the catalyst challenge™
A competition for high school students offering $2,000 USD in prizes
proudly
sponsored
by
FACE THE CLICKS OF REALITY.
The real world doesn't hand out participation trophies.
Outside of school, success is measured in subscribers who click "notify me," listeners who hit "play," viewers who tap "stream," and customers who press "buy." Every click—or missing click—is honest feedback on your creation.
Most students graduate without ever experiencing what it's like to put their work in front of strangers who don't have to be nice. The Catalyst Challenge™ changes that, teaching you what classrooms can't: how to create something people actually want, how to handle public criticism, and how to measure success through real engagement instead of letter grades.
Put yourself out there. Face rejection. Celebrate real wins. These are the skills that matter after graduation.
Outside of school, success is measured in subscribers who click "notify me," listeners who hit "play," viewers who tap "stream," and customers who press "buy." Every click—or missing click—is honest feedback on your creation.
Most students graduate without ever experiencing what it's like to put their work in front of strangers who don't have to be nice. The Catalyst Challenge™ changes that, teaching you what classrooms can't: how to create something people actually want, how to handle public criticism, and how to measure success through real engagement instead of letter grades.
Put yourself out there. Face rejection. Celebrate real wins. These are the skills that matter after graduation.
how it works
no essays or pitch decks.
Forget academic essays that gather dust in a teacher's drawer. To enter this competition, simply apply and select what you'll create—a song that people stream, a podcast others subscribe to, a YouTube video that gains views, an online store that makes sales, or any project that puts your skills to the test. Your work will face real audiences, receive authentic feedback, and build your portfolio while you compete.
Get to work.
After applying you'll join our Discord where you'll connect with fellow participants working on similar projects. You'll have one month to bring your idea to life. We're not interested in hypothetical business plans or theoretical concepts that never leave PowerPoint. Create, publish, and promote your work to real people. Your ability to execute, not just ideate, is what counts here.
Just measurable impact.
Victory in this competition comes down to verifiable results. After one month, we'll evaluate your success through actual performance metrics: Stripe/Etsy sales figures, YouTube view counts, Instagram engagement rates, Spotify/SoundCloud play statistics, newsletter subscriber growth, website traffic, and other relevant analytics. Your rank will be determined by how real people respond to your creation. The judges will review these metrics and award prizes to those who generated the most meaningful impact.
$1,000
1st place
$500
2nd place
$250
3rd and 4th
network on discord
+
zoom
Work alongside others in the same journey, get mentored by people who have achieved success before you.
apply now
judges
The Catalyst Challenge™ brings together a panel of successful creators, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals who have built real audiences and businesses. They've faced the same real-world metrics you'll be measured by and know what it takes to create something people actually want.
judge
Kaeya
majmundar
shark tank +
founder of
Swayid
Kaeya Majmundar is the CEO of SwayID, a compliance platform for influencer marketing. She gained recognition after appearing on "Shark Tank," where she secured an investment for her innovative product, BZbox.
Kaeya's current focus is on promoting authenticity in marketing through SwayID. Her leadership aims to create a more trustworthy environment by ensuring compliance in influencer marketing. She has raised millions of dollars in venture funding for SwayID. As a prominent figure in the tech and social commerce sectors, Kaeya continues to inspire young entrepreneurs with her vision and entrepreneurial spirit.
Kaeya's current focus is on promoting authenticity in marketing through SwayID. Her leadership aims to create a more trustworthy environment by ensuring compliance in influencer marketing. She has raised millions of dollars in venture funding for SwayID. As a prominent figure in the tech and social commerce sectors, Kaeya continues to inspire young entrepreneurs with her vision and entrepreneurial spirit.
judge
sadok
cervantes
fastcompany's "most innovative people" +
ceo of leangap
Sadok has been recognized as one of FastCompany's "Most Innovative People" and received the "Best Mobile Innovation" award at the Mobile World Congress in 2020. Sadok has had the opportunity to share his insights on stages such as TEDx and conferences across the globe, including events in the US, Australia, Mexico, Austria, and online. His professional experience includes leading teams at iconic brands like Wikipedia, Lufthansa, TripAdvisor, and The MIT Media Lab
As a mentor and advisor, Sadok Cervantes has been involved with programs like Leangap,guides young entrepreneurs in developing innovative solutions. His expertise spans multiple sectors, and his ability to inspire and connect people has made him a respected figure in the entrepreneurial community.
As a mentor and advisor, Sadok Cervantes has been involved with programs like Leangap,guides young entrepreneurs in developing innovative solutions. His expertise spans multiple sectors, and his ability to inspire and connect people has made him a respected figure in the entrepreneurial community.
judge
oliy barrett
co-founder of rhythm.fm +
forbes 30 under 30
Oliy Barrett is a notable entrepreneur known for founding Top.gg, a platform that has gained significant attention in the tech community. He is also the co-founder of Rhythm, one of the largest music streaming platforms in the world. His achievements have been acknowledged by Forbes, which included him in their prestigious 30 Under 30 list. This recognition highlights his impact and influence in the tech industry at a young age.
As a leader in the tech space, Oliy Barrett’s work with Top.gg and Rhythm demonstrates his ability to build and grow successful digital platforms. Both Top.gg and Rhythm have gained millions of monthly users.
As a leader in the tech space, Oliy Barrett’s work with Top.gg and Rhythm demonstrates his ability to build and grow successful digital platforms. Both Top.gg and Rhythm have gained millions of monthly users.
judge
kevin
covarrubias
Educational Strategist +
Senior College consultant at crimson
A graduate of Columbia University where he completed his MA in Political Science, Kevin has a wealth of college admission consulting experience. He works closely with students to identify their most compelling qualities, helping them create profiles that genuinely resonate with admissions committees across a range of disciplines. Kevin particularly excels in advising applicants pursuing STEM, Business/Economics, Political Science/International Relations, and the humanities across various top institutions like Harvard, Stanford, Brown, Johns Hopkins, NYU, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, Brown (transfer), USC, Georgetown, and more.
Kevin's expertise extends to competitive summer program applications, having helped students gain acceptance to prestigious opportunities including Yale Young Global Scholars, Leangap, Stanford CNI-X Neuroscience Program, and RISD Pre-College.
Kevin's expertise extends to competitive summer program applications, having helped students gain acceptance to prestigious opportunities including Yale Young Global Scholars, Leangap, Stanford CNI-X Neuroscience Program, and RISD Pre-College.
rules
check your eligibility, prizes, and more
read the rules
do you have what it takes?
join us.
Applications open now.
applications close ➝ april 30
apply for free