Nextgen Innovators

NextGen Innovators Foundation Global Privacy Statement

Effective Date: July 24, 2025

Introduction

NextGen Innovators Foundation (“NextGen,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Statement (“Statement”) outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you interact with us — whether online, through competitions, educational programs, mentorship services, or outreach events.

This Statement applies to all interactions with NextGen Innovators Foundation, including via our websites, mobile platforms, social media pages, events, and communication platforms. By accessing or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined in this Statement.

Where required by law, we will seek your consent before collecting or processing your Personal Data.

Scope

This Statement applies to all personal data we collect or receive when:

  • You access our websites or social media.
  • You register for or participate in any STEM competitions, events, or mentorship programs.
  • You communicate with us through email, chat, SMS, phone, or social media DMs.
  • You subscribe to our newsletters, request information, or provide feedback.
  • You provide data for evaluation, recognition, or mentorship opportunities.
  • You engage with our outreach initiatives.

Note: Our programs are open to participants globally except residents or citizens of the following countries due to legal and administrative limitations: Cuba, North Korea, Russia, Belarus, Afghanistan, Chad, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, and Congo.

What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal data:

  • Contact Information – Name, email, address, phone number, guardian’s name.
  • Demographic Information – Age, country, gender, school, grade level.
  • Submission Details – Videos, project descriptions, innovation documents, and accompanying files.
  • Device Information – Browser type, IP address, operating system, device ID.
  • Social Media Data – Handles, public posts, direct messages to us.
  • Communication Logs – Emails, support tickets, chats, recordings for quality purposes.
  • Guardian/Parental Consent Records.

How We Collect Personal Data

We collect your data through the following:

  • Direct entries via forms, submissions, registrations, or emails.
  • Automated tracking through cookies on our website.
  • Interactions on social media or through messaging platforms.
  • Third-party platforms used to host events or evaluate entries (e.g., Zoom, YouTube, Judging Portals).

If you provide data about someone else (e.g., your child), you confirm you have the legal right to do so.

How We Use Your Personal Data

We use the data to:

1. Operate Our Programs

  • Register participants for challenges and mentorship.
  • Evaluate competition entries and contact winners.
  • Match participants with mentors or resources.
  • Provide certificates, prizes, support, and follow-up.

2. Communicate With You

  • Respond to inquiries and feedback.
  • Send updates about new programs, opportunities, and deadlines.
  • Provide newsletters and educational content.

3. Improve Our Services

  • Analyze website usage.
  • Track engagement.
  • Customize user experience.

4. Legal and Safety Obligations

  • Comply with laws and safeguard participants.
  • Investigate inappropriate behavior or breaches.
  • Protect our platform, intellectual property, and community.

Disclosure of Personal Data

We may share your data with:

  • Service providers (e.g., hosting, video judging platforms).
  • Volunteer mentors or judges who sign confidentiality agreements.
  • Sponsors and educational partners (with explicit consent).
  • Legal authorities, if required by law.

We do not sell or rent your personal data.

Children’s Privacy

NextGen Innovators Foundation programs are primarily for children aged 8–14. We do not knowingly collect data without verifiable parental consent.

Parents can request deletion or review of their child’s data at any time by contacting us at: support@nextgen-innovators.org.

Data Security

We implement technical, organizational, and procedural safeguards to protect your data, including:

  • Encrypted data transmission.
  • Limited access control for staff and volunteers.
  • Regular security reviews of our digital platforms.

Retention of Data

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary:

  • For the duration of a competition or program.
  • For documentation or auditing (e.g., up to 2 years).
  • To meet legal or reporting requirements.

You may request deletion of your data unless we are legally required to retain it.

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

  • Access and review your personal data.
  • Request correction or deletion.
  • Withdraw consent at any time.
  • Opt-out of non-essential communications.
  • De-register your account.

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@nextgen-innovators.org.

International Data Transfers

If you are accessing our services from outside Canada or Nigeria, your data may be processed in countries with different data protection laws. We take necessary steps to ensure your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Statement.

Our platforms may contain links to external sites, such as YouTube, Eventbrite, or social media platforms. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their respective privacy policies before engaging.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience, track engagement, and personalize content. You may modify cookie settings in your browser.

Changes to This Statement

We may update this Statement from time to time. Changes will be posted on our website, and where appropriate, we will notify users directly.

Last Updated: July 24, 2025

Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights, please contact our Data Protection Lead via email.