Now in it’s third year, the Cognita Student Challenge asks young people across our global community to look beyond the classroom, identify a real problem in the world, and make a positive impact.

This year’s theme was Making a Difference and the response from students across the world was extraordinary. Outstanding projects were submitted for judging by our Global Judging Panels, which this year included a student-led panel.

What is the Cognita Student Challenge?

The Cognita Student Challenge is a year-long global competition open to every Cognita school, regardless of size or location. Designed to shine a light on excellence in real-life learning, it develops the skills, values and sense of purpose that stay with students long after they leave school; agency, adaptability, resilience and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

The 2026 Winners

Global Grand Winner – Anwitha, CHIREC International School, India, PadSeva

Anwitha’s project, PadSeva, tackles period poverty in rural India through the distribution of biodegradable bamboo sanitary napkins, awareness workshops and educational materials to reduce stigma. Led entirely by a team of 30 student volunteers, the initiative has to date distributed over 10,000 pads, raised more than $6,500 and reached over 9,500 women.

“It has been a deeply enriching journey that has demonstrated the power of youth-led initiatives in creating meaningful and lasting social change.” Anwitha, Global Grand Winner

Judges praised PadSeva’s strong social impact, successful execution and clear potential for growth, recognising it as an inspiring example of tackling a real-world issue with compassion, innovation and long-term vision.

Global Winner – Diego, Colegio Olinca, Mexico, ZenithAI

Diego combined artificial intelligence and 3D printing to create customised, low-cost solutions for healthcare and accessibility challenges from patient rehabilitation to assistive devices for people with disabilities. Judges praised its technical ambition, independent leadership and real-world impact.

Global Winner – British School of Valencia, Spain, The Correspondence Club — NHS Mental Health Project

Students launched a letter-writing initiative supporting young people receiving NHS mental health care, promotinh connection and community through thoughtful correspondence, booklets and events including a mental health fair. Judges highlighted its strong social value, empathy and meaningful impact.

Global Winner – Yashraj and Mehek, CHIREC International School, India, LearnABLE

LearnABLE improves educational accessibility for visually impaired students through audio-based spoken English classes, building communication skills, confidence and new opportunities for blind and visually impaired young people in India. Judges praised the collaborative, student-led approach and its meaningful, lasting impact.

Global Primary Winner – Marc and Myra, Horizon English School, UAE, Sparkle Foundation Workbooks

Marc and Myra designed tailored reading, writing and mathematics workbooks for children in Malawi — providing high-quality learning materials to students who need them most. Judges were impressed by their creativity, student ownership and commitment to creating lasting change through education.

Global Early Years Winner – Al Ain English Speaking School, UAE, Packing Kindness

The youngest participants in this year’s Challenge collected and shared toys with children in Malawi, fostering empathy, generosity and global awareness. Judges praised the thoughtful approach and strong values demonstrated by such young students.

A global community, united by purpose

What the 2026 Cognita Student Challenge demonstrates, above all else, is what young people can achieve when they are given the space, the support and the belief to lead.

These students identified real problems and took real action. They showed agency, resilience and compassion not as abstract qualities, but in practice, in the world beyond the classroom. That is what we mean by a transformational education at Cognita. Congratulations to every student who took part.