What's New in 2026
Welcome to the final module of your Chapter Ambassador training! 🎉 We’ve gathered all the important updates for the new season in one place. These updates will help you guide your teams and stay aligned with the latest program expectations.
5 Updates Every Ambassador Should Know!
1
Spotlight on Ethics
We’re putting a bigger emphasis on ethical considerations in app development across all divisions this year.
2
Including Real User Feedback
Junior and senior divisions now must incorporate user feedback, including specific details, into their pitch video – video footage highly encouraged.
3
Using GenAI Wisely
We anticipate that many junior and senior teams will likely use Generative AI (GenAI) to help with creating their apps. If they do, they’ll need to explain how they used AI. (Beginners should stay focused on the basics, since most GenAI tools are meant for ages 13+.)
4
Lean Business Planning
Senior teams will now submit a 1-page Business Canvas, not a full business plan. They also need to include a few key details from their business within their pitch video.
5
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.
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.
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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.
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Added requirement
All division teams must discuss specific user feedback, including video footage where possible.Â
Senior division teams must talk about their business model and financials.
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Expanded requirement
If teams used 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.
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New submission item
Teams will be assessed on their concise demonstration of the business’s value proposition, target market, financial plans, and how they integrated feedback from a business professional within their lean canvas.
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New requirement
ALL teams now need to share what resources they used or adapted in their project. This includes three parts:
- what they learned and the challenges they faced
- a list (bibliography) of sources they used or remixed
- an explanation of how they checked if the information was reliable (Junior and Senior Teams only)
CURRICULUM UPDATES
The Technovation curriculum continues to grow. These updates highlight new content areas, improved resources, and upcoming features to support students, educators, and mentors.
- Languages
OUR CURRICULUM IS NOW AVAILABLE IN 17 LANGUAGES:
English, Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, French, Georgian, German, Hindi, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Kazakh, Korean, Portuguese (Brazilian), Romanian, Russian, Spanish (Spain and Latin American versions available)
- AI
AI tools are always changing, and we’re keeping up. You’ll still find lessons on building models and using AI in your mobile or web app. We’re also adding new tutorials and support to help teams use AI in their projects.
NEW: a guide to help educators and mentors new to AI support students in coding and debugging using AI.
- Ethics
Ethics content is getting a makeover! It will now feature elements from the European Union’s Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) Framework. The updated content will be embedded throughout the curriculum and is expected to launch in September 2025.
- Standard 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. To start, ISTE standards and the UNESCO AI framework will be featured.
- Sustainable Development Goals
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.
TECHNOVATION PLATFORM UPDATES
- Chapter Naming:
When completing your Chapter Profile, please ensure your organization OR program name is included in the name of your Chapter. You may optionally include Technovation and the name of your region.
Examples:
- “STEMEIC – Technovation Virginia”
- “Teen Turn”
- Submission Changes:
There is now a slot to submit the Business Canvas instead of the Business Plan.
There will be an additional AI-related question visible to judges during evaluation.
- Chapter and Club Selection:
When participants log in for the new season, they’ll be required to confirm their Chapter or Club.
Reminder: Your Chapter Affiliation Agreement must be signed in order for students to select your Chapter on the platform.
- Updating a Student’s Chapter or Club
🎉
Training Complete!
Thanks for taking the time to complete this training. As an Ambassador, you’re at the heart of the Technovation community and your leadership sets the tone for your students’ learning journey.
We’re so excited to support you this season.
