Where does my idea need to take place?
Your idea should address a water-related challenge within your own country. It can focus on your school, community, city, or a wider national challenge, but it should not be designed as a project in another country.

What kind of idea can I submit?
There is no single type of solution we are looking for. Your idea could involve awareness or education, community action, water conservation, sanitation, restoration, technology, digital solutions or even a social enterprise or business concept.

Can my idea involve a non-profit or another organization?
Yes. You can work with a non-profit, organization or public institution, for example by developing a project together, raising funds for an existing project or supporting an ongoing campaign. You do not need to start from scratch. Your idea can build on or support something that already exists.

Does my idea need to be technical?
Not at all. Ideas can be practical, creative, technical or community-led, from education and behavior change to engineering, apps or local action. 

Does my idea need to be completely new?
Your idea does not need to invent something completely new. It can build on an existing approach, as long as you show how you would apply, adapt or develop it to address your chosen water challenge.

How developed does my idea need to be?
In Round 1, we are looking for a defined water-related challenge and an idea worth exploring further. It does not need to be a finished idea. In Round 2, we are expecting you to research your idea in depth and submit a project proposal. 

Who can participate?
The competition is for children and young people connected to GF. GF employees themselves cannot participate. Please review the eligibility criteria for each age category above.

What are the age categories?
Your age is determined as of 31 January 2027:

• Under-18 category: You must be under 18 as of 31 January 2027.
• 18–25 category: You must be at least 18 and no older than 25 as of 31 January 2027.

Why are the participation requirements different for applicants under 18?
To protect the rights and privacy of minors, participation for applicants under 18 is limited to children or legal dependents of current GF employees. Applicants under 18 cannot submit an idea themselves. The submission must be made on their behalf by a current GF employee who is also their legal representative.

Can GF employees participate?
No, GF employees, including interns and apprentices, cannot participate in NextGen. The competition is designed for children and young people connected to GF, not for GF employees themselves. GF employees can submit ideas all year through the OneGF Impact Fund. 

Do I need to be connected to GF?
Yes. At least one person submitting the idea must meet the applicable GF connection requirements. 

Can I participate as part of a team?
Yes. You can submit an idea individually or as a team. Only one team member needs to have the required connection to GF.

What do I need to submit in Round 1?
Tell us about the defined water-related challenge you want to address, your idea and its potential. You may also upload supporting material to help bring your idea to life.

Can I upload a video, image or sketch?
Yes. You can upload a written response, a short video, image or sketch to help explain or illustrate your idea. If you use a visual to present your idea, please also include a description.

What language should I use?
All submissions must be made in English.

Can I submit more than one idea?
No. Each applicant may submit only one idea.

Can I edit my submission after submitting it?
No. Once submitted, your application cannot be edited. Please take your time and review your submission carefully before sending it.

When is the Round 1 deadline?
Round 1 submission must be completed by 31 January 2027.

How will my idea be evaluated?
Ideas will be assessed against the defined evaluation criteria, including their overall potential, feasibility and possible impact.

Who will evaluate my idea?
Eligible submissions will be evaluated by regional judging panels made up of GF employees from various functions and countries. 

Is the evaluation anonymous?
Yes. Personal and administrative information that is not required for evaluating your idea will not be visible to the judges.

How are winners selected?
Winners will be selected within each region based on the defined evaluation criteria.

How many winners will be selected?
The exact number of winners will not be disclosed in advance.

What happens if my idea is selected for Round 2?
You will have the opportunity to develop your idea further into a project proposal and provide additional information about its potential impact and feasibility. Everything you submitted in Round 1 will be available to you in Round 2 and can be further edited. 

When is the Round 2 deadline?
Selected participants must complete their Round 2 submission by 30 April 2027.

When will I be informed if my idea was selected?
Selected applicants will be informed before 28 February 2027.

Who can participate in the Learning & Development Week in Switzerland?
Selected regional winners aged 18 to 25 years old may be invited to participate in the Learning & Development Week in Switzerland at the end of July 2027, subject to the applicable participation and travel requirements.

Are travel and accommodation covered?
For invited participants, the travel and expenses specified in the Terms & Conditions will be covered by GF. Participants must meet the applicable passport, visa and travel requirements themselves.

Will the judges see my personal information?
Personal and administrative information that is not required for evaluating your idea will not be visible to the judges.

How will my personal data be handled?
Your personal data will be processed in accordance with the NextGen Privacy Notice.

Where can I find the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Notice?
Both documents are linked on the NextGen campaign page and submission platform.

Who can I contact if I have a question?
Please contact gfwaterfoundation@georgfischer.com.

What should I do if I experience technical problems?
Please visit Zealous Help.