The QS ImpACT Skills Challenge 2026 is a free, global innovation competition that empowers young people to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through digital game creation. Designed as a “games for good” initiative, the challenge combines social impact, creativity, technology, and collaboration to inspire youth-led solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Open to participants worldwide, the QS ImpACT Skills Challenge brings together youth, universities, and organisations to design digital games that raise awareness, influence behaviour, and promote positive change. The top teams will gain global recognition, professional certification, and a chance to win a $2,000 prize.
What Is the QS ImpACT Skills Challenge?
The QS ImpACT Skills Challenge is an international competition organised by QS ImpACT, using digital games as a tool for social innovation. Participants work in teams to design games that address real-world issues aligned with the SDGs, such as climate action, public health, equality, and sustainable communities.
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Participants can choose to:
- Code games from scratch, or
- Use no-code platforms, making the challenge accessible to beginners and non-technical participants
Throughout the challenge, teams receive expert-led training and mentorship from professionals affiliated with leading universities and global organisations.
The aim is simple but powerful: to turn creativity and digital skills into meaningful action that drives awareness and behavioural change.
Highlights From the 2025 Edition
The 2025 QS ImpACT Skills Challenge demonstrated the global reach and impact of the initiative. Youth teams from across the world collaborated to design high-impact digital games focused on sustainability and social good.
Key highlights included:
- 210+ youth teams participating
- 45+ countries represented
- 70 universities involved
- 21 high-impact finalist games
The games developed tackled issues such as organic farming, recycling, forest conservation, fair trade, marine pollution, gender equality, and public health. Each project was designed not just for creativity, but for real-world impact and awareness.
QS ImpACT Skills Challenge 2026: Key Dates and Details
The QS ImpACT Skills Challenge returns in March 2026 for its third edition, promising an even larger global footprint.
Important dates for 2026:
- Challenge period: 16 March – 29 March 2026
- Grand Finale: 15 April 2026
Registration is open now and completely free. Participants must form teams of 2 to 5 people to take part in the challenge.
Who Can Participate?
The challenge is designed to include multiple stakeholders, each benefiting in unique ways.
For Youth Participants
The QS ImpACT Skills Challenge is open to youth aged 18 to 35, regardless of background or technical experience.
Key benefits for youth include:
- Learning about the UN SDGs, game design, and games-for-good
- Developing leadership, innovation, sustainability, and tech-for-good skills
- Hands-on experiential learning guided by industry experts
- Choosing between the Beginner (No-Code) or the Advanced (Coding) tracks
- Earning a QS ImpACT Skills Certificate to boost employability
- Gaining global exposure and recognition
Participants collaborate in diverse teams, strengthening teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while building solutions that matter.
For Universities
Universities play a key role in supporting student participation in the challenge.
Benefits for universities include:
- Providing students with real-world, SDG-focused experiential learning
- Supporting students across different skill levels, from beginners to advanced coders
- Connecting students with global experts in sustainability and game development
- Showcasing student innovation on a global recognition platform
- Strengthening institutional reputation as a leader in sustainability and innovation
By engaging with the QS ImpACT Skills Challenge, universities position themselves as forward-thinking institutions committed to preparing students for global challenges.
For Organisations and Partners
Organisations can partner with the QS ImpACT Skills Challenge to support youth innovation while strengthening their sustainability and education goals.
Partner benefits include:
- Alignment with a UNEP-accredited charity, enhancing credibility
- Global visibility through QS and QS ImpACT communication channels
- Physical and digital brand presence, including at the QS ImpACT Youth Summit 2026 in London
- Opportunities to mentor and support young changemakers
- Enhanced CSR, ESG, and talent development initiatives
Partnerships allow organisations to be part of a global movement that connects purpose-driven youth, experts, and future leaders.
Why the QS ImpACT Skills Challenge Matters
The QS ImpACT Skills Challenge stands out because it combines technology, creativity, and social purpose. By using digital games as a medium, the challenge reaches audiences in engaging and innovative ways, making complex global issues easier to understand and act upon.
For participants, it is an opportunity to upskill, innovate, and gain international recognition. For institutions and organisations, it is a chance to support meaningful youth-led action aligned with global sustainability goals.
The QS ImpACT Skills Challenge 2026 is more than a competition; it is a global platform for youth empowerment and social impact. With free participation, expert training, global exposure, and a $2,000 prize, the challenge offers young innovators a powerful opportunity to turn ideas into action.
For anyone passionate about sustainability, digital innovation, and making a difference, this is a challenge worth joining.
For more information, visit the QS ImpACT Skills Challenge.
