Make a video game that addresses one or more of NSF's focus areas in the context of life in 2100. Imagine the world in the year 2100, where technology and science have evolved beyond our current understanding.

In this world, you are a young innovator faced with a series of challenges that can shape the future of humanity. Your mission is to use your knowledge of STEM to solve these challenges and improve life on Earth.

Your game should highlight the potential of STEM in the year 2100 and could focus on one or more of the following:

    Creating sustainable ecosystems.
    Managing futuristic cities.
    Expanding diversity in STEM.
    Advancing medical technology.
    Understanding the universe through observation.
    Integrating artificial intelligence into daily life.
    Developing new manufacturing technology.
    Learning through experiments.
    Harnessing the power of quantum computing.

These are examples of potential themes for your video game, but you are not limited to them. Feel free to explore other innovative STEM-related topics that align with the game design prompt.
NSF's focus areas:

Arctic and Antarctic

Exploring the planet's vulnerable polar regions.
Astronomy and Space

Opening windows to the universe.
Biology

Understanding life in all its forms and sustaining the Earth's ecosystems as they face unprecedented global challenges.
Chemistry

Understanding the basic properties of matter and forging the chemicals of the future.
Computing

Advancing computer and information science and engineering for societal impact.
Diversity in STEM

Expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics across the nation.
Earth and Environment

Exploring the wonders of our planet to preserve its future.
Education and Training

Unleashing the nation's science and engineering talent.
Engineering

Pursuing use-inspired research and innovation to create a future where people can thrive.
Facilities and Infrastructure

Empowering scientists, engineers and educators to explore, experiment and discover new frontiers.
Materials Research

Discovering new materials and processing methods that can unlock innovations across a wide range of sectors.
Mathematics

Developing and exploring the language of the universe.
People and Society

Illuminating what makes us human.
Physics

Understanding the fundamental workings of the universe — from tiny quantum particles to the largest galaxies.
Research Partnerships

Addressing challenges that require collaboration and fresh perspectives.
Technology

Paving the way for the technologies that will shape the future.
Our key technology areas:

    Advanced Manufacturing
    Advanced Materials
    Artificial Intelligence
    Biotechnology
    Communications and Wireless
    Cyberinfrastructure and Advanced Computing

 

    Cybersecurity
    Disaster Risk and Resilience
    Energy Technology
    Quantum Information Science and Technology
    Semiconductors and Microelectronics

Interdisciplinary, Convergence and Transformative Research
This game should be interesting and innovative. 
Criteria and scoring
1. Educational value (25%)

How well does the video game explain STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts?
 
2. Creativity and novelty (20%)

Is the video game unique and original, including its storyline, characters and gameplay mechanics?
 
3. Impact (20%)

Does the video game connect to social or technological impact?
 
4. Technical quality (20%)

How well is the video game executed technically, including the smoothness of its functionality, user interface design, graphics and overall user experience?
 
5. Alignment with NSF focus areas (15%)

How well does the video game incorporate and connect the NSF's focus areas and the theme "Life in 2100?"