Second Life, Smarter Tech
+400 Points
$10000
Look around you. Your phone, laptop, earbuds, and game console all took materials, energy, and resources to reach you. But eventually, batteries fade, screens crack, and updates stop. Then what?
In this Challenge, you’ll dream up a way to keep technology working longer and wasting less. Create a product, business, or marketing campaign that changes how tech is made, used, fixed, powered, or passed on. Get ready to impress the Lenovo judges and win big $$$!
The question is:
How can we rethink technology instead of replacing it?
November 2nd-December 7th
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Skills you'll develop
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Social Awareness
Second Life, Smarter Tech
This Challenge will run from November 2nd through December 6th, 2026.
KnoPro How-To
Watch an overview of KnoPro before you get started.
KnoPro Overview
What's KnoPro? How does it work? What do I do? Watch the video and find out before you dig in to the Challenge.
Get to Kno the Process
Before you get started you might be wondering how this works. KnoPro Challenges are divided into five phases. These steps are designed to help you explore the problem and develop a solution. Select the + buttons to learn about each phase.
Three Approaches: Your Choice!
One important part of The KnoPro Challenges is choosing the type of solution you plan to create (in a group or solo) and ultimately pitch to the judges. Check out an example of each of your choices: a product idea, a new business concept, or a marketing campaign. You can also get inspiration from all the winning projects.
Flip the cards to help you decide which approach you may want to take. Later in the Challenge, you'll choose ONE approach.
Product Idea
Product Idea
Get creative and come up with a new product idea that addresses the problem. This might be an app, a game, or a consumer product, for example. The possibilities are endless! You’ll write a design brief to plan your product, and ultimately create a “prototype” to pitch to the judges.
Business Concept
Business Concept
Imagine a unique business idea that addresses the problem. This might be a for-profit or non-profit venture, an online platform, or an in-person experience/pop-up shop, for example. The possibilities are limitless! Write a business plan, and then create a fun way to share your business idea with the judges.
Marketing Campaign
Marketing Campaign
Design an exciting and catchy marketing campaign that addresses the problem and inspires people to act! The campaign might be a viral social media video, a series of emails, or a live event, for example. You’ll write up a marketing plan and then create some "assets" and pitch your idea to the judges.KnoPro Tools to Help You
Student KNOtebook
The Student KNOtebook is a tool to help you keep track of your research, thoughts, and ideas. While you don't have to use this optional tool, it's a helpful way to stay organized. Throughout the Challenge, keep an eye out for KNOtebook hints and suggestions to record in your KNOtebook.
To get started, make a copy of the Student KNOtebook slides or use the PDF Version.
Judging Score Sheet!
Be sure to review the Judging Score Sheet that the Lenovo judges will use to evaluate your 3-5 minute video pitch. Read it carefully! And remember:
Make sure you can be heard (shoot the video in a quiet place and do not use background music)
Use your own voice (not AI)
Check that your video can be seen by anyone. Use this document for instructions.
Get Help from Mentors
Want some extra help? Real professionals, who created the Challenge, are standing by to answer your questions, hear your ideas, and give you feedback! They want to help you win the Challenge!
You might ask a question about the topic, or you might ask how you could improve your solution, or you may want to show your video pitch to them, etc.
STUDENTS: ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE!
Get ready to become an expert!
