Where Breakthroughs Begin

ISIC is a premier global platform for the world’s most promising young researchers, engineers, and innovators by AlphaPi Foundation, bringing together finalists before an international jury of scholars from Harvard, MIT, Tsinghua, and beyond, and fostering direct dialogue with Nobel Prize, Turing Award, and Abel Prize laureates.

The Apex Global Summit for Advanced Youth Research

Defend your innovations before an international jury of Harvard, MIT, and Tsinghua scholars, and learn directly from Nobel Prize and Turing Award laureates. Connect with a global community of the most driven young scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

Each year, ISIC brings together exceptional emerging researchers and innovators from around the world to defend their work, exchange ideas with distinguished academic and industry leaders, and tackle some of the most consequential scientific and technological challenges of our time.

Selected participants gain more than a global stage. They join a cross-disciplinary, international network of peers and mentors, gain recognition from leading institutions, and become part of a community shaping the future of science, technology, and innovation.

Bring your boldest idea forward. Build, discover, and inspire the future.

Join the ISIC Now: 

→ Submit a Project

→ Become a Sponsor

→ Apply for Competition Judges

About the International Conference

A Global Standard for Discovery and Impact

The Global Defense Phase is the heart of ISIC: finalists are invited to present, justify, and defend their peer-reviewed work before the International Finals Committee, a distinction earned by a small fraction of the world's most promising student researchers.

🔬 Present at the Highest Level 

Defend your research before an audience of leading scholars, professionals, and peers, and leave with the kind of feedback that sharpens a career, not just a project.

🤝 A Global Network, for Life

Connect with top student researchers, senior mentors, and industry leaders from around the world, relationships that carry well beyond the competition itself.

🏅 The AlphaPi Laureate Commendation

The highest distinction awarded exclusively to the top 3% of global innovators.

🎓 Learn From the Field's Leaders

Keynotes and workshops led by Nobel and Turing laureates, and scholars from the world's foremost research universities and labs.

Who Can Participate

The International Cup is open to students in the United States and equivalent academic levels worldwide.

High School: Grades 9–12

College and Beyond: Undergraduate and graduate students

If you're building something original, as a scientist, engineer, inventor, entrepreneur, or problem-solver, ISIC is where that work belongs on a global stage.

Team Format

• Compete individually or in teams up to 5

• Only one submission per project

• A single team member submits on behalf of the group

Awards & Recognition

Top projects in each division are honored at the International Finals Conference, with special recognitions for innovation, real-world impact, and presentation excellence.

Competition Timeline

🔹 Round 1 – Project Abstract

• Submit an Abstract & Technical Prospectus ( up to 200 words) with an optional preliminary paper or research poster.

• Deadline: 11:59pm September 30, 2026 PST (late submissions placed on a waitlist)

• Fee: FREE

* Reviewed in the order received. If you haven't heard back within two weeks, please reach out.

🔹 Round 2 – Video Presentation

• The top 15% of global abstracts advance to a 3–5 minute Video Manuscript Defense. 

• Deadline: 11:59pm October 31, 2026 PST

• Fee: Peer-Review & Manuscript Evaluation Processing Charge US$195 (Early Bird US$95 until October 15, 2026 PST)

* If your family is experiencing financial hardship, you are eligible for a full or partial fee waiver. Please contact us with the subject line "CUP Science Fee Waiver Apply + Student's Name."

🔹 Final Round – International Finals Conference

• A capped field of the top 5% of global submissions delivers a live oral defense before the International Jury.

• Date: November 14, 2026 PST

• Fee: FREE for Finalists

How to Submit

All entries must be submitted through our Submission Portal.

Judging Criteria

An accelerated, intensive double-blind peer review process conducted by our global network of Ph.D. reviewers. Every submission undergoes rigorous review by an international jury of elite scholars from top-tier institutions ensuring your work is held to world-class research standards.

💡 Innovation & Originality (20%): Novelty and creativity; approaches that break new ground.

🔬 Scientific Rigor (20%): Solid methodology, logical reasoning, and evidence-based conclusions.

🛠️ Feasibility & Execution (20%): Practicality and completeness of implementation; technical soundness.

🌍 Impact & Relevance (20%): Potential to address important real-world problems or societal needs.

🎨 Presentation Quality (20%): Clarity, organization, and visual appeal of the submission and communication.

Competition Judge Application

ISIC judges shape the integrity of the competition, providing rigorous, fair evaluation to innovators from around the world.

To qualify, judges must apply through our Judge Portal, meet the eligibility requirements and agree to uphold our ethics and confidentiality standards.

Call for Sponsors

Invest in the Future of Science and Technology

We partner with forward-thinking organizations to identify and support the next generation of scientific leaders. Sponsors gain visibility across ISIC's global platforms and live events, reaching a worldwide audience of students, educators, researchers, and industry leaders.

Why Partner with ISIC

Investing in ISIC is an investment in the global future of STEM leadership.

🏆 Prestigious Association: Stand alongside celebrated researchers and institutions committed to discovery.

🌍 Global Reach: Showcase your brand in front of a high-potential, worldwide audience of students and educators.

🎓 Shape STEM Leadership: Support innovation and build your reputation as a champion of science education.

🤝 Direct Engagement: Connect with the world's most promising young innovators, your future talent pipeline.

Partner With Us →

Q&A

Got questions or need support? Please visit our Q&A page.

Organizers & Partners

Join the ISIC 2026 Leadership Circle

The International Science & Innovation Competition (ISIC) is more than a competition. It's a global platform that connects the world's most promising young scientists with globally recognized scientific leaders and industry innovators. As we prepare for the 2026 International Finals Conference, we are seeking visionary Co-Organizers and Partners to join us in this critical mission.

Call for ISIC 2026 Partners.

Interested in sponsorship or organizational collaboration?
Contact us at hello@alphapi.org.

Thank You to Our Organizers & Partners!