The SharkNinja Innovation Challenge invites student innovators, including STEM focused majors, to reimagine how we positively impact lives around the world.
Donor Name: MassChallenge
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes
Deadline: 10/24/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
With SharkNinja and MassChallenge, finalists gain 8 weeks of hands-on support, including assistance with the patent application process, resources to test and build, and direct access to leaders who can help them move faster.
Over the course of the challenge, teams will prepare their ideas, which will culminate in a live pitch event in Boston in front of a panel of judges, including SharkNinja executives, investors, and tech experts. The best ideas will be awarded with cash prizes, mentorship, and more that fuel the next stage of growth.
- Curriculum & Mentorship
- Guidance from experienced leaders is built into the program, giving every team a chance to strengthen both their solution and their story.
- Travel & Lodging
- Each finalist team receives full coverage for flights and hotel accommodations for the live finale event in Boston.
- Pre-Finale Dinner
- A special exclusive dinner experience with SharkNinja partner executives and fellow finalists, offering unique networking, mentorship, and celebration opportunities.
- Prototyping Grants
- $5,000 in prototyping grants will be awarded to each of the finalist teams to advance product development and prepare for the final pitch event.
- Cash Awards for Winners
- The top three individuals or teams will be honored with substantial cash prizes:
- Grand Prize: $25,000 and enhanced support from SharkNinja experts.
- 2nd Place: $15,000 recognizing outstanding innovation and execution.
- 3rd Place: $10,000 acknowledging creative impact and potential.
- The top three individuals or teams will be honored with substantial cash prizes:
- Golden Ticket (Special Recognition)
- In addition to the top three prize winners, SharkNinja CEO Mark Barrocas holds a Golden Ticket – a special honor he may choose to award to one finalist team during the live finale.
- This recognition is not guaranteed, but if and when awarded, it represents a unique endorsement from SharkNinja’s leadership, unlocking exclusive mentorship, enhanced visibility, and tailored support.
Priority Categories
- Consumer Problem Solving Innovations
- Sustainability and Circularity
- Universal Design.
Eligibility Criteria
The challenge is open to university student-led startups and innovators. If you are not currently enrolled in an institution of higher education, they still want you to apply! Applicants should be between the ages of 18-24.
For more information, visit MassChallenge.
