International GENIUS AI Olympiad by Terra Science and Education
by Terra Science and Education
$20,000 RIT Scholarship
A global competition for high school students to develop innovative AI solutions for critical environmental challenges, offering international recognition and scholarships.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
$600
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Approximately 5 days
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to international high school students in grades 8-12, aged 13-18. Participants must be proficient in English and able to travel to Rochester, New York, USA for the final presentation. Students under 17 require an adult chaperone.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be a high school student.
- Prerequisites
- Strong interest in artificial intelligence and environmental issues
- Basic understanding of computer science or programming concepts
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$20,000 Scholarship
Scholarships to Rochester Institute of Technology are awarded to Gold, Silver, Bronze, Honorable Mention, Finalist, and Participant awardees, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 renewable scholarships, contingent on RIT admission. These scholarships are only eligible for international students.
Prizes
Medals & Certificates
Grand, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals are awarded to winners.
Certificate
Certificate of Achievement
Certificates of participation and achievement are provided for all finalists. Certificates are awarded to winners.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Winning or even participating in this selective competition can significantly boost college applications, particularly for STEM programs. Awardees receive substantial renewable scholarships to Rochester Institute of Technology, providing a significant advantage for higher education.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 15 Nov 2025
- Registration closed
- 1 Mar 2026
- Competition
- 8 Jun 2026 to 12 Jun 2026
- Results
- 12 Jun 2026
How to apply
- 1Online application submission via the official website.
- 2Finalists must register to confirm participation and pay the participation fee.
- 3Invitation letters for visa applications are available after participation fee payment.
Rules and guidelines
- Each student may present only one project.
- Projects must address environmental issues using AI techniques.
- All presentations must be in English.
- Projects must be presented in-person at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
- Students under 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
- The same project cannot be submitted in two consecutive years without significant improvements.
- Projects without an application fee will not be reviewed.
Technology requirements
- Computer with internet access for application and project development.
- Physical model or detailed research paper with data, graphics, photos, and drawings of the design concept for presentation.
- A computer with a projector and screen will be available for presentations; Apple computer users must bring an HDMI adapter.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Application fee: $60 USD per project (non-refundable). Participation fee (if selected to attend the Genius Olympiad in person): $600 USD. Guest fee (for chaperones): $500 USD if staying off-campus, $850 USD if staying on-campus. The participation fee must be paid by the registration deadline.
Refund policy
Only 50% of the participation fee is refundable within a specific time. Application fees are non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The International GENIUS AI Olympiad is a prestigious global competition challenging high school students to develop innovative artificial intelligence solutions for pressing environmental issues. This Olympiad is a dedicated discipline within the broader GENIUS Olympiad, which aims to foster a global understanding of environmental concerns and inspire young minds to contribute to a sustainable future. It provides a unique platform for students to showcase their creativity and problem-solving abilities in the field of AI.
Eligibility for the Olympiad requires participants to be high school students, typically in grades 8-12, and at least 13 years old. Students under 17 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. All presentations must be conducted in English, and finalists are expected to travel to the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, USA, for in-person presentations.
Participants gain significant benefits, including national and international recognition, valuable networking opportunities with peers from over 80 countries, and enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Winning or even participating in this selective competition can significantly boost college applications and provide a strong foundation for careers in environmental sciences and AI. Scholarships to Rochester Institute of Technology are also available for award winners.
This competition emphasizes the application of scientific methods to propose and present solutions, encouraging students to think critically about real-world environmental problems and how AI can offer practical, impactful solutions. It is an excellent opportunity for students passionate about technology and sustainability to make a tangible difference.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of two rounds of judging. In the first round, judges review and evaluate project submissions based on scientific method, creativity, and sustainability. The top projects are selected for the second round. In the second round, finalists present their projects in person to a panel of judges, who evaluate them based on creativity, originality, and practicality.
How entries are judged
Projects are evaluated based on the application of the scientific method, feasibility and originality of the solution, and its potential impact on environmental problems. Judges also assess the presentation's organization, content, poster design, data management, and the student's ability to answer questions.
Selection process
Selection as a finalist is based on the submitted project's quality, innovation, and relevance to environmental issues. The acceptance rate is around 29.6%, making it a selective competition.
How to prepare
- Official GENIUS Olympiad website for specific submission rules and guidelines.
- Online problem banks for algorithmic problems (for coding-related aspects).
- Academic resources on AI, machine learning, and environmental science.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The Olympiad focuses on developing AI agents to address environmental issues using machine learning techniques. Participants are expected to apply scientific methods to propose and present solutions, covering areas like environmental quality, pollution, and sustainable technologies.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively manage the competitive pressure of a global Olympiad?
Students can manage competitive pressure by focusing on their personal growth and learning journey rather than solely on winning. Setting realistic goals, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support from mentors or peers can help maintain a healthy perspective throughout the competition.
What are common preparation mistakes participants should avoid to maximize their chances of success?
Common mistakes include starting project development too late, neglecting thorough research, failing to clearly articulate the AI solution's environmental impact, and not practicing presentation skills. Participants should allocate sufficient time for each phase and seek feedback regularly.
How do judges evaluate projects, and what factors contribute most to a high ranking?
Projects are primarily evaluated on the application of the scientific method, the feasibility and originality of the AI solution, and its potential impact on environmental problems. Strong presentation, clear data management, and the ability to answer questions effectively also significantly contribute to a high ranking.
What strategies can students employ to develop truly innovative AI solutions for environmental challenges?
Students should identify a specific, pressing environmental problem, research existing solutions, and brainstorm how AI can offer a novel approach. Focusing on data-driven insights, considering scalability, and collaborating with experts can foster truly innovative and impactful solutions.
Beyond the competition, how does participation in the Olympiad benefit students' long-term academic and career goals?
Participation provides international recognition, enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and offers networking opportunities with global peers. It significantly boosts college applications for STEM programs and provides a strong foundation for careers in environmental sciences and AI.
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