Solving the world's problems takes a superhero.
SuperheroU was a global competition by GlobalShala in partnership with Northeastern University, Boston and recognized by the United Nations. It called on students everywhere to tackle the world's most urgent challenges through their creative superheroes.
About the competition
What SuperheroU was
GlobalShala, in partnership with Northeastern University, Boston, USA, organized a major global contest, SuperheroU. The contest called for the most sought-after 21st-century skill of all: problem-solving. There are innumerable global issues that need urgent attention, much like the bad guys, monsters and ills that our beloved superheroes fight in the movies, and meticulous planning aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals was the way to fight them.
These complex modern challenges required innovation, drive, and even a bit of superpower to solve in a unique and imaginative way. Submissions came in as written content, illustrations, posters, photo collages, and even videos and video games.
Individual entries and teams of students, some alongside their teachers, poured in from all around the globe, and it was inspiring to witness such talent. Mini time-bound contests kept the energy high throughout, with prizes worth up to a whopping USD 90,000.
The mission
Five Key Themes
Every superhero picked a mission. Entries aligned with one of five themes drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Equal Access to Education
Literacy
Better Healthcare
Higher Willingness to Live Longer
Working Toward Climate Change
By the numbers
Competition Highlights
1432
Superheroes Submitted
88
Countries Represented
5
Key Themes
157
Superheroes in Semi-Finals
87
Superheroes in Finals
Three rounds of rewards
Prizes worth up to US $90,000
Scholarships, internships, Amazon vouchers, and for the champions, a trip to the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Rise of the Hero
For every successful submission
- $100 USD scholarship through Raise.me
- Participation badge
The Battle Begins
For successfully advancing to Round 2
- Superhero U merchandise / gift vouchers
- $200 USD scholarship through Raise.me
- Curated badge for the Rise of the Hero round
The Ultimate Showdown
For the competition champions
- Trip to United Nations headquarters in New York, USA
- Scholarship worth $10,000 USD redeemable for coursework at any partner institution
- Opportunity to create your own Superhero comic and get it published
- Exclusive media coverage
- Guaranteed internship at GlobalShala
- Exciting gadgets and gift vouchers worth up to $500 USD
- Winners badge of the Superhero U competition issued by GlobalShala
Global recognition
Recognized By
