2026 Future Anything Finals Applications

Win the funding and support to launch your idea into the real world

Hey there! If you’ve arrived here, it means you’re thinking about entering your idea for the Future Anything National Finals 2026. How exciting!

Any student (or teams of up to four students) that have participated in the Future Anything Challenge 2026 at their school can apply.

You’ll be able to submit your idea here to win the funding and support to launch YOUR idea into the real world. Applications are now open and will close on Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 11.30pm AEST (IMPORTANT: No extensions will be granted)

Here are some things that might help:

Firstly, well done for getting this far. We know that there would have been parts of the Future Anything Challenge that would have been really challenging. At one point, maybe you didn’t even think you’d ever come up with an idea at all. But here you are!

Now, before you second guess yourself and leave the form half filled out, we want you to know that we REALLY want you to enter your idea. We’re looking for passionate young people (like you) with ideas that have potential (like yours).

The judges are interested in three things: Impact; Innovation; and Implementation.  You can even cut and paste parts of your school pitch or assignment as the answers to the questions if they align. Good luck!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR FINALS
KEY DATES
HOW TO APPLY
INSPO

NATIONAL FINALS 2026 - KEY DATES

  • Now – Applications are open here
  • Wednesday 16 September 2026 – Applications closed at 11.30pm AEST (IMPORTANT: No extensions will be granted)
  • Tuesday 20 & Thursday 22 October 2026  – National Semi Finals – live online via Zoom
  • Wednesday 18 November 2026 – National Grand Final – live in Brisbane + online

HOW TO APPLY

1

CHECK IF YOU'RE ELIGIBLE

If you’ve taken part in the Future Anything Challenge program in 2026, you’re eligible. You don’t need to have won (or even been in!) your school showcase, or launched your business in the real world yet. If you’ve made it this far, you can apply!
2

DRAFT YOUR SUBMISSION

You can use the template here to see the questions and draft your answers. It is pretty short; answers must be 120 words or less. If you can make them even shorter, do it! There is also the option to include a short 60 second video, and to upload your logo, if you have one.
3

CHOOSE YOUR CATEGORIES

There are two Finals categories to choose from: Pitching and Showcase. All teams can enter one or both categories – for the best chance of success, we suggest you enter both categories!
4

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Head to the online application form here, register for an account, add your responses and hit submit. That’s it, you’re done! You can also return to the applications page, and log in to edit your entry, right up until the closing date (but note that NO LATE ENTRIES will be accepted).
5

NOW RELAX!

Next, the judges will take on the difficult task of reviewing all the submissions, and we’ll be in touch soon after that to let you know if your idea has made it through to the next stage.

2026 FINALS CATEGORIES

PITCHING CATEGORY
$75K+ TOTAL PRIZE POT

GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL TEAMS!

In this high profile category, the top 40 teams nationally will pitch in eight fast and fun National Semi Finals, held live online on Tuesday 20 and Thursday 22 October.

The Winner from each Semi Final then progress to pitch live in the National Grand Pitch Final for the chance to be crowned Future Anything Grand Final Winner 2026!

The Runner Up from each Semi Final progress to the National Grand Final Showcase Expo.

SHOWCASE CATEGORY
$30K+ TOTAL PRIZE POT

PERFECT FOR TEAMS WITH A SALES-READY PRODUCT!

This category particularly suits teams that will have a physical product that they will be ready to sell by November.

The top 20 applicants from this category will be invited to showcase (ie have a market stall and sell their products) at the National Grand Final in Brisbane in November.

Teams in this category will complete for a share in a prize pot worth over $30,000, with a special judging panel and audience People’s Vote!

CLICK HERE To APPLY FOR FINALS

NOTE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Future Anything is committed to ensuring gender equality, diversity and inclusiveness across all our programs. We recognise diversity as differences in gender, age, cultural and linguistic diversity (CALD), disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, geographic location and socio-economic status. Future Anything reserves the right to set standards that ensure that everyone has a positive experience during our events and programs. This means that everyone can expect to be free from discrimination and all participants must treat others with courtesy and consideration, and be respectful in their communications and behaviour.

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