Conrad Challenge Program

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1. Program Overview

Program Name: Seattle Youth Startup Competition 2025 + Conrad Innovation Workshop
Focus: Equip middle–high school students to develop, pitch, and showcase entrepreneurial & tech-driven solutions.

Flagship Tracks:

  • CocoonShield: Cybersecurity protection for seniors

  • LIDI: AI-powered online learning engagement

  • AI & Health Innovation:

    • ADHD – AI-driven music therapy companion

    • ASD – Personalized AI learning & communication tool

    • Alzheimer’s – Cognitive support with caregiver input

    • Video Music Pairer – AI-generated adaptive music-video experiences

Partnership Integration: Includes Conrad Innovation Workshop, preparing students for the Conrad Challenge and other global competitions (Diamond Challenge, SEC).

2. Program Structure (Milestone-Driven)

Team Size

Each team will consist of 2–5 students, ensuring collaboration and leadership opportunities in roles such as CEO, CTO, and CMO.

Phase 1 – Foundation & Ideation

10 hours | 10+ weeks
Milestone I: Business idea + team roles finalized

What students will do:

  • Introduction to entrepreneurship & competitions (Conrad, Diamond, SEC)

  • Mentor-guided team formation & role assignment (CEO, CTO, CMO, etc.)

  • Develop initial business ideas with structured problem-solving

  • Select an appropriate competition track (Tech, Health, Cybersecurity, Education)

Outcome: A clear business idea + a defined startup team structure (2–5 students).

Phase 2 – Mentorship & Workshop Training

20 hours | Advanced Workshop
Milestone II: Draft business plan + pitch materials completed

What students will do:

  • Write a business plan aligned with competition rubrics

  • Pitch training: demo video creation + professional pitch deck

  • Develop track-specific documentation (tailored to judging criteria)

  • Receive mentor guidance for leadership & team management

Outcome: A draft business plan, demo video, and pitch deck ready for refinement.

Phase 3 – Competition Prep & Demo Day

10 hours | Seattle Showcase
Milestone III: Final pitch + demo delivered at Demo Day

What students will do:

  • Mock pitch sessions with mentor + peer feedback

  • Refine executive summary, financial model, business plan, prototype/demo

  • Present at the Seattle Youth Startup Competition Demo Day to judges from academia & industry

  • Eligible to advance to Conrad/Diamond Challenge, Diamond Challenge, SEC

  • Optional: For teams that need additional coaching to prepare for competitions, we offer 5 hours of personalized 1:1 mentorship.

Outcome: A competition-ready project with a final pitch & demo presentation.

3. Program Outcomes

  • Learn entrepreneurship & innovation

  • Gain hands-on competition preparation (Conrad, Diamond, SEC)

  • Build teamwork & leadership in 2–5 person startup teams

  • Deliver business plan, demo video, pitch deck, financials

  • Build confidence to compete nationally & globally

  • Develop portfolio projects that strengthen future academic pathways

4. Tuition

  • One-time payment (30 hours total): $2400

  • Advanced support (+5 1:1 mentor hours): $1000

Teacher’s Bio - YongHui Ma

Instructor: Yong Hui Ma – Conrad Challenge Program

Yong Hui Ma brings a wealth of experience from both the technology industry and the education sector, combining global corporate expertise with a passion for student development.

  • Professional Experience

    • Hewlett-Packard Inc., Canada – Technology & Business Systems

    • Benma Business Systems, Canada – IT & Systems Consulting

    • Capgemini Consulting, USA – Digital Strategy & Enterprise Innovation

    • Microsoft, USA – Cloud Solutions & Emerging Technologies

  • Educational Leadership
     In March 2019, Yong Hui Ma founded Stempro (a nonprofit organization) with the mission to bridge education and industry. Stempro focuses on:

    • STEM education for school students

    • College application portfolio support

    • AI & GenAI training for future careers

    • Internship opportunities and real-world projects

    • Free courses to engage industries and connect students to authentic projects

Through the Conrad Challenge Program, Yong Hui Ma leverages this unique background to guide students in developing entrepreneurial thinking, technical expertise, and impactful portfolios that stand out in global competitions.

AI-Driven Music Therapy Companion

Project Description

As part of the Conrad Challenge, our team is developing an AI-driven music therapy companion for children with ADHD. Unlike generic wellness apps, this solution delivers personalized soundscapes that adapt in real time to focus and emotional states, blending neuroscience, generative AI, and caregiver input.

The goal is to build both the technology prototype and a sustainable business plan, demonstrating how innovation in music and AI can transform therapy, empower families, and create scalable impact worldwide.

Learn more

Music Therapy for Alzheimer’s Care

Project Description

Music Therapy for Alzheimer’s Care is a student-driven innovation challenge where high school teams design an AI-powered music therapy system to support seniors with Alzheimer’s. Using familiar playlists, vocal analysis, and caregiver feedback, the project aims to improve memory recall, reduce agitation, enhance sleep, and strengthen caregiver engagement—while teaching students to apply AI, affective computing, and human-centered design in a real-world health tech solution.

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