TPM Innovation Challenge: Turning Ideas into Action

New this year, the TPM Innovation Challenge is a high-energy idea sprint designed to showcase the power of collaborative problem-solving within the TPM National Learning Network.

This immersive experience will bring together cross-functional teams of TPM practitioners to develop bold, practical solutions to the most pressing workforce challenges facing their communities. Through creativity, strategy, and the TPM framework, participants will simulate a rapid-cycle innovation process that demonstrates how TPM can drive real change.

Whether you're a long-time TPM leader or new to the network, this is your chance to collaborate, compete, and lead with purpose.

Participants will collaborate over several weeks in small teams, tackle real-world workforce problems, and pitch their innovative solutions live at the Summit for a chance to be crowned the TPM Innovation Challenge Winner of 2025.

 

  • Put TPM tools and strategies into practice in a high-energy environment

  • Work with peers from across the country to design creative, business-aligned solutions

  • Gain visibility in front of TPM faculty, fellows, and national thought leaders

  • Compete for audience recognition and Summit-wide honors during the awards luncheon

  • Build your innovation muscles and return home with ideas ready for implementation

 

🔹 May 15
Launch during TPM NLN Quarterly Webinar
→ Team sign-ups open
→ Problem statement submissions begin
(Sponsors and Innovation Scholars will be invited to submit challenge prompts)

🔹 July 15
→ Team sign-ups close
→ Problem statements are assigned

🔹 Early August
→ Problem statements distributed to teams
→ Teams begin sprint preparation

🔹 September 29 (Pre-Summit Day)
→ Team pitches presented to a panel of TPM Faculty & Fellows
→ Finalists selected

🔹 October 1 (Summit Day 2)
→ Finalist teams pitch on the main stage
→ Live audience vote
→ Winner announced at the Awards Luncheon! 

 

Solving Real Workforce Problems.
Each team will tackle a real-world problem statement sourced from the TPM network, sponsors, and Innovation Scholars—addressing urgent challenges at the intersection of business needs, education, and talent.

 Let’s Build the Future, Together.

Tap into the power of TPM. Spark innovation. Solve real problems.
The clock is ticking—your best idea is just one sprint away.
Please send your questions and ideas to TPMSupport@uschamber.org