Girl Tank – Innovating Safe Spaces is a virtual program that empowers participants to design STEAM-based projects that promote safety, inclusion, and empowerment for women and girls. Inspired by Girl Up India, who first originated the Girl Tank concept, and planned by Girl Up USA’s Youth Advisors, this initiative creates space for skill-building, mentorship, and innovation.
Why Join?
- Turn ideas into impact: Learn how to transform your vision into a project with real-world potential.
- Get mentored: Receive guidance from industry professionals and inspiring alumni.
- Compete for funding: The top four teams will receive up to $1,000 USD each to bring their ideas to life.
- Be part of change: Join a community of young innovators passionate about building safer, more inclusive spaces.
Event Timeline
- Monday, August 25, 8:00 PM EST – Pitch Training Workshop
- Kick off the week with an interactive workshop led by Girl Up member Aasha. Refine your ideas, build your confidence, and learn the keys to delivering a winning pitch. Register, here.
- Aasha is a Grade 12 student from Waterloo, Canada, and a passionate advocate for social justice and AI literacy. She serves as the Co-Chair for the United Nations Girl Up Teen Advisor program, championing gender equality on a global stage. Aasha developed AskEve, a conversational AI built in partnership with Gambit Co. to offer safe, anonymous support for discussions around menstruation. A firm believer in bridging divides, she delivered the TED Talk “How to Have a Constructive Conversation” and is the founder of Youth Tech Labs, Canada’s first AI literacy organization for youth.
- Thursday, August 28, 11:59 PM EST – Video Pitches Due
- Submit your 3-5 minute pitch video for preliminary judging. This is your chance to shine!
- Friday, August 29 – Top Finalists Announced
- Our panel of judges will select up to 10 finalist teams who will advance to the live pitch competition.
- Sunday, August 31, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST – Live Pitch Competition
- Finalists present their projects live in a 1.5-hour virtual event. Each team (a maximum of two applicants) will have 5 minutes to pitch followed by a short Q&A. Judges will deliberate and announce winners on the spot.
Prizes
- 1st–4th place awards of up to $1,000 USD per team to develop and launch your project.
Participant Requirements
- Girls aged 13–18 from the USA
- A maximum of two pitch presenters – but gather your club! You will need a team to bring your collective idea to life!
- No prior experience in STEAM or pitching required—just passion and a great idea!
- For more information, please find our Pitch Presentation Guidelines, HERE
How to Get Involved
- Register for our training on August 25th, here.
- Attend the Pitch Training Workshop on August 25.
- Submit your pitch submission form by August 28.
- If selected, you will be contacted on Friday, August 29th to compete live for the chance to win project funding on Sunday, August 31st.
Resources & Support
- Pitch training on the 25th! In the meantime, please find our Pitch Presentation Guidelines, HERE
- Live Q&A sessions during the training
- Access to mentors and coaches to help you bring your project to life!
Pro tip: Start brainstorming and drafting your project now! Gather your Girl Up club and get collaborative! Attend our pitch training with Aasha, or submit your project and pitch today! Think about how you can make your community a safer place and how STEAM could be part of the solution! For detailed guidance and expectations, please find our Pitch Presentation Guidelines, HERE
Questions?
Contact Kristen Clayton, at kclayton@girlup.org and follow us on Instagram @girlupusa for updates!
