Building the world's largest idea bank through grassroot innovation, where young minds from across the globe come together to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time
91
# of challenges to be solved
20
# of Scientist contributors
Explore Ideas. Innovate. Create Impact.
Science driven by curiosity and passion.
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Real Problems. Real Mentors. Real Growth.
Open Ideas Lab empowers curious students (ages 13+) to explore real-world challenges with guidance from experienced mentors. Here, students discover problems, test solutions, and receive constructive feedback — building confidence, creativity, and the skills to think beyond textbooks. Learning is driven by curiosity, not grades or competition.
From Curiosity to Impact
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Ask questions that don’t fit neatly into textbooks
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Explore science, tech, climate, and health challenges
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Collaborate with mentors who guide, not grade
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Turn curiosity into actionable ideas
Welcome Young Explorer!
Open Ideas Lab is a safe space for curious students to work on real-world challenges shared by scientists and experts.
You don’t need to be an expert — just be curious and willing to think.
Your ideas will be reviewed respectfully, and select ideas will receive guidance from our mentors to help you learn and improve.
This platform is free for students and focused on learning, not competition.
Journey Steps
Step 1 - Discover:
Scientists share real-world challenges or topics they are curious about.
Step 2 - Explore:
Students pick a problem by age, topic, or difficulty that sparks curiosity.
Step 3 - Create:
Students work independently or in group to solve the problem.
Step 4 - Share:
Student submit their idea, explain why it works, highlight challenges.
Step 5 - Grow:
Receive expert feedback, improve, and gain confidence for next steps.
Meet our Mentors
Upcoming Events

Dr. Mike Brown: How I Killed Pluto and the Search for a New PlanetFri 30 OctVirtual Event
Dr. Jill Tarter : Inside the Science of SETI with Jill TarterTue 10 NovVirtual Event
Prof. Karl Friston: The Art of Problem SolvingMon 16 NovVirtual Event
Prof. Peyton Young: Game Theory, Social Norms & Everyday LifeSun 22 NovVirtual Event
Dr. Radia Perlman: How Does the Internet Know Where to Go?Fri 27 NovVirtual Event
Prof. Lisa Kaltenegger: Are We Alone? The Search for Life Beyond EarthFri 04 DecVirtual Event
Dr. Drew Weissman: Inside the mRNA Revolution with 2023 Nobel LaureateFri 11 DecVirtual Event
Prof. Donald Sadoway: From Metals to InventionsSat 09 JanVirtual Event
Prof. Brian K. Kobilka: 2012 Nobel Prize in ChemistrySat 23 JanVirtual Event





























