STEM Competitions for Students

GRADES 9-12

Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair

The Regeneron ISEF is the largest and most prestigious science competition for high school students worldwide. Over 1,500 young scientists and inventors from over 50 countries come together to showcase their cutting-edge technological advancements and original research.

Requirements:

• Students in grades 9-12
• Individual or team projects (up to 3 members)
• Must qualify through regional/state fairs
• Original research in STEM fields
• Comprehensive research documentation

Awards:

• Regeneron Young Scientist Award: $50,000
• Gordon E. Moore Award: $75,000
• Category awards: $500 - $3,000
• Special awards from 70+ organizations
• Scholarships, internships, and research opportunities

Perfect For:

• Machine learning research projects
• Data science and analytics
• AI applications in various fields
• Software-based innovations

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GRADES 12

Regeneron Science Talent Search

The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors. It recognizes and empowers the most promising young scientists in the United States.

Requirements:

• High school seniors (grade 12)
• Individual research project
• Original scientific research
• Comprehensive research paper
• Recommendations from teachers/mentors

Awards:

• 1st Place: $250,000
• 2nd Place: $175,000
• 3rd Place: $150,000
• Top 40 finalists: $25,000 each
• 300 semifinalists: $2,000 each

Perfect For:

• Advanced AI/ML research
• Data science innovations
• Algorithm development
• Computational research

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GRADES 9-12

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

JSHS is an exciting competition for students passionate about STEM. It provides an opportunity for high school students to showcase their original research and engage with experts in their fields through oral and poster presentations.

Requirements:

• High school students (grades 9-12)
• Original research in STEM fields
• Must compete in regional JSHS first
• Selected finalists present at national level
• Oral or poster presentation

Benefits:

• Scholarships up to $12,000
• Present at prestigious conferences
• Network with other young scientists
• Develop research and presentation skills
• Recognition from military and academic institutions

Perfect For:

• AI and machine learning research
• Data science projects
• Computational biology/chemistry
• Software-based innovations

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AGES 16+

Microsoft Imagine Cup

Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world's premier student technology competition. Students from around the globe compete to create innovative solutions using Microsoft technologies, including AI, cloud computing, and mixed reality.

Requirements:

• Students aged 16+ (high school and college)
• Team of 1-3 members
• Use Microsoft Azure and other Microsoft technologies
• Create innovative software solution
• Submit project proposal and demo

Awards:

• World Championship: $100,000
• 2nd Place: $50,000
• 3rd Place: $25,000
• Azure credits for all participants
• Mentorship from Microsoft experts

Perfect For:

• AI-powered applications
• Machine learning solutions
• Cloud-based AI services
• Software innovation

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GRADES 9-12

Congressional App Challenge

The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM education.

Requirements:

• High school students (grades 9-12)
• Reside in or attend school in participating district
• Individual or team (up to 4 members)
• Create original app (web, mobile, or desktop)
• Submit video demo and explanation

Benefits:

• Recognition from your Member of Congress
• App displayed in U.S. Capitol Building
• Invitation to #HouseOfCode reception
• Scholarship opportunities
• Portfolio building for college applications

Perfect For:

• AI-powered mobile/web apps
• Machine learning applications
• Data visualization tools
• Software development skills

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GRADES 9-12

Presidential AI Challenge

The Presidential AI Challenge encourages high school students to develop innovative solutions using artificial intelligence to address real-world problems. This competition highlights the importance of AI education and responsible AI development.

Requirements:

• High school students (grades 9-12)
• Individual or team projects
• AI-powered solution to real-world problem
• Demonstrate ethical AI principles
• Submit project documentation and demo

Benefits:

• Recognition from White House
• National showcase of winning projects
• Scholarship opportunities
• Mentorship from AI industry leaders
• Portfolio enhancement for college

Perfect For:

• Machine learning applications
• Natural language processing
• Computer vision projects
• AI for social good

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GRADES 5-8

3M Young Scientist Challenge

A unique opportunity for students to showcase innovative ideas and bring attention to real-world problems. Students create and submit a 1-2 minute video presenting a creative solution to a common issue.

Requirements:

• Students in grades 5-8
• Enrolled in US school
• 1-2 minute video submission
• Creative solution to real-world problem
• No prior research experience required

Judging Criteria:

• Passion for science
• Originality and innovation
• Effective communication
• Problem-solving approach

Awards:

• Grand Prize: $25,000
• Mentorship with 3M scientist
• People's Choice Prize
• 10 finalists announced in June
• All finalists receive recognition

Perfect For:

• AI-powered solutions
• Data-driven innovations
• Software-based problem solving
• Early exposure to AI concepts

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GRADES 6-8

Junior Innovators Challenge

The Junior Innovators Challenge is designed to inspire middle school students to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. This competition encourages creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship skills at an early age.

Requirements:

• Students in grades 6-8
• Individual or team projects (up to 4 members)
• Innovative solution to real-world problem
• Project documentation and presentation
• Demonstrate creativity and impact

Benefits:

• Scholarship opportunities
• National recognition
• Mentorship from industry experts
• Portfolio building
• Early exposure to innovation

Perfect For:

• AI-powered applications
• Data science projects
• Software innovations
• Early AI/ML exploration

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GRADES 6-12

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow

A nationwide competition challenging students to use STEM to find creative solutions to real-world issues facing their communities. Designed to promote STEM education and inspire the next generation of problem-solvers.

Requirements:

• Students in grades 6-12
• Teacher nomination required
• Project addressing community issue
• STEM-based solution (often includes robotics/engineering)
• Team-based competition

Competition Structure:

• State-level to national-level rounds
• Top 10 national finalists
• National pitch event
• Grand prize: $120,000 in Samsung technology
• State winners: $7,500 in technology

Perfect for Robotics Track:

• Build physical prototypes
• Integrate sensors and hardware
• Create innovative robotic solutions
• Demonstrate real-world impact
• Combine AI with robotics

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GRADES 8+

Conrad Challenge

An innovation and entrepreneurship competition that challenges students to develop solutions to real-world problems. Students work in teams to create innovative products or services, often involving robotics and engineering.

Requirements:

• Students in grade 8 and above
• Team-based competition (2-5 members)
• Innovation in STEM fields
• Business plan development
• Prototype or proof of concept

Benefits:

• Scholarship opportunities
• Mentorship from industry experts
• Entrepreneurship skills development
• Network with innovators
• Global recognition

Perfect For:

• Build and prototype physical products
• Integrate hardware and software
• Create marketable innovations
• Develop entrepreneurial mindset
• AI-powered robotic systems

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