Frontier Environment
Design Challenge
Compete in the Frontier Environment Design Challenge for a chance to represent your country at the Global Environmental Design Challenge finals at
Columbia University in 2026.
Frontier Environmental Design Challenge Overview
The FEDC Events are intensive competitions held across multiple countries, designed to identify and nurture talented students passionate about environmental design, engineering and STEM related disciplines.
These events are standalone, localised competitions, and winners will receive a scholarship from Youth Exploring Science (YES) to attend the GEDC Summer Program at Columbia University, which covers the participation cost of the program (boarding excluded).
Hosted at local schools and educational institutions, the FEDC events provide students with a taste of the challenges, teamwork, and innovative thinking required in the full GEDC program.
Each event follows a similar format, with teams of students working collaboratively to solve a predefined environmental design challenge using simulation tools, creative thinking, and presentation skills.
Event Format
Intensive one or two-day programs that introduce students to environmental design challenges through hands-on activities, teamwork, and presentations.
Qualification Path
Winning teams from each regional event qualify for a scholarship to attend the GEDC Summer Program at Columbia University, representing their country on the global stage.
Team-Based Competition
Students work in teams of 4-6 members, developing crucial collaboration skills while tackling real-world environmental challenges.
WHY?
Why participate in the
Frontier Enviornmental
Design Challenge
- Experience a condensed version of the GEDC program, gaining valuable skills in environmental design and teamwork
- Opportunity to win a Scholarship Award for the prestigious GEDC Summer Program at Columbia University
- Network with like-minded students, educators, and industry professionals in your region
- Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills applicable to future academic and career pursuits
- Receive mentorship from experienced educators and professionals in environmental science and engineering
Events Around the World
The FEDC events span across multiple countries, each with its own unique environmental challenges and opportunities. The winning team from each region event will be awarded a scholarship award by the YES UK charity to attend the at the
GEDC summer program at Columbia University.
United States
The USA FEDC event will focus on urban sustainability, smart city solutions, and climate resilience in a major metropolitan context.
Event Locations
United Kingdom
The FEDC events in the UK will address urban regeneration, climate resilience, and sustainable transportation systems.
Event Locations
China
The China FEDC events will focus on sustainable urban development and green infrastructure in rapidly growing cities.
Event Locations
Botswana
Botswana’s FEDC events will address water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism development.
Event Locations
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s FEDC events will focus on desert sustainability, renewable energy integration, and water management in arid environments.
Event Locations
Frontier Environment Design Challenge
Event Schedule
Two-Day Format
Most events follow a two-day format, providing students with a comprehensive experience that includes concept development, team collaboration, and presentation of solutions.
One-Day Format
The UK and USA events feature a condensed one-day format, focused on intensive solution development and presentations in a single day.
The FEDC Events are designed to be a condensed version of the full summer program, providing students with a taste of the challenges and experiences they would encounter at Columbia University. Each FEDC event follows a format tailored to local conditions and challenges.
Two-Day Format Schedule
08:30 – 09:00：Registration and Welcome
Students arrive, register, and receive welcome materials and team assignments
09:00 – 10:00：Opening Ceremony and Introduction
Welcome address, introduction to GEDC, overview of the program, and introduction to mentors
10:00 – 11:00：Challenge Briefing
Detailed presentation of the environmental design challenge, requirements, and evaluation criteria
11:00 – 12:00：Team Building Activity
Interactive activities to help team members get to know each other and establish roles
12:00 – 13:00：Lunch Break
Networking opportunity with other teams and mentors
13:00 – 14:30：Workshop: Design Thinking and Environmental Analysis
Introduction to design thinking methodology and environmental analysis techniques
14:30 – 16:30：Team Work Session: Initial Concept Development
Teams begin brainstorming and developing initial concepts for their solutions
16:30 – 17:30：Workshop: Introduction to Simulation Tools
Overview of simplified simulation tools that teams will use for their designs
17:30 – 18:00：Day 1 Wrap-up and Reflection
Teams share initial ideas and receive feedback from mentors
09:00 – 09:30：Day 2 Kickoff
Review of Day 1, schedule for Day 2, and additional guidance for teams
09:30 – 12:00：Team Work Session: Solution Development
Teams continue developing their solutions with mentor guidance
12:00 – 13:00：Lunch Break
Teams continue discussions while having lunch
13:00 – 14:30：Workshop: Effective Presentation Techniques
Guidance on how to effectively present design solutions and technical concepts
14:30 – 16:00: Final Preparation Time
Teams finalize their designs and prepare presentations
16:00 – 17:30: Team Presentations
Each team presents their solution to the panel of judges (10 minutes per team)
17:30 – 18:00: Judging Deliberation
Judges deliberate while teams network and discuss their experiences
18:00 – 18:30: Awards Ceremony and Closing
Announcement of winners, presentation of certificates, and next steps for winning teams
One-Day Format Schedule (UK & USA)
08:00 – 08:30: Registration and Welcome
Students arrive, register, and receive welcome materials and team assignments
08:30 – 09:15: Opening & Challenge Briefing
Welcome address, introduction to GEDC, and detailed presentation of the environmental design challenge
09:15 – 10:00:Team Building & Initial Planning
Quick team-building activities and initial planning for the challenge
10:00 – 11:30: Workshop: Design Thinking & Tools
Condensed workshop on design thinking methodology and simulation tools
11:30 – 13:00: Solution Development
Teams begin developing their solutions with mentor guidance
13:00 – 13:45: Lunch Break
Working lunch with continued team discussions
13:45 – 15:45: Solution Refinement & Presentation Prep
Teams finalize their solutions and prepare presentations
15:45 – 17:15: Team Presentations
Each team presents their solution to the panel of judges
17:15 – 18:00: Awards Ceremony and Closing
Judges’ feedback, announcement of winners, and next steps for winning teams
Ready to Take the Challenge?
Register for the Frontier Environment Design Challenge in your area and take the first step toward representing your country at Columbia University.
Qualification Process
The FEDC Events serve as standalone localised events and winning teams are awarded a scholarship to the prestigious GEDC Summer Program at Columbia University. Here’s how the qualification process works:
Teams of students participate in their local FEDC event, working on an intensive environmental design challenge (one or two days depending on the region). Each team develops a solution and presents it to a panel of judges.
One winning team is selected from each FEDC event based on the evaluation criteria. In regions with multiple event locations, the top teams will be award a scholarship for the GEDC (excluding boarding).
The winning team from each FEDC regional event will be given a Scholarship Award by the YES UK Charity to attend the GEDC Summer Program ( excluding boarding fees) at Columbia University. The program includes full participation in the 10-day immersive program with accommodation and meals provided.
Qualifying teams receive preparation materials and guidance to help them prepare for the more comprehensive challenges they will face at Columbia Univeristy. This includes access to online resources, simulation tools, and mentorship opportunities.
Additional Qualification Paths
While winning a FEDC region event is the primary path to the GEDC Summer Program, there are additional ways for exceptional students to participate:
Wild Card Entries
A limited number of wild card entries may be awarded to outstanding teams that didn’t win their regional event but demonstrated exceptional innovation or potential.
These selections are made by the GEDC organizing committee based on recommendations from regional judges.
Direct Applications
Students from regions without a GEDC regional event may apply directly to the summer program through a separate application process.
These applications are evaluated based on academic achievements, motivation, and demonstrated interest in environmental design.