Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

International Cup – International Science & Innovation Competition (IC-ISIC)

About the Competition

Q: What is the International Cup – International Science & Innovation Competition (IC-ISIC)?
A: IC-ISIC is a global science, technology, and innovation competition where students present projects through multiple rounds. Finalists showcase their work at the International Finals Conference, receiving feedback from expert judges and connecting with an international community of innovators.

Q: Who can participate?
A: Students worldwide may apply in three divisions:

• Junior Division: Grades 6–8

• Senior Division: Grades 9–12

• College Division: Undergraduate & Graduate students
  Both individuals and teams (up to 5 members) are eligible.

Q: What project categories are accepted?
A: Projects are welcome in all STEM and innovation fields, including but not limited to life sciences, engineering, computer science, environmental science, social sciences, and applied innovation.

Competition Process

Q: What is the timeline?
A: Please see the Competition Timeline.

Q: Do I need to attend the Finals live to win?
A: Yes. Finalists must attend and present at the International Finals Conference.

Q: What languages and formats are accepted for submissions?
A: All submissions should be in English. Accepted file formats include MS word and PDF for papers/posters and supported YouTube file formats for videos. Templates and formatting guidelines are provided in the Submission Portal.

Q: What are the guidelines for a 3-5 minutes video presentation?
A: All participants selected for Round 2 must prepare a 3–5 minute video presenting their project. Please follow these steps:

1. 1. Introduce Yourself & Team: Introduce yourself, your team, and project title.

   2. Present Your Research: Clearly explain your problem, method, and results. Use slides, a poster, or short demonstrations to support your explanation.

   3. Highlight Innovation & Impact: Show why your work matters and how it can make a difference.

   4. Keep It Clear & Concise: Use simple language for an international audience. Stay within the 3–5 minute limit.

   5. Technical Tips: Record in a quiet space with good lighting and clear audio. Save your video in a common format (e.g., MP4).

Reminder: Your video is part of the judging process. Be professional, engaging, and creative!

Q: Can I reuse a project from another competition?
A: Yes, provided it is your original work and complies with all ethical and safety guidelines. Projects with prior recognition are eligible.

Eligibility & Teams

Q: Can students from different schools or countries form a team?
A: Yes. Teams of up to 5 members may include students from different institutions and countries.

Q: Can I compete both individually and as part of a team?
A: No. You must choose either individual or team participation for the same year.

Q: Can younger students compete in higher divisions?
A: In exceptional cases, younger students may compete at a higher level if their project demonstrates advanced work.

Q: Can we add new team members after our project has been shortlisted?
A: Yes, you may add new team members before submitting your second-round materials. Be sure to include a statement of contribution from each team member in that submission. After the second submission deadline, no additional members can be officially added to your team. However, you can recognize any informal contributors in the acknowledgments section.

Judging & Evaluation

Q: Who can be a judge?
A: Please see Judge Portal for the Judge Eligibility Requirements.
    Judges must also agree to background screening, ethics/confidentiality policies, and child protection guidelines.

Q: How are projects evaluated?
A: Judges assess based on:

• Scientific merit & methodology

• Creativity and innovation

• Real-world relevance & impact

• Clarity and quality of presentation

• Ethical and responsible research practices

    Please see the Judge Guideline for the details.

Awards & Recognition

Q: What types of awards are given?
A: Awards include Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mention in each division. Additional special awards recognize creativity, sustainability, presentation quality, and innovation impact.

Q: Will all participants receive a certificate?
A: Yes. Every participant receives a digital Certificate of Participation. Winners and finalists receive additional recognition.

Q: Are there opportunities beyond awards?
A: Yes. Participants gain access to judge's feedback, networking, and potential connections with incubators, universities, or investors.

Fees & Support

Q: Is there a fee to participate?
A: Please see the related section.

Q: What if I cannot afford the fees?
A: Fee waivers or partial reductions are available for students facing financial hardship. Please see here for fee waiver application.

Rules, Ethics & Intellectual Property

Q: Are there restrictions on project types?
A: Projects must comply with safety and ethics guidelines. Please see guidelines by NSF, NIH, and NIEHS.
    Special approvals are required if working with humans, animals, hazardous materials, or sensitive data.

Q: Do participants retain rights to their projects?
A: Yes. Students fully retain intellectual property rights. Projects may be published online in showcase form only with participant consent.

Q: Can I compete with patent-pending work?
A: Yes, as long as it is your original work and disclosed properly.

Logistics & Accessibility

Q: Is the competition online or in-person?
A: The 2025 competition will be fully online.

Q: What about time zones for live events?
A: The Finals schedule is designed to accommodate global participation. Finalists will be grouped into time slots closest to their region.

Q: Will translation support be available?
A: Presentations must be in English. Limited interpretation support may be available during the Finals.

Support & Contact

Q: What if I don’t hear back after submitting?
A: If you haven’t received confirmation within 10 business days, email the organizers at hello@alphapi.org with your submission details.

Q: Who do I contact for help?
A: Reach out at hello@alphapi.org, with the subject line "CUP + your question".