Prodigy State Challenge to return in September, inspiring children to become Math Champions
The school with the most correct answers from students will become the monthly state champions, winning prizes and automatic entry to the Prodigy National Cup finals in May 2026.
Schools that qualify for the finale will compete for the title of National Math Champions and tech grants worth more than $200,000, as well as other rewards.
Last year, more than 70,000 US schools and 4.2 million students competed in the Prodigy State Challenge, submitting more than 625 million correct answers.
This year, the competition will introduce a new tiered format, ensuring schools compete with similarly-sized institutions, and a larger prize fund. All schools finishing in the top five within their state will also automatically qualify for the May finale.
“Last season’s State Challenge took student motivation to another level, reinforcing Prodigy’s approach to inspiring a love of learning,” comments Alex Peters, Co-CEO of Prodigy. “We heard and witnessed so many incredible, heartwarming stories from teachers about how State Challenge created a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration among students and staff across tens of thousands of schools in each and every state. So we’re thrilled to bring it back, including some updates to make the contest even more motivating and fun for schools, regardless of size.”
“Participating in the Prodigy State Challenge was such a powerful motivator for our students,” says Michaela Sicuranza, a fifth-grade teacher at Sinking Springs Elementary, which won last year’s Prodigy National Cup.
“It truly made math practice a team sport, adding another layer of excitement and really uniting us as a school. The friendly competition we had between classes pushed us to new heights, helping us to reinforce the skills we were teaching in class in a fun and exciting way. The reaction of the students when they learned they were national math champions was incredible. We can’t wait to try and defend our title.”
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.
Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.
Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.
To explore categories and submit your entry, visit the ETIH Innovation Awards hub.
