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.
Welcome to the
Junior Innovators Challenge
Junior Innovators Challenge
The Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) is a national student competition delivered as part of the National Science, Technology and Innovation (NSTI) Festival. Designed for young learners from KG 1 to Grade 4 in Academic Year 2026–2027, JIC sparks curiosity and celebrates the bold ideas of the UAE's next generation of innovators.
Through age-appropriate individual and group challenges, students have the chance to showcase their creativity, imagination capacity, critical thinking, teamwork, communication skills, problem-solving ability, and innovation potential — in a professional national setting.
THROUGH THIS CHALLENGE, STUDENTS WILL:
- Apply curiosity and creativity to real-world challenges
- Build critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills
- Earn recognition through medals and certificates.
- Receive mentorship and feedback from experienced evaluators
- Participate in a celebrated platform aligned with UAE science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) priorities
Students compete in one of three age-appropriate categories, making this challenge accessible and meaningful for every young learner
Participate Here 
What is the challenge about?
Each category features carefully designed innovation activities tailored to the student's age and developmental stage. From creative problem-solving tasks to imaginative group challenges, every activity is crafted to be engaging, fair, and inspiring.
The Junior Innovators Challenge invites students to think differently — to explore, experiment, and present their ideas with confidence.
Opportunities & Incentives
Awards &
Recognition
Recognition
Expert Feedback
& Guidance
& Guidance
Awards & Recognition
Top performers in each category receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. All participants are awarded a certificate of participation and celebrated on a national stage at the NSTI Festival.
Expert Feedback & Guidance
Every student benefits from structured evaluation by experienced judges, with feedback designed to encourage growth, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong love of learning, creativity, critical thinking, and innovation.
Timeline Overview
1
School Nomination, Registration and Video Submission
21 May – 15 September 2026
Schools nominate eligible students and complete the required registration details through the approved platform. A short video must be submitted for each nominated student, focusing on innovative thinking, communication skills, and age-appropriate presentation.
Eligible nominated students proceed to video submission review.
Eligible nominated students proceed to video submission review.
2
Qualification
12 October 2026
Submitted videos will be reviewed and evaluated. Shortlisted students will be notified through the platform.
The top 50 students from each category will be shortlisted for the on-site challenge stage, with an additional 10 backup students per category. This results in up to ±150 shortlisted students and 30 backup students overall.
The top 50 students from each category will be shortlisted for the on-site challenge stage, with an additional 10 backup students per category. This results in up to ±150 shortlisted students and 30 backup students overall.
3
On-Site Challenge Performance
November 2026
Qualified students participate in age-appropriate individual and group challenges during NSTI Festival.
Top performers are recognised through medals/certificates and any approved awards.
Top performers are recognised through medals/certificates and any approved awards.