About Us
The National Academy of STEM, Cybernetics & AI (NASCA) is organising the NASCA STEM and AI Challenge 2026, an international online competition featuring six different challenges designed to encourage students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Artificial Intelligence.
The competition provides students with opportunities to develop practical projects, train machine learning models, solve real-world problems, demonstrate coding skills and present innovative ideas.
Open to students worldwide, the challenge offers different age and grade categories, allowing participants to compete with students at a similar academic level.
Eligibility
- Open to students from around the world.
- Eligibility ranges from Grades 1–12, depending on the selected competition.
- Some challenges also accept higher education students.
- Students can participate individually or in teams of up to three, depending on the competition.
- Students from Grades 9–11 can participate in multiple challenges, subject to individual eligibility requirements.
Competition Details
Competition Name: NASCA STEM and AI Challenge 2026
Mode: Online
Competition Period: 1 November – 30 November 2026
Application Deadline: 30 November 2026
Results Announcement: 12 December 2026
Participation: Individual / Team (depending on the challenge)
Entry Fee: Starting from US$25
Six Challenges
The NASCA STEM and AI Challenge features six competitions covering different areas of STEM, AI, innovation and technology.
1. Build It – Robotics and Engineering Challenge
Eligibility: Grades 3–12
Students are required to develop a working prototype that addresses a practical problem. Projects can involve robotics, electronics, sensors or machines designed to perform specific tasks.
What to Submit:
- A working prototype.
- A three-minute demonstration video.
- A build log explaining the development process.
Focus Areas: Robotics, Electronics, Engineering and Innovation.
2. Train It – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Challenge
Eligibility: Grades 6–12
Students will collect their own datasets, train a machine learning model and evaluate its performance. Participants must also explain the limitations and potential biases of their models.
What to Submit:
- Original dataset.
- Trained machine learning model.
- Project notebook.
- Bias and limitations report.
Focus Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science and Programming.
3. Solve It – Real-World Problem-Solving Challenge
Eligibility: Grades 1–12
Students are required to identify a problem in their neighbourhood or community and present their observations through a short video.
The challenge encourages students to identify everyday issues and communicate possible solutions.
What to Submit:
- A 60-second video highlighting a real-world problem.
Focus Areas: Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Social Innovation and Communication.
Special Benefit: The junior category for Grades 1–5 is free.
4. Design It – Design Thinking Challenge
Eligibility: Grade 8 onwards, including higher education students
Students will identify a problem, conduct user research and develop a solution using the design thinking process.
Participants must demonstrate how they moved from identifying a problem to developing and testing a prototype.
What to Submit:
- Design thinking case study.
- User research and interview findings.
- Prototype and testing documentation.
Focus Areas: Design Thinking, Research, Innovation and Product Development.
5. Code It – Coding and Programming Challenge
Eligibility: Grades 5–12
Students will participate in a 90-minute online coding challenge involving logic, algorithms and debugging.
Younger participants will work with block-based programming, while senior students will use Python.
Competition Format: A 90-minute online coding sprint that can be attempted from home during the competition window.
Focus Areas: Computer Science, Programming, Algorithms and Logical Reasoning.
6. Pitch It – AI Entrepreneurship Challenge
Eligibility: Grades 8–12
Students will develop and present an idea for an AI-based product or service that addresses a real-world need.
Participants will work in teams of two or three and explain the problem, their proposed solution, target audience and business model.
What to Submit:
- A three-minute pitch video.
- A five-slide presentation deck.
Focus Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship, Business Innovation and Presentation Skills.
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Event | Date |
| Registration Opens | 1 November 2026 |
| Competition Begins | 1 November 2026 |
| Application and Submission Deadline | 30 November 2026 |
| Results Announcement | 12 December 2026 |
Application Fees
| Participation Category | Fee |
| Junior Solve It (Grades 1–5) | Free |
| Individual – One Challenge | US$25 |
| Individual – Any Three Challenges | US$40 |
| Team – Up to Three Students | US$50 |
| School Pack – Up to Ten Entries | US$100 |
| School Unlimited | US$250 |
How to Apply?
- Visit the official NASCA STEM and AI Challenge website.
- Select the preferred competition from the six available challenges.
- Choose the appropriate grade category and participation format.
- Complete the registration form with the required student and school details.
- Pay the applicable registration fee, if required.
- Receive the entry code and competition guidelines.
- Complete and upload the project or assessment before the deadline.
Registration Link: https://www.nasca.edu.in/competitions
Submission Portal: https://www.nasca.edu.in/competitions/submit
Important: Applications and project submissions close on 30 November 2026. Students interested in STEM, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Computer Science, Data Science and Innovation are encouraged to register for the challenge.