Seeking to shine a light on kids entertainment brands with untapped consumer products potential, Kidscreen is launching a brand-new competition showcase called the Kidscreen Licensing Challenge.

This program is a fit for entertainment properties targeting kids (up to age 15) that have content produced, but haven’t yet done any licensing business. Applicants should also be planning to attend Kidscreen Summit 2025 (February 9-12, San Diego), where five pre-selected finalists will present their IPs to a jury of consumer products professionals with extensive kids brand experience. They’ll assess each finalist based on the following criteria: 

• Uniqueness and overall appeal, including innovation and character development
• The look, story and themes of the IP
• Distribution and broadcast plans
• Potential for licensing and franchise development
• Suitability for the target audience
• Merchandising potential

The jury panel’s scores will determine a grand prize winner who will be invited to take part in a breakfast meeting with the jury members the day after the Licensing Challenge at Kidscreen Summit, as well as receiving a full-page ad in Kidscreen‘s Q2 2025 magazine issue (with bonus distribution at Licensing Expo, Annecy and the Children’s Media Conference). A runner-up will also be selected to have a half-hour Zoom meeting with one of the jury members after the event.

Online submission for the Kidscreen Licensing Challenge is open until Friday, November 1.