Junior Innovators Challenge 2026
Junior Innovators Challenge 2026
The competition invites young learners from KG 1 to Grade 4 in Academic Year 2026–2027 to showcase their creativity, imagination capacity, critical thinking, teamwork, communication skills, problem-solving ability, and innovation potential as part of the National Science, Technology and Innovation (NSTI) Festival.
approval
Participate multiple times!
person
Individual
participation
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) is a national student competition held as part of the NSTI Festival. It invites UAE students from KG 1 to Grade 4 in Academic Year 2026–2027 to demonstrate creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, and communication through age-appropriate innovation challenges.
Students enrolled in UAE schools from KG 1 to Grade 4 in Academic Year 2026–2027 are eligible to participate. Both UAE national and non-UAE national students may take part, subject to official Ministry of Education rules. Students must have parent/guardian consent before registration is submitted.
There are three categories — Category A (KG 1–KG 2), Category B (Grades 1–2), and Category C (Grades 3–4). Each category is expected to compete on a separate competition day at the NSTI Festival.
A school supervisor or coordinator registers and submits nominations through the approved platform. Each school may nominate up to five (5) students per category and up to fifteen (15) students in total. The supervisor is responsible for confirming eligibility, uploading consent forms, and submitting registrations.
The challenge platform is open for support and can answer any question related to the competition. Use the messaging feature and reach out to your admin.
To update your details, log in, and go to your participant profile to edit or change your details.
- Stage 1 (School Nomination, Registration and Video Submission): 21 May – 15 September 2026 (TBC)
- Stage 2 (Qualification): 12 October 2026
- Stage 3 (On-site Challenge Performance): November 2026
All dates are subject to confirmation.
The video should include the student's full name, grade, school name, and emirate; a brief introduction to their interests and aspirations; and a short explanation of an innovative idea/s. Videos must be 30-120 seconds, horizontal (16:9), in MP4 or MOV format, and recorded in official school uniform. No professional editing or adult voice-over is permitted.
Qualified students participate in age-appropriate individual and group challenge activities at the NSTI Festival. Activities are designed around six domains — Science, Technology, Mathematics, Engineering, Crafts & Making, and Puzzles & Logic. Students are evaluated by judges using a structured rubric.
Top performers in each category are recognised with Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. All participants may receive certificates of participation. The final awards structure is subject to confirmation by the Ministry of Education.
Students must be accompanied by an authorised school supervisor. Attendance rules for parents and accompanying persons will be confirmed by the organising committee before the event.