Showcase info for shortlisters
Provide real-world feedback to budding young innovators
Hello Shortlisters!
Thank you for helping us identify this year’s standout entries – your support is greatly appreciated!
A big thank you to you, our volunteers and partners, for helping us to review and rate hundreds of student entries to find this year's best tech innovation ideas.
After shortlisting, selected entries advance to the final round, where students present their ideas to a panel of virtual judges for a chance to be named Judges’ Favourite or win the People’s Choice Award!
An overview of the shortlisting criteria
During shortlisting, you will be asked to:
- Provide constructive feedback via an optional comment box. Please remember that our average age-range for submissions is 11-13 so be mindful within your comments.
- Rate submissions based on the three things below
- The Idea: How well does the app tackle the problem it’s trying to solve?
- The Solution: How creative, innovative, and well thought-through are the features or approach (whether described, imagined, or prototyped)?
- The Entry: How clearly do the students explain their idea (regardless of finish)?
Typical questions from our shortlisters
Why should I help shortlist?
Our student teams have worked hard this year to create innovative solutions and build app prototypes addressing challenges they care about. Shortlisting gives you the chance to inspire them and provide guidance to help further bring their ideas to life, boosting engagement in a meaningful real-world project.
How do I become a shortlister?
You can sign up as a shortlister here.
What if I lost my invitation email?
Email us and we will resend the email which contains your unique shortlisting link.
When does shortlisting start?
Shortlisting will take place between Monday 27 April - Friday 8 May 2026.
How does shortlisting work?
Shortlisters review and rate projects online, with entries that have the fewest reviews shown first. See an overview of the criteria above. If you decide to help shortlist, further guidance to help you rate projects will be provided.
What will I need in order to shortlist?
Just a few minutes of your time, a computer and a quiet space/ a pair of headphones.
What happens after shortlisting?
We review the top rated projects, then select the best entries to showcase for each category.
Where is the Showcase?
This year's Showcase will again be a virtual experience. All showcased entries will be announced on our social media and website.
How do I ask a different question?
Just email our partnership team and we'll do our best to answer your questions.
Interested in shortlisting entries as a team?
Some of our corporate partners enjoy shortlisting and reviewing student projects. It’s a great team building activity and insightful for employees to see innovative ideas from young minds. To learn more about how to get involved with these shortlisting sessions, as well as other opportunities to engage, visit our page for partners or email partnerships@appsforgood.org.