Technovation Girls is a global technology education program that empowers girls aged 8 to 18 to become leaders and problem-solvers by using technology to address real-world issues. Participants work in teams to identify a problem in their community, develop a mobile or web application as a solution, and create a business plan to support their innovation. The program culminates in a global competition where teams submit their projects for judging.
Key Dates for the 2024–2025 Season
- Registration Opens: October 11, 2024
- Recommended Project Start: January 2025
- Registration Deadline: March 17, 2025, at 23:59 UTC
- Submission Deadline: May 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM PDT
- Judging Period: May – June 2025
Note: It's recommended to start your project by January to ensure adequate time for development and refinement.
Program Structure
Technovation Girls is divided into three divisions based on age:
- Beginner Division (Ages 8–12): Focuses on foundational skills in coding and problem-solving.
- Junior Division (Ages 13–15): Emphasizes intermediate coding skills and introduces entrepreneurship concepts.
- Senior Division (Ages 16–18): Concentrates on advanced coding, artificial intelligence, and comprehensive business planning.
Each team, consisting of 1 to 5 girls, is guided by a mentor who supports them throughout the program. Teams are tasked with:
- Identifying a Problem: Selecting a community issue aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Developing a Solution: Creating a mobile or web application to address the chosen problem.
- Business Planning: Formulating a business plan or user adoption strategy to support the app's implementation.
- Pitching: Producing a pitch video and a technical video to showcase their project.
For detailed submission guidelines, refer to the official Technovation Girls website.
Partner Institutions
Technovation Girls collaborates with various organizations to implement its programs globally. These partners include:
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities that facilitate team formations and provide resources.
- Community Organizations: Nonprofits and local groups that support outreach and mentorship.
- Corporate Partners: Companies like Adobe, Google, HSBC, Salesforce, and NVIDIA that offer mentorship, resources, and sponsorships.
Preparation Tips
1. Utilize the Technovation Curriculum
Technovation offers a comprehensive curriculum tailored to each division:
- Beginner Division: 30+ hours covering ideation, basic coding, and pitching.
- Junior and Senior Divisions: 50+ hours encompassing advanced coding, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and pitching.
Access the curriculum through the Technovation Girls website. Technovation Girls
2. Recommended Tools and Platforms
- Coding: MIT App Inventor, Thunkable, or Scratch for app development.
- Artificial Intelligence: Teachable Machine or TensorFlow for implementing AI features.
- Business Planning: Lean Canvas or Business Model Canvas for structuring business plans.
3. Additional Resources
- Books:
- Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World by Reshma Saujani
- App Inventor 2: Create Your Own Android Apps by David Wolber et al.
- Websites:
- Code.org
- Khan Academy
- Coursera
4. Seek Mentorship
Engage with mentors who can provide guidance, technical support, and encouragement. Mentors can be educators, professionals, or volunteers passionate about empowering girls in technology. Technovation provides resources and training for mentors.
Participation Benefits
- Skill Development: Enhance coding, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills.
- Global Exposure: Connect with a worldwide community of innovators.
- Recognition: Opportunities to be acknowledged at regional and global levels.
- Empowerment: Build confidence and leadership abilities.
How to Get Started
- Form a Team: Gather 1 to 5 girls interested in technology and problem-solving.
- Register: Sign up on the Technovation Girls website before the March 17, 2025 deadline.
- Engage a Mentor: Find a mentor to guide your team through the program.
- Begin the Curriculum: Start working through the curriculum and developing your project.
For more information and to register, visit the official Technovation Girls website. Technovation Girls