QS ImpACT has launched the third edition of its global Games for Good Skills Challenge, inviting young people aged 18–35 to design playable digital games aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The free, fully virtual competition brings together youth teams from around the world to tackle real-world sustainability challenges through creativity, technology and collaboration. Since its launch in 2024, the initiative has engaged more than 3,000 participants from over 45 countries and 70 universities, providing a platform for young innovators to turn ideas into action while building future-ready skills.
The 2026 edition of the QS ImpACT Skills Challenge is sponsored by Zoom Communications, Inc., supporting inclusive global participation through virtual collaboration. The program is also backed by Bronze Partners Next Lab at Arizona State University and the University of Exeter, whose continued involvement is aimed at strengthening the challenge’s learning experience and global reach.
Open to participants of all experience levels, the challenge features two participation tracks: a Beginner No-Code Track for first-time creators, and an Advanced Coding Track for teams ready to develop more complex gameplay and mechanics. All teams will receive free expert-led training, access to practical toolkits, and hands-on guidance throughout the game design process.
Winning teams will share a £2,000 seed funding pool to further develop and scale their impact-driven games, alongside global recognition through QS ImpACT’s international platforms and community of more than 10,000 young people. Participants will also earn certificates and digital badges, with opportunities to showcase their work to universities, employers and youth leaders within the QS ImpACT global network.
The Skills Challenge is positioned as an applied learning experience focused on creativity, collaboration, AI thinking and problem-solving. Universities are offered a ready-to-run global programme to enhance employability outcomes and highlight student innovation, while corporate organisations can engage with emerging talent through mentoring, judging and collaboration on sustainability-focused digital solutions.
All activities, including training sessions and team collaboration, take place online to ensure accessibility for participants worldwide. The challenge will conclude in April 2026 with the announcement of winning and runner-up teams, followed by opportunities for selected teams to present their work at Youth Summit 2026 in London.
Registrations for the QS ImpACT Skills Challenge 2026 are now open, with teams of two to five members invited to apply by 10 March 2026. Further information and to register, see here.
