NATO ACT x WMGIC Deterrence Challenge

NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and the William & Mary Global Innovation Challenge (WMGIC) are seeking the best undergraduate and postgraduate minds from across NATO Allied and Partner Nations to tackle pressing global challenges surrounding emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs). This online Deterrence Challenge is now open and will close on October 31, 2026. 

Compete here!

In this competition, undergraduate and postgraduate students from across Allied and NATO partner nations will propose solutions to bring fresh perspectives to the Alliance’s most consequential strategic questions:

How can emerging and disruptive technologies strengthen or undermine nuclear deterrence for the NATO Alliance? Additionally, which EDTs could be the dominant factor through 2050, and why?

Students will have an opportunity to submit their proposal in English or French through one of the following formats.

• Policy Brief (1,000–1,500 words)
• Concept Note (2–3 pages)
• Scenario or Operational Concept Design (Slide deck or 2–3 pages) 

For more information regarding each format, refer to the guidelines on NATO ACT’s webpage.

Please note that all submissions are individual and must be submitted through NATO ACT's Award Force platform. Only students who are citizens of NATO Allied and Partner nations are eligible to participate. Submissions will be reviewed by an expert panel of judges, including NATO ACT and William & Mary affiliates assessing originality, analytical depth, and clarity of argument, and relevance to NATO’s strategic environment. All questions should be directed to NATO ACT after reviewing the application instructions.

Been there, done that? Think again. Finalists will be invited to present and discuss their ideas in-person at William & Mary with NATO senior leaders in 2027. The finalists’ winning insights will contribute to strategic-level NATO work. All travel and associated costs will be covered by ACT.

Interested in Serving as a Judge? Ready to inspire future leaders? Judges are invaluable assets in helping students create sustainable solutions. They bring real-world perspectives and offer insightful feedback. Judges have backgrounds in government, the armed forces, industry, academia, and more. Apply here.