- Grades1 to 12
- Cost$125 to $175
- StructureDivisions by grade or level
- FormatEither
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AI and machine learning competitions for students
Competitions where artificial intelligence is either the subject or a legitimate tool. They split into three kinds, and it is worth knowing which you are entering. Dedicated AI olympiads test machine learning knowledge directly and assume you can already train a model. Open project competitions accept an AI-powered entry alongside any other technology, so the AI is a means rather than the point. And general programming contests build the algorithmic foundation that AI work rests on. A student new to this is usually better served by the third group first.
- Grades6 to 12
- CostFree
- FormatEither
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44 days left
- Grades1 to 12
- CostFree
- StructureDivisions by grade or level
- FormatTeam
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137 days left
- Grades3 to 12
- CostFree
- StructureDivisions by grade or level
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- Grades4 to 12
- CostFree to $100
- FormatEither
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- Grades6 to 12
- CostFree
- PreparationComfort with a command line and basic scripting
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- Grades9 to 12
- CostFree
- PreparationConfident independent programming, and about a month of sustained work
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- Grades6 to 12
- CostFree
- PreparationImplementing algorithms under time pressure in C++, Java or Python
- FormatIndividual
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- Grades6 to 12
- CostFree to $499
- FormatTeam
- WhereBoth
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- Grades9 to 12
- CostFree
- FormatTeam
- WhereBoth
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- Grades6 to 12
- CostFree
- StructureDivisions by grade or level
- FormatIndividual
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- Grades1 to 12
- CostFree to $500
- PreparationProgramming plus an understanding of machine learning fundamentals
- FormatTeam
- WhereBoth
170 days left
Questions people ask about this
What AI competitions can high school students enter?
The International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence is the dedicated one, entered through a national qualifier rather than directly. Beyond that, open project competitions such as the Congressional App Challenge and Technovation accept AI-powered entries, and WAICY is built around AI projects for ages 6 to 18.
Do I need to know machine learning to enter?
For the AI olympiads, yes: the syllabus covers neural networks and model training, and the qualifier assumes you can already program. For project competitions, no. Judges there care whether your idea solves a real problem, and an entry using an existing AI tool competes on equal terms.
Are AI tools allowed in other competitions?
It varies sharply and getting it wrong is disqualifying. Some competitions ban generative AI outright, some require you to cite it, and some permit it as one research resource among several. Each listing on this site records that competition's own rule; read it before you start.