STEM competitions offer high school students an excellent opportunity to present their project.

This blog has a list of top 10 competitions to take part in!

1. International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) Description: The IJSO is an annual individual and team competition in the Natural Sciences for students who are under sixteen years old on December 31 of the competition year.

It aims to promote excellence in scientific endeavor and encourages gifted students to further develop their talents in the Natural Sciences.

The IJSO fosters friendship and relationships among students worldwide from an early age.

Eligibility: Students must be fifteen years or younger on December 31 of the competition year.

The competition is open to both individual participants and teams.

It provides an opportunity for students to engage in problem-solving, critical thinking, and experimentation.

Award: Participants compete in theory and practical aspects of the natural sciences.

The IJSO recognizes outstanding performance with medals and celebrates the pursuit of scientific knowledge and collaboration.

2. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Description: The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the world’s largest pre-college science competition.

It provides a platform for high school students to showcase their original research projects across various scientific disciplines.

Students present their work through detailed research papers, posters, and oral presentations.

ISEF fosters collaboration, innovation, and scientific inquiry.

Eligibility: High school students worldwide are eligible to participate.

Students must qualify through regional or national science fairs.

Projects must be research-based and demonstrate exceptional scientific inquiry.

Participants compete in theory and practical aspects of the natural sciences.

Award: ISEF is highly prestigious and attracts top talent from around the globe.

Winners receive scholarships, cash prizes, and valuable networking opportunities.

Alumni of ISEF have gone on to make significant contributions to scientific research and innovation.

3. Microsoft Imagine Cup Description: The Microsoft Imagine Cup is a global student developer competition that encourages young innovators to dream big, build impactful solutions, and create positive change using technology.

Participants can imagine any solution they are passionate about, but their projects must include a Microsoft Azure component and address diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

The competition spans various categories, including Earth, Education, Health, and Lifestyle.

Imagine Cup provides a transformative journey for founders, helping them turn their ideas into reality.

Eligibility: Students aged 18 and above are eligible to participate.

Teams can have a maximum of four (4) members.

Participants must be students at accredited schools worldwide, including universities, community colleges, vocational or trade schools, and high schools.

Award: Imagine Cup offers more than just a competition; it provides a comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Participants gain access to cutting-edge AI technology, Azure credits, and expert guidance.

The winning team receives up to USD 100,000, global recognition, and an exclusive mentoring session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella.

It’s a chance to propel your startup forward and make a real-world impact https://youtu. be/N3jywbAqfNU?si=fyZA4nN9i44NTXyC The International Research Olympiad (IRO)

4. International Research Olympiad Description: The International Research Olympiad (IRO) is a global competition designed to inspire and challenge students aged 13-1

8. It aims to cultivate essential qualities of the research process, encouraging participants to build skills useful in any research discipline.

Unlike traditional science Olympiads focused on specific subjects, the IRO fosters creativity, critical thinking, and analytical skills, providing a foundation for later success.

Eligibility: Eligible participants for the IRO include ambitious students from grades 6-12 who are engaged in research through local universities and summer programs.

5. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) Description: The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the World Championship Mathematics Competition for high school students.

Held annually in a different country, the first IMO took place in 1959 in Romania, with 7 countries participating.

Over the years, it has expanded to over 100 countries from 5 continents.

The IMO Board ensures that the competition adheres to regulations and traditions.

The IMO Foundation supports the event and provides valuable resources for understanding the competition.

Eligibility: High school students worldwide are eligible to participate.

Students must qualify through regional or national math competitions.

Projects must be research-based and demonstrate exceptional mathematical inquiry.

Award: Participants compete individually, attempting six highly challenging problems over two days.

Awards are given to approximately the top-scoring 50% of individual contestants.

These awards include gold, silver, and bronze medals.

6. Shape the Future Challenge Description: The Shape the Future Challenge invites young innovators and entrepreneurs aged 15 to 20 to tackle global challenges related to sustainable mobility.

In collaboration with Volkswagen Group, this challenge focuses on shaping a greener, more sustainable, and accessible future of mobility.

Over 1300 brilliant minds from 150+ countries participated, channeling their creativity and passion to explore groundbreaking solutions.

From AI-driven road safety to VR-enhanced urban planning, participants ventured into the field, breaking norms, and pushing the limits of what can be achieved.

Eligibility: The challenge is designed for individuals aged 15 to 2

0. If you are 14 and turning 15 during the challenge, or if you are 20 and turning 21 during the challenge, you are still eligible to apply.

Award: The winning team, Autopreneurs from Austria’s HTL Spengergasse, developed an innovative AI system for road safety.

Their prototype uses traffic camera video streams to evaluate road risks, preventing accidents and traffic congestion.

The collected data can also support future road construction.

The winning team will join an unforgettable trip to Silicon Valley, California

7. International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition https://youtu. be/h7OlgFLByK8?si=8OmUVDAXe9e4byfI STEM Programs & Competitions for High Schoolers Description: iGEM stands for Internationally Genetically Engineered Machine.

It is an academic competition aimed at improving people’s understanding of synthetic biology while fostering an open community and collaboration between groups. iGEM is the most renowned Synthetic Biology competition for students.

Teams work on projects that involve designing, building, and testing biological systems using standardized biological parts.

The competition encourages creativity, innovation, and interdisciplinary approaches.

Eligibility: High school students and undergraduates from around the world can participate.

Teams typically consist of students from various disciplines, including biology, engineering, computer science, and more.

Participants collaborate to create novel biological solutions to real-world problems. iGEM provides a platform for students to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical context.

Award: iGEM teams compete in various categories, presenting their projects at the annual iGEM Jamboree.

Awards include: Grand Prizes: Recognize the best overall team projects in different sections (undergraduate, overgraduate, and high school).

Track Awards: Given for excellence in specific areas such as diagnostics, energy, environment, and food/nutrition.

Medals: Teams can earn bronze, silver, or gold medals based on their project achievements and documentation.

8. International Science Olympiad (ISO) Description: ISO is a series of international science competitions, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science, challenging students to excel in their respective fields.

Eligibility: High school students Selected through national competitions.

Limited number of participants per country Prestige: Highly prestigious; winners receive medals and international recognition Award: Gold, silver, and bronze medals.

FREE STEM Guide with a list of 50+ opportunities, competitions, internships and more!

9. International Environmental Project Olympiad (INEPO) Description: Calling all eco-warriors!

INEPO challenges students to develop solutions to pressing environmental issues, promoting sustainable practices and environmental awareness.

Eligibility: Individual or team projects are accepted.

Students must be aged 14-1

9. A passion for environmental sustainability and strong research skills are key. 1

0. Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (MOG) Description: The Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (MOG) in the UK is an annual competition designed to encourage more girls to participate in mathematical olympiads.

It challenges young women across the UK with five thought-provoking problems, fostering problem-solving skills and mathematical creativity.

MOG aims to empower girls in STEM fields and provide a supportive environment for their mathematical exploration.

Eligibility: The MOG is open to girls and young women across the UK.

Participants must have a passion for mathematics and a strong math background.

The competition is by discretionary entry, allowing schools to nominate eligible students.

It provides an opportunity for girls to showcase their mathematical talent and engage in challenging problem-solving.

Award: The top-scoring students receive a Certificate of Distinction or a Certificate of Merit based on their scores.

The top 30 scorers are also awarded a book prize, with the title varying each year.

More opportunities Rishab Jain, who won ISEF, has achieved success in numerous research competitions and undertaken several research projects during his high school years.

For those eager to start working towards research/STEM competitions/programs, Rishab offers science fair coaching and a FREE STEM Student Guide!

It will provide you an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of research and win at Science Fairs.

Rishab shares his winning strategies.