Mentor Training 2: What's New for 2026

2026 SEASON UPDATES

There are key changes coming to the Technovation Girls program for 2026!

These changes will open up more opportunities for teams to learn and grow in the program. We’ve compiled them here so you can see all the latest program expectations.

5 Updates Every Mentor Should Know!

Spotlight on Ethics

We’re putting a bigger emphasis on ethical considerations in app development across all divisions this year.

Why? With technology advancing quickly now, it’s important for teams to think through the impact of their work and be able to explain their decisions to others.

Including Real User Feedback

Junior and senior divisions now must incorporate user feedback, including specific details, into their pitch video – video footage highly encouraged.

Why? Interacting with users and hearing their feedback is a key part of the experience of designing solutions, and we want to make sure teams go through it… even if it’s tough!

Using GenAI Wisely

We anticipate that many junior and senior teams will use Generative AI (GenAI) to help with creating their apps. If they do, they’ll need to explain how they used AI and what specific tools they used. (Beginners should stay focused on the basics, since most GenAI tools are meant for ages 13+.)

Why? We want to see how teams are creatively engaging with AI and using it to grow their skills.

Lean Business Planning

Senior teams will now submit a 1-page Business Canvas, not a full business plan. They also have to include a few key details from their business within their pitch video.

Why? This follows proven startup practices and is widely used by top accelerators.

Encouraging Critical thinking

We’re challenging all teams to think critically! They will now be required to share the resources the team used for their project. For junior and senior divisions, they’ll also need to explain how they verified the legitimacy of those resources.

Why? In a world full of growing misinformation, we’re encouraging students to continue to think critically about the sources they rely on.

RUBRIC UPDATES

There are updated judging requirements to compliment the 5 key changes listed above. Be sure to review the changes in the 2026 Judging Rubrics here, we have summarized some key ones below.

Problem/Project Description

Pitch Video

Technical Video

Business Canvas change from Business Plan

Learning Journey

Added requirement

In addition to an overview of the problem and solution, teams must now explain how they considered ethics in developing specific aspects of their app.

They will have an additional 150 words for explaining the ethics.

Added requirement

All division teams must discuss specific user feedback, including video footage where possible.

Senior division teams must talk about their business model and financials.

Expanded requirement

If teams used generative AI to help build their app, they must explain that process. They should include tools, prompts, and iterative development (ie. through prompt modification, etc.).

There is a separate rubric item for teams who did not use GenAI, so no team is penalized for using or not using GenAI to build their app.

New submission item

Teams will be assessed on their concise explanation of the business’s value proposition, target market, financial plans, and how feedback from a business professional was integrated.

New requirement

Teams now need to include a list (bibliography) of all the resources they used or adapted in their project. This includes three parts:

what they learned and the challenges they faced
how they checked if the information was reliable
a full list of sources they used or remixed

CURRICULUM UPDATES

We’ve made updates to the languages the curriculum is available in, guidance around AI use, including embedded ethics content. The content is also being aligned recognized teaching standards, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Learn more in the slider of content below

Languages

Our curriculum is now available in 16 languages!

English, Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, French, Georgian, Hindi, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Kazakh, Korean, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Spanish (Spain and Latin American)

AI tools are always changing, and we’re keeping up!

You’ll still find lessons on building your own models and using AI in your mobile app or web app. We’re also adding new tutorials and support to help teams use AI in their projects.

Coming soon: a guide for educators and mentors new to AI tools to help them support students using AI for coding and debugging.

Ethics

Ethics content is getting a makeover!

It will now feature elements from the European Union’s Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) Framework made accessible for students. The updated content will be embedded throughout the curriculum and is expected to launch in September 2025

Teaching Standards Alignment

Teachers and educators will soon be able to use our new teaching standards page to easily show how student work on Technovation projects aligns with various standards. We’ll begin with ISTE and the UNESCO AI framework.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

We’re expanding our support for girls addressing key SDG issues through the AI in Action units. These include technical AI tutorials, inspiring alumnae examples, and real-world applications from scientists. Check out what’s live in the “Additional Pathways” section of our main curriculum page.

View Additional Curriculum Pathways