Students from 10 countries re-imagine Brooks sneakers with AI using recycled materials for Amazon’s first Think Big Community Challenge
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched the Amazon Think Big Community Challenge in partnership with Brooks, Creative Hut and Wildlife.
Challenge at a glance
- Student Age: 11-16
- Learning resources: 20 hours or 5-hour fast-track
- Team size: Up to 5 students
- Number of teams: up to 20 per school
- Final Submission: 1 entry per school
- Submission assets: Sneaker design + concept + presentation
- AI and prompt engineering
- Sustainability concepts
- 3D design
- Market research
- Presentation & marketing
Students will develop their:
- Creativity skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Collaboration and teamwork skills
- Communication skills
- Digital skills
All through a real-world, project-based challenge
Educators will receive access to a comprehensive teacher toolkit, including:
- Lesson guidance and resources
- Full student curriculum e-learning modules
- 5 hour student curriculum fast-track pathway
- Optional webinar/explainer content
- Support from the Think Big Community Challenge team
Before you confirm interest in your school taking part, via the link below, please ensure your school meets the following criteria:
- Network membership: Your school is currently part of the Amazon Think Big network (with access to a Think Big Space, Corner, Van, or workshops)
- Regional eligibility: You are located within USA, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Spain, India, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, or UK
This challenge is open to students aged 11-16 from schools within Amazon Think Big network (with access to a Think Big Space, Corner or Van) and located in USA, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Spain, India, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, or UK
The full programme is designed to take approximately 20 hours. A 5-hour fast-track option is also available for more flexible delivery.
No, this challenge is free to enter for qualifying schools
No - all resources, guidance and materials are provided. The program is designed to be easy to deliver, regardless of prior experience.
Students work in teams of up to a maximum of 5 members. Whole classes can take part, and each school can register up to 20 Teams. Each school can submit one final team entry. It is up to you on how you decide which the final entry is, but we suggest each team of students present their final designs and presentation to the whole group. The group can score each entry or vote for the best entry to submit to represent their school.
Each team will submit a sneaker design, and a short presentation showcasing their sustainability concept, journey, progress and ideas. The submissions are assessed locally by the school and then one entry is selected for final submission.
The program is flexible and can be run in lessons, across a project week, or as an extracurricular club.
Teachers will have access to a comprehensive toolkit, including guidance, resources, and optional webinars and explainer content.
Students will need access to a device (laptop, tablet or even smart phone) to use the AI design tool and e-learning course (both browser based). Full setup guidance and support will be provided.
The 5-hour fast-track option allows schools to deliver a condensed version of the challenge while still completing a full submission.
Entries will be assessed based on creativity, sustainability, design thinking and how effectively students communicate their ideas, following the rubrics, which can be found on the Challenge Educator Resources page of the Educator Portal (access provided after you have officially registered).
All entries must be submitted by October 9th 2026.
Students will design sneakers using Brooks silhouettes and a toolkit of recycled materials. Brooks will also prototype the winning designs, turning student ideas into reality.
They will support delivery across Think Big Spaces globally, ensuring the program is engaging, accessible and impactful for all participating schools.
Built on Amazon AI platforms , the design tool enables students to create and customize sneaker designs using AI prompts and recycled materials, transforming ideas into digital prototypes.