Open Ideas Lab – Terms and Conditions

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Last Updated: 11th Apr 2026

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These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern access to and use of the Open Ideas Lab platform (“Open Ideas Lab”, “the Platform”, “we”, “us”, “our”). Please read them carefully before creating an account or using the Platform.

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By creating an account or using Open Ideas Lab, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

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1. Purpose of Open Ideas Lab

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Open Ideas Lab is a not-for-profit platform designed to support children and young people aged 13+ years by exposing them to real-world scientific, social, technological, and environmental challenges, and by providing structured feedback and mentorship from experts.

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The Platform exists to:

• Encourage curiosity-driven thinking and problem-solving

• Make high-quality mentorship accessible regardless of socioeconomic background

• Support learning, creativity, and critical thinking - not competition

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2. Account Structure and Eligibility

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2.1 Parent / Guardian Accounts (Primary Account Holder)

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• Only a parent or legal guardian aged 18 or older may create an account on Open Ideas Lab.

• The parent/guardian is the primary account holder and enters into a legally binding agreement with Open Ideas Lab.

• By creating an account, the parent/guardian confirms that:

  • They are the lawful parent or guardian of the student learner(s)

  • They have the authority to consent on behalf of the child

  • All information provided is accurate and truthful

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2.2 Student Learner Accounts

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• Student learners (aged 13+) participate only through a parent/guardian account.

• Student learners do not enter into a legal contract with Open Ideas Lab.

• All rights, obligations, and communications are managed through the parent/guardian.

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2.3 Supervision Responsibility

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The parent/guardian agrees to:

• Supervise the child’s use of the Platform

• Review problem statements, submissions, and feedback

• Ensure that participation aligns with the child’s maturity and well-being

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3. Acceptable Use of the Platform

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Users agree not to:

• Submit plagiarised, copied, or AI-generated work presented as original thinking

• Upload harmful, abusive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content

• Attempt to identify or contact mentors, reviewers, or other students outside the Platform

• Use the Platform for commercial promotion or solicitation

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Open Ideas Lab reserves the right to remove content or suspend accounts that violate these Terms.

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4. Nature of Problem Statements and Feedback

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• Problem statements are exploratory and educational, not assignments or competitions.

• Feedback is intended to be constructive, age-appropriate, and educational.

• Feedback does not constitute professional, medical, legal, financial, or scientific advice.

• OpenIdeasLab does not guarantee:

  • Accuracy or completeness of feedback

  • Adoption, funding, or implementation of any idea

  • Continued access to a specific mentor or reviewer

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5. Idea Submission and Intellectual Property (IP)

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5.1 Ownership by Students

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• Students remain the original creators of the ideas they submit.

• Submitting an idea does not automatically transfer ownership to Open Ideas Lab.

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5.2 License Granted to Open Ideas Lab

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By submitting an idea, the parent/guardian grants Open Ideas Lab a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to:

• Review, evaluate, and provide feedback on submissions

• Display submissions (with anonymisation where appropriate)

• Share selected ideas with mentors, reviewers, or partners for educational purposes

• Use ideas in reports, impact summaries, or grant documentation

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5.3 Platform IP in Certain Cases

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In limited cases (e.g. collaborative development, funded challenges, or later-stage programmes), Open Ideas Lab may require:

• Shared IP ownership, or

• A separate written agreement defining IP terms

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Any such arrangement will:

• Be clearly disclosed in advance

• Require explicit parent/guardian consent

• Never retroactively change ownership

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6. Certificates, Recognition, and Advancement

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• Participation certificates may be issued at Open Ideas Lab’s discretion.

• Selection of ideas for further review or development does not imply endorsement.

• Decisions related to recognition, advancement, or awards are final.

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7. Privacy and Data Use (Summary)

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• Personal data is collected only via parent/guardian accounts.

• Student data is limited to what is necessary for participation.

• OpenIdeasLab does not sell personal data.

• Full details are provided in the Privacy Policy (published separately).

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8. Safety and Child Protection

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Open Ideas Lab is committed to safeguarding minors:

• Direct messaging between students and mentors is restricted or moderated

• Mentors and reviewers interact only within structured review systems

• We reserve the right to intervene if content raises safety concerns

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9. Availability and Platform Changes

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• Open Ideas Lab may modify, pause, or discontinue features at any time.

• We do not guarantee uninterrupted access.

• We may update these Terms as the Platform evolves.

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Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

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10. Termination

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We may suspend or terminate access if:

• These Terms are violated

• Content poses a safety, legal, or ethical risk

• Misrepresentation or misuse occurs

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Parents may request account deletion at any time.

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11. Limitation of Liability

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To the fullest extent permitted by law:

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• Open Ideas Lab is not liable for indirect or consequential damages

• Participation is at the parent/guardian’s discretion and risk

• We do not guarantee outcomes, opportunities, or results

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12. Governing Law

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These Terms are governed by the laws of England & Wales, without regard to conflict of law principles.

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13. Contact Information

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For questions regarding these Terms:

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Open Ideas Lab

📧 contact@openideaslab.org
🌐 https://www.openideaslab.org/

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