Future of Innovation: Desmond's Experience with XPRIZE

Last month, Grade 11 student Desmond L. shared an inspiring reflection on his involvement with XPRIZE, an organization globally recognized for igniting breakthrough innovations through high-impact competitions.

Nearly three decades ago, XPRIZE began with a bold vision from Peter Diamandis, a pilot with an ambitious dream: to make commercial spaceflight accessible to everyone. Although he lacked the technology to build a spacecraft himself, he launched a $10 million incentive prize to inspire engineers and innovators worldwide. The initiative eventually gained momentum thanks to a pivotal contribution from entrepreneur Anousheh Ansari whose support helped launch the first XPRIZE competition and reshape the future of private space travel.

Since then XPRIZE has continued developing world-changing challenges. From accelerating the creation of affordable COVID-19 rapid tests to driving progress in carbon removal through a $100 million climate-focused competition, the organization has become a cornerstone of global innovation. Supported by leaders in technology, academia and philanthropy, XPRIZE continues to push boundaries and empower creative solutions to humanity’s biggest challenges.

For the past two years Desmond has been part of the XPRIZE student program. Recently he was invited to serve on a student panel at an XPRIZE conference, an event attended by approximately 400 carefully selected participants including CEOs, leading researchers and industry experts. The purpose of the conference was to help determine the next major XPRIZE challenge through presentations, discussions and collaborative voting.

Desmond describes the experience as transformative. Engaging in conversations with MIT professors, Microsoft leaders and researchers working in advanced scientific fields helped him discover a deep passion for quantum physics, a direction he now hopes to pursue. Beyond the academic insights he formed meaningful connections with professionals and peers from around the world many of whom he remains in contact with today.

What stood out most to him however was the collective energy in the room, an environment where every conversation, even during breaks, was filled with ideas about the future of technology, space exploration and artificial intelligence. For Desmond the conference was not simply about choosing the next XPRIZE challenge; it was about witnessing the power of a community committed to creating positive global change.

He shared a message with fellow students during Chapel: meaningful change does not require waiting until adulthood or a future career. Opportunities like XPRIZE Connect, available to Senior School students, allow young people to pitch their own ideas for future challenges. Selected student concepts may even be implemented as early as next year. Participation also includes a certificate recognized by universities and companies worldwide and may offer students a chance to attend a future XPRIZE conference.

Desmond encourages interested Senior School students to explore the program. His experience highlights the extraordinary possibilities that open when students step into spaces where innovation, curiosity and purpose converge.