Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join SDGDC HL?

The active edition is open to IGCSE and O Level students. It is run by NGN India. Upcoming editions will cover IBDP, A Level, US State Boards, and AP curricula — each run by the relevant NGN entity at a different time.

See the Eligibility page for full details.

Is SDGDC HL free to enter?

Yes. Registration is completely free. There is no registration fee for any edition of SDGDC HL, at any stage. Round 1, Round 2, and the Final — all free to participate.

How long is the competition?

The active phase of each edition is 4 days. Within that window, your team identifies a problem, builds a working solution, and prepares to present it.

What is the team size?

Each team must have 4 to 6 members. Individual entries are not accepted. All team members work together across all 4 days — problem identification, building, and the presentation.

What tools can we use?

Anything. AI tools, code, no-code platforms, hardware, physical prototypes — there are no restrictions on what your team uses. The only requirement is that your solution actually works. A concept slide deck without a functioning output will not qualify.

What exactly do we need to build?

A practical, working solution to a real problem connected to one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The problem must be specific and grounded — not just "climate change" as a broad theme, but a concrete issue within it that your solution addresses. The solution must function. You present it and show that it works.

Which SDGs can we work on?

Any of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Pick the one where you can find a problem worth solving — something specific, not just a broad theme.

What is Round 1?

Round 1 is the edition-based stage. Each curriculum runs its own edition separately, at different times, managed by its own NGN entity. The IGCSE & O Level Edition (NGN India) is active now. Once all editions have completed, Round 1 is done.

What is Round 2?

Round 2 brings together the winners from every Round 1 edition. It is hosted by NGN International and is the first time teams from different curricula compete against each other. Details about Round 2 will be shared once Round 1 editions complete.

What does advancing mean?

Win your edition's Round 1 and you enter Round 2. The top teams from Round 2 reach the International Final — the global stage of SDGDC HL, run by NGN International. Teams that reach this stage receive official recognition, certificates, and ranking from SDGDC HL and NextGenNav.

How does registration work?

Register through the registration page. It uses a Tally form — takes a few minutes, requires your team details, and is completely free. Once submitted, your team receives further instructions about the competition window and what to expect.

I have a question not answered here.

Reach out through the Contact page to the relevant NGN entity. For the IGCSE & O Level Edition, contact NGN India.