Advancing America’s Leadership in Space
America’s Space University invites you to help shape the future of space.
The UCF Space Ideation Challenge calls on bold thinkers to develop practical, high-impact ideas that strengthen U.S. leadership in space. Hosted by UCF, a university that was founded to help land humans on the moon, this national competition challenges participants to design innovative, market-shaping policy solutions—ideas that can accelerate space innovation, advance national security and science, and grow the space economy.
The best proposals won’t just win prizes they’ll be shared with top decision-makers shaping America’s space future.
UCF Space Ideation Challenge
The Challenge seeks innovative policy concepts that use market-shaping and “pay-for-success” approaches—such as incentive prizes, milestone payments, and advance market commitments—to accelerate space innovation, strengthen national security, grow the space economy, and advance science and technology.
The challenge is led by Greg Autry, Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy and two-time NASA CFO nominee, and hosted by UCF’s College of Business under the direction of Zaheer Ali, Program Director for Space Commercialization & Strategy.
Challenge Rules & Prizes
PRIZES
- $125,000 total prize purse
- Includes $25,000 reserved for top undergraduate and graduate student papers
- Individual prizes range from $5,000 to $25,000, awarded at an on-campus event at UCF
WHAT TO SUBMIT
1. White Paper (Required)
Length: 3–5 pages
Focus: A market-shaping policy initiative that addresses a clear, high-impact space goal
Your paper should explain:
- The goal of your proposed initiative
- How success can be measured in clear, performance-based terms
- Why the goal matters and why it is achievable
- Estimated cost and timeline
You may also discuss:
- The specific market-shaping approach you recommend
- The role of the private sector and investors
- Complementary policies or programs
2. Optional Video
Length: 2–3 minutes
Upload an unlisted YouTube video summarizing your idea and include the link with your submission.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Click the Enter Contest button above and complete the form.
Submit your paper in MS Word format
File name format: firstname_lastname_papertitle
Include your optional video link
EVALUATION PROCESS
An independent panel of experts will evaluate submissions based on:
- Impact
- Concreteness
- Feasibility
To ensure fairness and rigor, the competition uses a double-blind review process. All submissions are anonymized before judging.
Top ideas will be shared with key policymakers, including members of Congress, NASA leadership, and U.S. Space Force leadership, and may receive follow-on support for further development.
KEY DATES
Challenge Launch: Jan. 29, 2026
Papers Due: June 30, 2026
Judging Complete: Aug. 15, 2026
Delivery to Policymakers: Sept. 1, 2026
Prize Announcement: UCF Space Week, Fall 2026 (Date TBD)
QUESTIONS?
Email SpaceContests@ucf.edu
As America’s Space University, UCF advances ideas into impact — accelerating the breakthroughs that move our world beyond Earth.