 4:00 PM

Presentations

4 – 4:30 PM

Judging Deliberation

4:30 – 5:00 PM

Winners Announced & Closing Remarks

The Challenge 2025

What is The Challenge ?

The Challenge is a pitch-style competition hosted by the Mensa Foundation.

Prompt

Details

Competition Guide

Schedule

12:00 – 12:45 PM

12:45 – 1:00 PM

1 – 1:15 PM

1:15 – 2:30 PM

2:30 – 2:45 PM

2:45 PM – 4:00 PM

4 – 4:30 PM

4:30 – 5:00 PM

Unleash intelligence. Nurture brilliance.