What is the registration process for the HIC SEA III?

• Please register your participation for HIC SEA III on our registration page before the appropriate deadline (Sunday, July 18th, 2021 | 11:59 SGT). Our team will send a confirmation email once your registration has been processed and payment has been received. If you do not receive your confirmation email within two weeks, please contact us at outreach@hgem.org.
• Closer to the date of the conference, you will receive your pre-conference guide and you can begin your preparation for the conference. Please be sure to complete pre-conference assignments before the first day of the conference.

When is the registration deadline?

Sunday, July 18th, 2021 | 11:59 SGT

See here for more information.

Who is eligible to register?

Prospective and current secondary school and university students from around the world are eligible to register to attend the Innovation Challenge.

Where can I register for the HIC SEA III?

Apply for the conference by accessing the application form through the Registration Page on the website.

How can I bulk register my for HIC SEA III?

For bulk registrations (through a school or organization), please contact hicsea@theglobalcitizen.sg.

What are the conference fees?

Early Birds (Deadline: May 31st, 2021): $40 USD

Regular (Deadline: July 18th, 2021): $50 USD

How do I pay the conference fee?

You will have to pay your conference fee during the registration process. Payment may be completed using a debit or credit card.

How does financial aid work?

If the registration fee is a financial burden for you, please feel free to reach out to outreach@hgem.org. Financial aid requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. As aid is limited, the deadline for financial aid applications is May 31st, 2021. We will send decisions regarding financial aid during the period of late June 2021 to early July 2021. Those who submit the application after May 31st, 2021 and before July 18th, 2021 will still be considered for aid. However, to gain a more comprehensive review of your application, we highly encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

How do refunds work?

Should you cancel your registration due to a change in plans, please note the following refund system:

30 days and more before the conference: 50% refund

14 to 29 days before the conference: 25% refund

13 days before the conference: nonrefundable

Be sure to inform us of your registration cancellations, as we have an extensive waiting list.

Please note that all refunds are final and release your reservation for a spot at the conference; if you want to re-register after having cancelled, you will only be allowed to do so if there is still space available in your track.

Do I need any previous experience to participate in the Innovation Challenge?

No. For many delegates, HIC is their first professional conference and students of all skill levels are welcome!

What is an Innovation Conference?

The Harvard Innovation Challenge brings the region's most promising high school and university students together to create innovative solutions to some of the region's most pressing issues. When filling out the application, students will be asked to select one of two tracks. Within each track, students will hear from local leading speakers about issues currently affecting their region. Students will discuss in an open platform and also learn about the art of solution design, public speaking, entrepreneurship ideation, and pitching from Harvard students. At the end of the conference, students will pitch their solution proposals in a closing competition. We are bringing innovative thinking abroad. We are bringing Harvard abroad. For more information see our schedule for HIC SEA III.

What is a track?

For HIC SEA III, the two tracks are: (1) Urbanization & Industrialization (2) Well-being & Equity. Students select a track upon applying, which will focus their research efforts during the competition. Each track has unique speakers, debates, and workshops for students to partake in. All students who select the same track will be given the same prompt. Prompts will describe a regional issue relating to the theme of the track, asking students to create an innovative solution to these problems.

Can I switch tracks after registering?

No. Upon submitting the initial application form, students will not be able to switch tracks. Descriptions of each track can be found here. We advise you read each track description before submitting your application, as your decision will be final.

What is the structure of the conference?

During the first day of the conference, delegates will be welcomed by Harvard college students and a Keynote Speaker. Then delegates will get the opportunity to meet their teammates for the Solution Proposals. The second and third day will comprise of presentations by leading professors, entrepreneurs, and officials about the issues related to their track. In Track Sessions, delegates are guided by chairs entirely comprised of Harvard students. Delegates will be prompted with workshop, discussion, and presentation activities whilst being taught key issues and skills by Harvard students. Finally, teams will present their solution proposals to a panel of judges composed of Harvard students, leading leaders around the region, and other organizers. Teams with the most innovative and attainable pitches will be awarded during the conference's closing ceremony. Individual delegates will also have their efforts recognized. A final judging rubric will be released closer to the date of the conference.

For more information, please see the conference schedule.