In today’s fast-changing financial world, students need more than textbook knowledge. They need hands-on experience, critical thinking, and the ability to make informed decisions under uncertainty. The NOVA Finance Challenge was created to provide students with a platform to explore real-world investing, build financial literacy, and demonstrate their potential on an international stage.
What makes NOVA unique is its integrated structure. Students manage a simulated investment portfolio, complete a financial knowledge assessment, and can earn additional recognition through research reports, video pitches, and creative design challenges. Top-performing participants may also be invited to join the NOVA Research Fellowship, contributing to youth finance studies and annual reports.

The competition welcomes participants from multiple regions, including Canada, the United States, China, Singapore, and other international locations. By connecting students across borders, NOVA creates a global learning environment where young participants can compete, exchange ideas, and develop a broader economic perspective.

The NOVA Finance Challenge builds upon the success of the 2025 THRIVE Investment Challenge, which brought together nearly 100 students from over 40 schools across Canada, the United States, and China. In 2026, the competition has been expanded and upgraded under the new NOVA brand to provide a broader, more integrated international finance challenge.