Skybound Challenge: IgnitionSummer 2025 Edition

How can AI help improve aviation or flight in the future?

Grades 6–12
Deadline: June 30
Prizes + Recognition

About the Challenge

The Skybound Challenge is a national STEM competition organized by Skybound Horizons.

It invites students in Grades 6–12 to explore how artificial intelligence can improve the future of flight.

Submissions can be a slide deck or a short video — no coding required.

Challenge Topic

How can AI help improve aviation or flight in the future?

Need ideas?

Middle School

  • Smart airports
  • Delivery drones
  • Pilot helpers

High School

  • Autonomous aircraft
  • Flight path optimization
  • AI co-pilots

Submission Instructions

  • Submit a Slide Deck (PDF) or a Video (under 2 mins)
  • High school students encouraged to submit both
  • Submit via Google Form (linked in CTA)
  • Videos must be shareable (YouTube or Google Drive — "anyone with link can view")

Prizes & Recognition

Middle School

Grades 6–8

  • One Winner
  • One Honorable Mention

High School

Grades 9–12

  • One Winner
  • One Honorable Mention

All Winners Receive:

  • Digital Certificates
  • Featured on our podcast, website, or social media.

Timeline

Submissions Open

May 23, 2025

Submission Deadline

June 30, 2025

Winners Announced

July 18, 2025

Judging Criteria

Clarity of Idea

Is your concept clearly explained and easy to understand?

STEM Relevance

How well does your idea connect to AI and aviation?

Creativity

How original and innovative is your approach?

Presentation Effort

How clearly and thoughtfully did you present your idea — through design, structure, and delivery?

Overall Impact

How compelling and impactful is your idea?

Judging Process:

  • Projects are evaluated based on clarity of idea, creativity, STEM relevance, presentation effort, and overall impact
  • Middle School and High School entries judged separately

Rules Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Organized bySkybound Horizonsa student-led nonprofit

Ready to Submit Your Project?