10X Challenge

10X Challenge is an international educational practice where students experience entrepreneurship firsthand by simulating the operation of a real company. The program is implemented in Poland for primary school students aged 11–14. It is designed to be cross-curricular, integrating with subjects like vocational guidance, Polish language, social studies, IT, and mathematics. The main goal of the practice is to shape entrepreneurial attitudes and skills by providing a hands-on, practical business experience.

Key Activities and Student Experience

The core activity of the 10X Challenge is the establishment and management of a micro-enterprise over four weeks. Working in teams, students go through a full entrepreneurial cycle: they invest a starting capital of 10 PLN per person or team, generate a business idea, develop a product or service, create promotional materials, and engage in sales. This immersive experience allows students to develop a wide range of key competencies, including adaptability, communication, confidence, creative problem-solving, financial literacy, teamwork, and business awareness. They learn to take financial responsibility, make informed decisions, and creatively solve real-world problems.

Program Features and Principles

The uniqueness of the 10X Challenge lies in its "learning-by-doing" approach, which immerses students in a real business environment with a genuine, albeit small, financial stake. The program places a strong emphasis on teamwork, fostering collaboration and shared responsibility. A key principle is establishing a connection to the real business world, requiring students to conduct market research and interact with customers. Furthermore, the program promotes social responsibility; at the project's conclusion, teams decide how to use their profits, with many choosing to donate to charity or community causes. The inclusion of mini-competitions and a final national competition adds an element of gamification that increases student engagement.

Methodology and Structure (briefly)

The program is structured as a multi-week project organized into clear stages: investment, preparation, trading, and conclusion. It utilizes a dedicated online platform where teachers and student teams can register, access educational materials, and submit their work. The primary methodology is project-based learning, which grants students significant autonomy in their decision-making, with the teacher acting as a facilitator. To support educators, the organizers provide training and a comprehensive set of resources. An adapted, shorter version, "10X Do It Yourself," is also available as a preparatory exercise.

Expected Outcomes and Value

For students, the practice is highly valuable for developing an entrepreneurial mindset and practical skills in financial management. Participation builds self-confidence, improves decision-making, and fosters an understanding of real-world business operations. For teachers, the program offers a ready-made methodological solution that is engaging and easy to integrate into the curriculum. It provides high-quality materials and organizational support, enabling teachers to deliver an innovative, interdisciplinary project that enhances their own professional skills and boosts student engagement.