Virtual STEM Challenge 2026

Summer Cohort

Inviting students in Grades 3 to 12 in the United States to submit Innovative Engineering and Science projects for virtual judging, recognition, and awards!

Now Accepting Registrations for the Virtual STEM Challenge (Summer Cohort)!

STEM Challenge Registration Form

In Partnership with

We are pleased to invite students in Grades 3 through 12 in the United States to participate in our Virtual STEM Challenge (Summer Cohort) and submit their innovative Engineering and Science projects for virtual judging, recognition, and awards

Students are encouraged to explore ideas driven by their personal passions, curiosity, and desire to make a positive impact. Projects may be inspired by everyday challenges in their communities, global issues, or innovative solutions for the future

To further inspire meaningful problem-solving, students may choose to align their projects with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as clean energy, quality education, climate action, health and well-being, or sustainable cities. However, this is entirely optional, and students are welcome to pursue any topic that reflects their interests and ideas

Virtual STEM Challenge Outline

Create a science or engineering project based on your personal passion that aims to solve a real-world problem
Projects may optionally be inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while remaining open to any innovative idea or area of interest
Students can participate individually or in a team of 1-4 students. All participants must complete an individual registration before submitting the project

Key Deliverables and Timelines

Step 1: Register Early (this ensures your spot in this challenge)
Step 2: Submit your project at this link ( by Aug 16, 11.59 pm PT)
Judging Process
There will be no live interviews for virtual submissions.
Projects will be evaluated based on the video, abstract, and poster submission.

Awards and Recognition

1. Virtual Award Ceremony - Date, Time, Link will be posted on Aug 17th !

2. Separate Awards for Elementary, Middle school, and High School students:

Elementary School: Grades 3–5
Middle School: Grades 6–8
High School: Grades 9–12

3. Sponsored Awards by Corporate Sponsors

4. Projects will be shortlisted for Young Innovators Pathway Program (Fall Cohort, starting Sep 2026)

SDG Awards

Special recognition awards will be presented to projects that align with one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Local STEM Sponsors and Partners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Virtual STEM Challenge 2026 (Summer Cohort)

1. Which grades are eligible to participate?

Students attending Grade 3 to 12 in Fall academic session 2026-2027 are eligible to participate in this Virtual STEM Challenge

2. What is the objective of the STEM Challenge?

Our goal is to encourage student interest in Engineering and Science and leverage STEM to solve real-world problems. This event provides additional exposure to students in the United States to showcase their projects.

3. When can I register to participate in this Challenge?

Registrations are currently open. We recommend to register early to be on our mailing list for monthly updates as you work on your projects during summer.

4. Can I participate individually or do I need a team to participate?

You can participate in this challenge individually or in a Team of 1 to 4. All members on a team must complete individual registrations before submitting the project.

5. When and how do I register my team?

All students need to complete individual registrations first. The team members will be listed when you submit your project.

6. Can I submit a project that I have already completed and showcased at a local Science and Engineering Fair?

Yes, you can submit a project that was submitted to a local or regional Science and Engineering Fair in 2026.

7. What is the competition format?

Students can participate in this challenge individually or as a team of up to 4 students
All participants on a team must complete individual registration first.
Submit - 5 min video, Abstract, Poster, SDG* statement (if applicable), Headshot photos. There are NO live interviews

SDG* - Sustainable Development Goals by United Nations

8. How is scoring done?

Video = 50 points
Poster= 25 points
Abstract = 25 points

9. Can I cancel my registration and request a refund?

No. All registrations are final. There is no cancellation and refund

10. How do I submit my project?

Step 1: Complete your registration (register early)

Step 2: Submit your project details (Video, Poster, Abstract) before the deadline at this link

11. Can my parents register as a Judge?

Parents are welcome to register as a judge. However, they cannot judge your or your team project. Please see the eligibility guidelines to participate as a judge: https://www.stem-4all.org/judge-and-volunteer-registration

12. Where to I upload my Video?

Upload your project video here : https://forms.gle/N4MF5NBdmUyuNdP96

Students must complete registration before submitting their video link for scoring.

13. What should I cover in my project poster?

A) Science Projects should cover the following:

PROJECT TITLE
PROJECT ID**- This will provided to you at the registration desk on May 17 (Must Paste it Top Right Corner of Your Display Board)
INTRODUCTION - What is your research question? (purpose, research question, hypothesis)
METHODS - Explain your methodology and procedures for carrying out your project in details
RESULTS - What were the result(s) of your project?
DISCUSSION - What is your interpretation of these results?
CONCLUSIONS - What conclusions did you reach?
REFERENCES/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

B) Engineering Projects should cover the following:

PROJECT TITLE
PROJECT ID - This will be given to you at the registration desk on May 17 (Must Paste it Top Right Corner of Your Display Board
INTRODUCTION - What is your engineering problem and goal?
METHODS - Explain your methods and procedures for building your design
RESULTS - What were the result(s) of your project?
DISCUSSION - What is your interpretation of these results?
CONCLUSIONS - What conclusions did you reach?
REFERENCES/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

14. How are Awards categorized?

Thee are separate awards for Elementary, Middle, and High school projects in Science and Engineering categories.

Note - If any middle school team has at least one high school student in their team , they will be considered in the High school category and not in the Middle school category. Likewise, if an Elementary team has a Middle school student on the team, they would compete in the Middle school category

Elementary School Awards (Grades 3 to 5)

Ist Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place for each of the following categories

1. Science Awards

3. Engineering Awards

5. United Nations Sustainability Goals Awards

Middle School Awards (Grades 6 to 8)

Ist Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place for each of the following categories

1. Science Awards

2. Engineering Awards

3. United Nations Sustainability Goals Awards

High School Awards (Grades 9 to 12)

Ist Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place for each of the following categories

1. Science Awards

2. Engineering Awards

3. United Nations Sustainability Goals Awards

In addition to the above, there could be sponsored awards which will be announced at the date of the event. There is no need to nominate your projects for the awards.

Important: Based on the project stage and feasibility for a real-world impact, projects will be invited for the Young Innovators Pathway Program

15. I have additional questions. Who should I get in touch?

Kindly email us at info@stem-4all.org

Virtual STEM Challenge 2026

Summer Cohort

Inviting students in Grades 3 to 12 in the United States to submit Innovative Engineering and Science projects for virtual judging, recognition, and awards!

Now Accepting Registrations for the Virtual STEM Challenge (Summer Cohort)!

In Partnership with

SDG Awards

Local STEM Sponsors and Partners

STEM Programs

What can we help you with?