Five studios with promising intellectual properties (IPs) are set to compete in the second annual Kidscreen Licensing Challenge at the upcoming Kidscreen Summit. These brands were chosen by a panel of seasoned licensing executives, including Rebekah Belzer (Spin Master), Gina Cappi (Mad Engine), Elie Dekel (Dekel Brands), Hollie Holmes (Moose Toys), and Jasen Wright (WildBrain CPLG). The panel will also select the winner during the event.

The winner will receive a comprehensive prize package, featuring a full-page advertisement in Kidscreen’s Q2 2026 magazine (with additional distribution at Licensing Expo, Annecy, and the Children’s Media Conference), as well as mentorship from the judges to help develop a consumer products strategy and expand their brand’s reach.

The five IPs competing this year are:

• Claynosaurz – HEEBOO
  Montreal-based HEEBOO has built significant momentum around its dinosaur-themed IP, Claynosaurz, with digital collectibles and YouTube content. The company is also developing a 78-episode CG-animated series featuring four dinosaurs exploring their island home. Co-CEO Sherry Gunther-Shugerman notes, “Claynosaurz started as an experiment, and through social media storytelling, digital products, and community experiences, it’s grown into something much bigger. This opportunity allows us to introduce the brand to partners who share our vision for building franchises that connect with kids and families across content, gaming, and consumer products.”
• Future Chicken – Wind Sun Sky Entertainment
  This multimedia franchise follows a time-traveling chicken who teaches kids about environmental protection. The brand spans YouTube shorts, a Roblox game, and a podcast. Gregory Little, a consultant for Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, says, “Future Chicken stands apart because it doesn’t just entertain kids, it empowers them. Our goal in licensing is to create products that turn climate curiosity into everyday action, giving kids and families joyful, tangible ways to be part of the solution.”
• Go Togo – Gazelle-Antelope Productions
  Go Togo is a Canadian preschool series about public transit vehicles solving transportation challenges in Transitville using math and logic. Now in its second season on CBC Kids, the show’s focus on vehicles offers strong potential for toys. Executive producer Lindsay Lee shares, “Go Togo is produced using real model miniature vehicles and sets—literally toys come to life. It’s always excited us to think that kids could one day create their own Transitville adventures at home.”
• Olga – Apartment 11 Productions
  Based on Elise Gravel’s graphic novels, Olga centers on a young scientist eager to learn about her pet alien. The series was a standout at Cartoon Forum 2025. Jonathan Finkelstein, president of Apartment 11, says, “I’m incredibly thrilled that Olga was selected!” With its charming alien protagonist, the IP is well-suited for collectibles, as well as STEM products, games, and even food and beverage items—Olga’s alien only eats olives, for example.
• Pop Paper City – Pop Paper City
  This UK-based 2D-animated and stop-motion preschool series airs in 179 territories, including CBeebies, HBO Max, Milkshake!, and ABC Australia. The show follows a group of friends who create new things in their imaginative paper world.

Last year’s Licensing Challenge was won by Serbian studio Metaxilasis for its 2D-animated preschool series ThinkerBen & Motor, about a young engineer and his robot dog using STEM skills to solve quirky problems. The series has since secured broadcast deals with United Media Group (the Balkans) and POP (Slovenia).

The Kidscreen Summit 2026 will be held from February 22-25 at the Sheraton San Diego Resort. The Licensing Challenge is scheduled for 11 a.m. local time on February 24 in the Silver Pearl 3 ballroom. The article has been updated as of January 28, 2026, with insights from the producers and presenters who will be pitching their properties during the event.

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