Future Problem Solving (FPS) just wrapped up their 2026 World Finals, and it’s time to celebrate the amazing innovators who took the stage this summer

From June 10–14, 2026, the campus of Indiana University transformed into a hub for brilliant students of all ages, from around the globe. 1,454 problem solvers representing 11 countries and 259 different schools gathered to put their critical thinking to the ultimate test.

The central theme for this year’s highest-level competition was Forestry.

Here is a look at how FPS’s global finalists tackled critical issues facing these vital ecosystems, along with an exciting update about opportunities for new students to jump into the action this fall.

The Skills Showcase

What makes the Future Problem Solving World Finals so unique is the sheer variety of ways students can demonstrate their analytical and creative strengths. Finalists performed, collaborated, and designed. They told stories and developed action plans to communicate their ideas to the judges.

Competition tracks included:

• Action Plan Presentations: Teams took their written solutions and translated them into dynamic, four-minute live performance skits. Creating props from an approved material list added an extra layer of creativity.
• Storytelling: Competitors delivered live, future-focused narratives directly to a panel of judges and an audience, using the World Finals topic as inspiration.
• Creative Writing: Wordsmiths were given two hours to draft a 1,000-word future scenario based on the forestry topic.
• Community Projects: Students submitted a proposal, report, and promo video ahead of the event. During the conference, they participated in an interview and created a tabletop display to showcase community service projects they designed and implemented themselves.
• MAGIC (Multi Affiliate Global Issues Competition): This track threw a (planned) curveball. Individual competitors arrived and were placed on teams with students from entirely different regions, forcing instant, cross-cultural collaboration.
• Global Issues: After researching and analyzing the topic ahead of the event, teams had just two hours to apply a rigorous 6-step problem-solving process to a complex future scene regarding forestry.

We want to extend a massive congratulations to all the 2026 World Finals winners, as well as the coaches, families, and mentors who supported them on the road to Indiana!

Watch the Skit Champions!

Three division champion teams performed their award winning action plan presentations at the World Finals awards ceremony. See how they brought their action plans to life.

Next Up: The 2026 World Solutions Challenge

If you kept up with the World Finals from the sidelines and wished you could get involved, now is the perfect chance. FPS is launching its 2026 World Solutions Challenge, and it is specifically designed as an introductory experience for first time global issues participants.

This challenge is asynchronous, bite-sized, and does not require any prior FPS experience or affiliation. It is the perfect way to introduce students to the powerful 6-step problem-solving process and encourage critical and creative thinking

The 2026 Topic: Invasive Species

Students will tackle another pressing environmental threat: How will we safeguard the biodiversity of our ecosystems against the rising threat of invasive species in the future?

Details:

• Junior Division: Open to students new to FPS in U.S. equivalent grades 5 to 6 (ages 10-12).
• Middle Division: Open to students in U.S. equivalent grades 7 to 8 (ages 12-14).
• Team Size: Teams consist of 2 to 4 students, and all team sizes compete together.
• Cost: The entry fee is $100 per team.
• Requirements: Every team needs an adult contact (coaching is welcomed but completely optional). All instructional materials are included.
• Format: 100% online and flexible via FPSOnline. Teams can complete the challenge in one long session or break it up over the 4-week window.

Key Dates for Your Calendar

Mark these dates down so your students don’t miss out on this global challenge:

• August 1 – September 15: Registration window is open
• September 25 – October 20: 4-Week Competition Window
• October 23 – November 9: Action Plan Judging
• November 17: Winners Announced!

Whether you are an educator looking for an engaging classroom project or a parent wanting to boost your child’s critical thinking skills, the World Solutions Challenge is an incredible gateway into the world of academic problem-solving. Mark your calendars to join in the challenge!