FAQ

Who can enter the CORSAIR Eco-Circuit Challenge?

The challenge is open to high school students aged 14–19 who are legal residents of the state of Georgia at the time they submit their entry. Students may participate as individuals or as teams of 2–4 students, and every entry must include one faculty advisor.

What are the two tracks?

Track 1, The Repairability Lab, asks students to study how a CORSAIR product is built, document major components and repairability, and propose one meaningful design change that improves product life or environmental outcomes.

Track 2, Pitch the Improvement, asks students to identify a specific repairability or sustainability issue in a CORSAIR product, design a realistic fix, and present that idea in a 90–120 second video pitch supported by one visual.

How do I choose which track is right for me?

Track 1 is best for students who enjoy research, analysis, diagramming, and design thinking. Track 2 is best for students who like communication, storytelling, and persuasive pitching. You should choose the track that matches how you prefer to work and show your ideas.

What do I need to submit for Track 1: The Repairability Lab?

A complete Track 1 entry includes: a component map or teardown diagram of your chosen CORSAIR product, audit notes on materials, lifespan, repairability, and end-of-life, a written or presented design proposal, a prototype or mock-up of your proposed change, and a one-page Repair & Service summary. These elements are judged using the Track 1 rubric criteria: Audit Rigor, Proposal Feasibility, Impact Reasoning, Communication, and Originality.

What do I need to submit for Track 2: Pitch the Improvement?

A complete Track 2 entry includes: a 90–120 second video pitch and one supporting visual (such as a slide, sketch, or diagram) that helps explain your proposed Improvement. These entries are judged using the Track 2 rubric criteria: Clarity of Problem, Feasibility, Impact Reasoning, Delivery, and Originality.

How are entries judged?

Entries go through a three-phase process: an eligibility and completeness review, scoring by qualified judges using the published rubrics for each track, and a final round to determine winners and runners-up. Every entry is reviewed by at least two judges using the 4-point scoring scale, with a maximum of 20 points per track rubric.

What are the key dates?

The challenge opens on October 14, 2026, the last day to submit entries is February 19, 2027, and the awards ceremony takes place on Earth Day, April 22, 2027. You must submit your entry through the online portal by 11:59:59 p.m. ET on February 19, 2027.

Do I need parent or guardian permission?

Yes. Your parent or legal guardian must provide permission when you register and must agree to the Official Rules and Privacy Policy for your entry to be eligible. Parents or guardians may also be asked to sign additional documents, such as Liability and Publicity Releases, if you are selected as a finalist or winner.

How is my personal information used and protected?

The Privacy Policy explains what data is collected (such as names, emails, school information, and project materials), how it is used for contest administration and communication, and who can access it. Your data is not sold or rented, is protected by appropriate safeguards, and judges use coded entries to support unbiased review.

Can I use artificial intelligence tools?

You may consult AI tools during research and planning for either track, but your submission — including analysis, design proposals, scripts, visuals, and pitch content — must reflect your own original ideas and concepts. Entries that rely primarily on AI-generated content or reproduce AI output without meaningful student transformation may be disqualified at the administrator's discretion.

Can I submit more than one entry?

The rules allow more than one entry from an entrant or team, but each entry must be submitted separately and must be unique as determined by the administrator. Each user or team may have only one username and password to access the competition workspace.

What could cause my entry to be disqualified?

Entries may be disqualified if they are late, incomplete, plagiarized, infringe on intellectual property, use inappropriate or offensive content, or fail to follow the challenge rules and eligibility requirements. Automated or robotic submission methods and misuse of AI tools for entry generation are also prohibited and may result in disqualification.

What prizes and recognition are available?

The official rules provide for Grand Prize and Runner-up awards in each track, plus recognition and opportunities to participate in CORSAIR Think Tanks with designers and executives. Winning schools, teams, and teachers may receive tech equipment such as a video lab or gear for classrooms, as described on the challenge overview pages.