15 STEM Competitions for High School Students
Participating in a STEM competition allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems while developing analytical, technical, and research skills. If you are interested in fields such as engineering, computer science, biology, mathematics, or interdisciplinary innovation, competitions provide structured environments to test your abilities, build projects, and engage with real-world challenges.
STEM competitions also serve as strong academic signals. You can include them in your CV, research applications, or college essays to demonstrate initiative, problem-solving ability, and subject-specific depth. Even if you do not place, the process of preparing for a competition often results in tangible outputs such as projects, code, or research that strengthen your portfolio.
If you want to check out STEM internships, you can find a list of them here!
Why should I participate in a STEM competition in high school?
STEM competitions expose you to applied problem-solving beyond classroom learning. You often work on open-ended challenges that require you to design experiments, build prototypes, or develop algorithms. This helps you develop critical thinking and technical skills that are directly relevant to STEM majors and careers. You also gain experience in collaboration and communication. Many competitions are team-based and require you to present your work through reports, presentations, or pitches. This builds your ability to explain complex ideas clearly—an essential skill in research and industry settings.
To make your search easier, we have listed below 15 STEM competitions for high school students.
Quick Look
15 competitions total spanning research writing, coding, mathematics, engineering, neuroscience, and game design, open to students through virtual formats, in-person finals, or a mix of both
Most competitions are free to enter, though a few carry costs, including USABO's $125 school registration fee and Build the Moon Challenge's $449 kit fee, with financial aid or grants available for both
Standout programs include the Regeneron Science Talent Search, one of the most prestigious research competitions in the country, and Mission Space Lab, where winning code is actually deployed and run on the International Space Station
Several competitions have specific eligibility restrictions, including Mission Space Lab (open only to ESA member and cooperating states) and BAFTA Young Game Designers (UK residents only), while most others are open globally
Deadlines span the academic year, with some of the earliest falling in early November for the Regeneron STS and USABO registration, so students interested in these should start preparing well ahead of the school year
1. Conrad Challenge
Location: Virtual + Power Pitch Summit (U.S.)
Cost: Initial registration is free; advancing teams pay $499 per team for the Innovation Stage, and $499 per guest for the Summit; financial aid is available
Contest Dates: Activation Stage: August 28 – October 30; Innovation Stage: October 31 – January 8; Innovation Summit: April 22–25
Application Deadline: October 30
Eligibility: Students ages 13–18 worldwide working in teams of 2–5 members
The Conrad Challenge is a global, multi-stage innovation competition where you work in a team to design a solution to a real-world problem using STEM and entrepreneurial thinking. You begin by selecting a focus area, such as aerospace, cybersecurity, energy, or health, and identifying a specific issue to address within that domain. Over several months, you develop your idea into a structured concept using tools like a Lean Canvas, Innovation Brief, pitch video, and a basic website. A key feature of the competition is its emphasis on iterative development, where you refine your solution through multiple submission rounds based on feedback. You also gain access to curated resources and mentorship that support both your technical approach and business strategy.
2. Lumiere Scholars Essay Award
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Contest Dates: Submissions open March 9 | Results announced May 17
Application Deadline: April 26
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award is a research-intensive academic competition where you develop and defend an original argument on interdisciplinary topics. You select from prompts spanning fields such as economics, artificial intelligence, ethics, and physics, and write a structured essay supported by evidence and critical analysis. Your submission is evaluated through a double-blind review process conducted by an academic panel that includes faculty from leading institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Cornell. A key feature of this competition is its emphasis on intellectual rigor, requiring you to engage with counterarguments and construct a well-supported thesis using credible sources. You are expected to demonstrate clarity of thought, depth of research, and originality in your argument.
3. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Location: Virtual + Finals Week in Washington, D.C.
Cost: None
Contest Dates: Finals Week March 5–11
Application Deadline: November 5
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors conducting independent STEM research
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is one of the most prestigious research competitions for high school students, designed for those who have completed an original, independent scientific project. You submit a comprehensive research report along with supporting materials that demonstrate your methodology, analysis, and the broader significance of your work. Projects often reflect advanced, near undergraduate-level research across fields such as biology, engineering, neuroscience, and data science. A defining aspect of STS is its rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process, which assesses not only the quality of your research but also your academic achievement and leadership. During Finals Week, you participate in interviews, present your research to expert judges, and engage in public exhibitions.
4. Horizon Academic Essay Prize
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Contest Dates: Submission deadline: February 1 | Shortlist: February 22 | Results: March 8
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Horizon Academic Essay Prize is a global, research-driven writing competition where you engage with complex, real-world issues through structured analytical essays. You select from prompts based on an annual theme, such as “The Pursuit of Progress,” and develop a well-supported argument using evidence, critical reasoning, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Your essay is evaluated through a double-blind review process conducted by a panel of scholars and researchers, ensuring an objective and rigorous assessment. A key focus of the competition is intellectual independence, requiring you to address counterarguments and consider broader societal implications. Strong submissions demonstrate clarity, depth of analysis, and the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.
5. Mission Space Lab (Astro Pi Challenge)
Location: Virtual (program executed on the International Space Station)
Cost: None
Contest Dates: September – February: submission phase | Deployment: April–May
Application Deadline: Mid-February
Eligibility: Students aged 19 and under; teams of 2–6 with a mentor; residents of European Space Agency (ESA) Member States, Associate Members, and Cooperating States (including Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Malta)
The Mission Space Lab (Astro Pi Challenge) is a global coding competition where you design a Python program to solve a scientific problem in space. Your task typically involves calculating the speed of the International Space Station (ISS) by collecting and analyzing real data from onboard sensors or images. You integrate programming, physics, and data analysis to build a solution that can function reliably in a real-world space environment. A defining feature of this competition is that selected programs are deployed on the ISS, allowing your code to run in orbit. If your team achieves “flight status,” you receive the data and images captured during execution along with official certification of your program’s coordinates in space.
6. UW Math Olympiad
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: None
Contest Dates: June 7
Application Deadline: Early May
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–10
The UW Math Olympiad is a challenging mathematics competition that tests both your problem-solving ability and your capacity to clearly communicate your reasoning. You begin by solving five advanced problems independently over three hours, requiring strong analytical thinking and familiarity with higher-level mathematical concepts. If you successfully solve at least three problems, you advance to a second round with more complex questions. A defining feature of this competition is its oral evaluation format, where you present your solutions directly to mathematician judges. You are given multiple attempts to refine your explanations based on feedback, emphasizing clarity, logical structure, and precision.
7. Modeling the Future Challenge (MTFC)
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Contest Dates: Annual cycle; August – April
Application Deadline: Mid-November
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors (or sophomores via petition) taking advanced math, competing in teams of 1 to 5
The Modeling the Future Challenge (MTFC) is a research-driven STEM competition where you apply mathematics, data analysis, and statistical modeling to real-world problems. You work in a team to analyze complex datasets and develop models that assess risk and inform decision-making for organizations such as governments, businesses, or nonprofits. A defining aspect of the competition is its focus on actuarial science, requiring you to quantify uncertainty and make data-driven predictions. You are expected to interpret data, construct mathematical models, and present actionable recommendations based on your findings. The process closely mirrors professional workflows in fields like finance, insurance, and policy analysis, emphasizing both analytical rigor and practical application.
8. Internet Education Foundation / U.S. House – Congressional App Challenge 2026
Location: Nationwide, United States
Cost: None
Dates: May 1 – October 26
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: Enrolled in middle school or high school on October 26; competing in the congressional district where the student lives or attends school, in one district only; individual entry or teams of up to four students; U.S. residents
In this competition, you will design and build an original software application that solves a real problem, then submit it in the congressional district where you live or attend school. You can code for desktop, web, mobile, tablet, robotics, games, or AI using any language, such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C, C++, Ruby, or block code, working solo or in a team of up to four. Along the way, you will scope features, write and debug code, and document your development process for judges. Winning apps are featured online and in the United States Capitol Building, and winners are invited to the annual #HouseofCode event in Washington, D.C.
9. Neuroscience Research Prize (American Academy of Neurology)
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Contest Dates: Applications open in late June, judging occurs in November/December, and winner presentations take place in April or October
Application Deadline: Late October to early November
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (grades 9–12); must submit original, individual neuroscience research (no group projects or AAN staff relatives)
The Neuroscience Research Prize is a highly selective competition where you submit an original research project focused on the brain and nervous system. Your work must demonstrate a clear connection to neuroscience, covering areas such as cognition, behavior, neurophysiology, or neurological disorders. A defining feature of this competition is its emphasis on scientific rigor, requiring you to develop a strong research question and design a methodologically sound study. You submit a detailed written report outlining your hypothesis, methodology, results, and conclusions, which is evaluated by experts in the field. Judges assess your work based on originality, analytical depth, and clarity of scientific communication.
10. BAFTA Young Game Designers (YGD) Competition
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Contest Dates: Finalists announced May 21; winners ceremony on June 18; finalist showcases run late June
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: UK residents aged 10–18 (judged in 10–14 and 15–18 cohorts). Entrants can apply individually or in teams of up to three within the same age bracket. Under-16s require parental consent
The BAFTA Young Game Designers (YGD) Competition is a highly regarded creative competition where you design or develop an original video game. You can participate in either the Game Concept Award, which focuses on presenting a detailed game idea, or the Game Making Award, where you build a playable game using tools like Scratch or similar platforms. The competition prioritizes creativity, storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and user experience over purely technical complexity. Your submission is evaluated by industry professionals associated with BAFTA, providing valuable exposure to the game design field. Selected participants gain access to mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities, making this competition a strong entry point into careers in game design, software development, or digital media.
11. USA Biology Olympiad (USABO)
Location: Primarily online exams + in-person National Finals (U.S.)
Cost: $125 school registration fee
Contest Dates: Multiple rounds (typically February–May) | International Biology Olympiad: July
Application Deadline: School and student registrations typically close in early November for that academic year's cycle School and student registrations typically close in early November for that academic year's cycle
Eligibility: Grades 9–12 U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents who are not enrolled in an undergraduate program
In this competition, you begin with multiple rounds of rigorous theoretical exams that assess your understanding of core topics such as molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and physiology. These exams require both conceptual depth and strong analytical problem-solving skills. A key feature of USABO is its multi-stage selection process, where the top 20 students in the country advance to the National Finals. At this stage, you participate in an intensive training program that includes advanced laboratory work and exposure to higher-level biological concepts. From this group, four students are selected to represent the U.S. at the International Biology Olympiad, competing with top students from around the world.
12. Brain Awareness Video Contest (BAVC)
Location: Virtual (global participation)
Cost: None
Contest Dates: March 20 – June 29
Application Deadline: June 29
Eligibility: High school students must have their original, under-4-minute neuroscience video sponsored and submitted by a Society for Neuroscience (SfN) member, and minors require parental consent
In this competition, you create a short video explaining a neuroscience concept in an engaging and accessible format. Your task is to simplify complex topics, such as memory, cognition, or brain function, while maintaining scientific accuracy. A key aspect of this contest is its focus on science communication, requiring you to present ideas clearly to a general audience. Judges evaluate submissions based on accuracy, creativity, clarity, and audience engagement. Strong entries often integrate storytelling, visuals, and real-world examples, and you are encouraged to use techniques like animation, humor, or demonstrations to make your content more compelling.
13. AI Hackfest (MLH)
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Contest Dates: April 17–19
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Minors (ages 13–18, requiring parental permission), university students, and working professionals
The AI Hackfest, hosted by Major League Hacking (MLH), is a short, intensive virtual hackathon where you build an AI-powered project within a limited timeframe. You can participate individually or in teams to design and prototype solutions ranging from simple automation tools to more advanced AI-driven applications. The event is structured to be beginner-friendly, with workshops introducing tools like GitHub Copilot and Google AI Studio. A defining feature of this hackathon is its emphasis on hands-on learning and rapid prototyping, allowing you to immediately apply new concepts to your project. You also gain experience collaborating in real time, receiving mentorship, and engaging with a global community through platforms like Discord.
14. Build the Moon Challenge (BTMC)
Location: Virtual (with optional physical experimentation component)
Cost: $449 + shipping; grants are available
Contest Dates: Spring: February 12 – April 23; Fall: Expected to run from mid-September through mid-December
Application Deadline: Spring: February 1 (January 25 for international teams); Fall: September 13
Eligibility: High school students worldwide (teams of up to 10 with a coach)
The Build the Moon Challenge (BTMC) is a multidisciplinary STEM competition where you work in a team to design solutions for building sustainable structures on the Moon. Your project centers on creating a form of “lunar concrete” using regolith simulant and testing its structural properties under realistic constraints. This requires you to apply concepts from materials science, engineering, and space exploration in a practical setting. A key aspect of the challenge is its hands-on, experimental approach—you conduct iterative testing, compare different material compositions, and analyze results such as compressive strength. You then use these findings to design a functional lunar habitat, focusing on feasibility, resource efficiency, and innovation in addressing real-world space construction challenges.
15. International Brain Bee (IBB)
Location: Virtual (local and national rounds) + finals in Washington, D.C.
Cost: None
Contest Dates: The World Championship runs November 6–11; the NextGen cohort runs July 6–10
Application Deadline: No direct international application; qualification depends entirely on varying local and national competition dates
Eligibility: High school students (typically ages 14–18) who place first in their respective National Brain Bee championship
The International Brain Bee (IBB) is a prestigious global neuroscience competition where you demonstrate your understanding of the brain and nervous system through multiple rounds of assessment. You begin at the local level and advance through national stages, with top performers qualifying for the international finals. The competition covers a broad syllabus, including neuroanatomy, cognition, behavior, and neurological disorders, requiring both conceptual clarity and detailed knowledge. A key feature of IBB is its rigorous evaluation format, which includes live questioning, case-based analysis, and applied problem-solving. As you progress, you are tested not just on recall but also on your ability to interpret and apply neuroscience concepts in real-world scenarios that closely reflect clinical and research-based challenges.
BONUS: Check out Ladder Internships!
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 to 12 weeks, devoting 10-20 hours/week
The Ladder Internships program matches you with a high-growth startup or NGO for an eight-week remote position where you work under the direct mentorship of company founders and industry experts. You can choose from various professional tracks, including machine learning, data science, journalism, finance, marketing, and healthcare. During the internship, you might conduct competitive market research, build prototype features, draft technical content, or analyze performance data for internal projects. The program is unique because it offers a highly personalized experience where you own a specific, substantive project from start to finish. This hands-on work builds critical skills in project management, professional communication, and specialized technical application. Apply now!
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. A lot of these competitions require an independent research project. What if I don't have access to a lab or a mentor?
You don't need lab access for every competition on this list. Options like the Lumiere Scholars Essay Award and Horizon Academic Essay Prize are research-intensive but writing-based, meaning your work centers on analysis and argumentation rather than experimental data. If you are drawn to something more hands-on without needing a lab, competitions like the Conrad Challenge and AI Hackfest focus on building a solution or prototype, often with mentorship built into the program itself.
2. Some of these are individual competitions, and others are team-based. Which format is better for a first-time competitor?
Team-based competitions like the Conrad Challenge, Build the Moon Challenge, and AI Hackfest can be a gentler starting point, since you can divide the workload and learn from teammates with different strengths. Individual competitions like the Regeneron Science Talent Search or USABO ask you to carry the entire project or exam yourself, which suits students who already have a clear research direction or strong subject mastery. If you are new to competitions in general, starting with a team format is a reasonable way to build confidence before trying an individual one.
3. I'm interested in more than one subject area. Is it realistic to try competitions in different fields, like neuroscience and coding?
Yes, and many students do exactly that. Competitions like the Brain Awareness Video Contest and International Brain Bee focus specifically on neuroscience, while Mission Space Lab and the Congressional App Challenge are coding-focused, so you can pursue both without one interfering with the other, since most run on different timelines throughout the year. Trying competitions across different subjects can also help you figure out which field genuinely excites you most before you commit to a narrower path in later years of high school.