Red Bull Basement

Red Bull Basement empowers young innovators in all areas of interest to kickstart their ideas using technology to drive positive change. The aim is to connect and inspire up-and-coming change-makers to constructively challenge the status quo and make positive impacts, now and for the future. You don’t have to be an entrepreneur or an inventor to join – everyone is invited to the brainstorm and can use the program’s AI application tool as an accelerator. The climax is a World Final, where finalist teams bring their ideas to life for a pitch to global judges. Along the way are opportunities for networking, expert mentoring and more.

Red Bull Basement was created specifically to empower the next generation of innovators to develop bold new ideas and implement tech and other solutions. The goal is to make a positive impact within their communities and beyond. No matter your background or field – whether you're in academia, forging a career or charting your own path – why wait to make a difference? The world needs your ingenuity and big ideas today. Apply now* and start creating positive change!

Red Bull Basement was launched in São Paulo, Brazil in 2015 with the aim of supporting and enabling hackers, makers and coders who were using their tech skills to solve social and environmental challenges in their cities. Since then, the initiative has expanded: Red Bull Basement Global Workshops have been held in Berlin, Germany; Toronto, Canada; Istanbul, Turkey; and (in 2020) an innovative virtual space, with participant ideas covering a broad range of themes. The common thread throughout the years has been empowering exciting innovators and driving change for the better.

Every idea is welcome – you can offer a solution for a pressing, unmet need affecting life in the community or on a larger scale. Technology and Artificial Intelligence may be the whole solution, or one part of it. Topics are limited only by your imagination, but to get started, think of: AI, ESG (environmental, social and governance) Innovation, Extended Realities or Robotics and Automation.

The application window opens in August 2024, and the process is smoother than ever with the program’s newest innovation: an AI application tool assistant! Be among the first to experience this cutting-edge tool that simplifies bringing your idea to life with a one pager. The chatbot will guide you through each step, making it easier to craft a compelling application. No matter your background, this is your chance to contribute to positive change with the power of your ideas. Apply now*!

*Official rules here.

Not at all! There are no limits to creativity in Red Bull Basement, so you can submit as many ideas as you can come up with. Each unique idea must be submitted separately to stand on its own with an equal chance of succeeding. If you're bursting with innovation, go for it!

US residents aged 18 and above at the time of application are invited to apply – either solo or in pairs. Regardless of your educational background or professional field, you are welcome to present an idea with the potential for significant impact.

A team’s application can be submitted as an individual or as a group of two participants. More team members can collaborate behind the scenes, but only up to two representatives can introduce and pitch the idea if the team is selected for the World Final and/or the National Final.

Local events are being held in your area or online to inform and inspire you about Red Bull Basement on a national level. They’re a great place to network, hear from experts and find team members. Meanwhile the World Final is the climax of Red Bull Basement, where the finalist teams represent their countries. You don’t have to attend a local event to apply for Red Bull Basement, but you are more than welcome!

Eligible uploaded ideas will be considered by a panel of local judges. These judges will select the national finalist to attend the World Final using the following criteria: Business Potential, Uniqueness of Idea, Founder Profile and Feasibility.

There are two types of judging panels: local judges in the National Final, and global judges at the World Final. Every judging panel will include a variety of experts selected by Red Bull Basement. Experts will be chosen based on their credibility in the innovator space, tech know-how, business experience and connection to the entrepreneurial scene. The World Final judges for Tokyo will be announced at www.redbullbasement.com.

he winning team from each participating country, as selected by the local judges will come together to collaborate with mentors and peers, get insights from leading visionaries, and take part in workshops and surprise activities before pitching their ideas to a panel of experts. For each edition, the World Final takes place in a different city around the world. For this year’s edition, the finalists will be invited to Tokyo.

The winning team from each participating country, as selected by the local judges, will be invited to the World Final. Each finalist team may send a maximum of two participants to the World Final. The names of both must have been listed on the team's original Red Bull Basement application, speak English and have valid passport to take part in the World Final in Tokyo, Japan.

When participants submit an application, they are confirming that their idea belongs to them. Ownership of the idea then remains fully with the participant(s) who applied.

The team honored as the winner at the World Final will get an exclusive experience in the USA for a 3-week Accelerator Program in LA and Silicon Valley.