Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is now accepting entries in the Fairfax Area High School Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge. Initial proposals are due Dec. 20, 2026.
Open to all students in Fairfax County, Fairfax City and the City of Falls Church, the 2026-27 challenge invites youth to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact on the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers or wounded warriors.
A winning device should enhance independence and life enjoyment for the target audience, foster social connection and help reduce isolation, and be truly innovative — either by introducing something new to the marketplace or significantly improving an existing product.
The winning students will be recognized with cash awards provided by sponsor IntegrityOne Partners. Winners will also be recognized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at a spring 2027 reception.
In the challenge, students make a pitch for funding to corporate leaders, community leaders and County supervisors. The 2026 challenge first-place winner was Meghana Nannapaneni from Chantilly High School with the Sage4Health app, which aids cognitive wellness and reduces social isolation among seniors.
The Fairfax Area High School Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge — an initiative of the Fairfax 50+ Community Action Plan — supports Fairfax County's Economic Success Plan that seeks to grow and diversify the economy through innovation, social equity, and expanding science, technology, engineering and math education.
Key dates
- Friday, December 20, 2026 — Initial Project Proposal Form Submission Deadline
- Sunday, February 28, 2027 — Final Project Submission Form Deadline
Visit the Shark Tank Tech Challenge page for more information.
Learn more about the challenge on this YouTube video.
See 2026 project presentations on YouTube: