Judging & Recognition
Great ideas are more than a final score. We look at the thinking, potential, and possibilities behind them.
See What the Jury Looks For ➡
What Does the Jury Look For?
NxGen recognizes innovation and potential—not professional-level execution.
Each eligible submission is evaluated by members of the FBIF Global Jury using five areas of evaluation:
-
Is the idea original, distinctive, or approached in a new way?
-
Does the participant demonstrate an understanding of the problem, need, question, or opportunity being explored?
-
Has the idea been thoughtfully developed, and is there a reasonable path for it to move forward?
-
What could the idea contribute, influence, improve, or become?
-
Can the participant clearly communicate the idea and demonstrate an understanding of their own proposal?
Each eligible submission receives a minimum of three independent Jury evaluations.
What Recognition Can I Receive?
Recognition celebrates strong ideas across all three Innovation Tracks while leaving room for the Jury to recognize something exceptional.
Within each Innovation Track, eligible submissions may receive:
Gold Recognition — up to 1 per Track
Silver Recognition — up to 2 per Track
Bronze Recognition — up to 3 per Track
These are maximum available positions, not guaranteed quotas. FBIF is not required to award every available Recognition if the applicable standards are not met.
The Jury may also recommend up to two Jury Special Recognitions across the entire High School Division for exceptional submissions that merit recognition beyond the standard Track-based structure.
What Is NxGen Spotlight?
You don't have to wait until the end of the Competition to have a promising idea noticed.
NxGen Spotlight is a special recognition opportunity during the early part of the 2026–2027 Competition Cycle.
Complete eligible submissions received by the September 27, 2026 Spotlight Consideration Cutoff are automatically considered. No separate application is required.
Three appointed Jury members review eligible projects based on the originality of the idea, clarity of the proposed innovation, and future potential. Up to three NxGen Spotlight Recognitions may be selected.
Receiving Spotlight does not add points or provide an advantage in the Main Jury Evaluation. Spotlight recipients may continue developing their submissions before the Final Submission Deadline and remain eligible for other applicable Competition Recognitions.
What Happens After Judging?
Every Recognition goes through review and certification before it becomes official.
After the Main Jury Evaluation, proposed Recognition results go through FBIF's Results Review & Certification process, which may include administrative verification, eligibility confirmation, and integrity review.
Official Recognition results for the 2026–2027 Competition Cycle are scheduled to be announced on January 15, 2027.
FBIF also intends to recognize selected recipients through a Recognition Ceremony in February 2027, with the exact date, location, format, and participation details to be announced separately.