Hosted by Hibiscus International School · Kuala Lumpur

International
AI-Assisted
Science Project
Competition

A-ISPC 2026

The world's first international secondary school competition focused entirely on science projects that meaningfully integrate artificial intelligence as a research tool.

USD $80 per team · Online preliminary round

Science × Artificial Intelligence

A-ISPC challenges secondary school students to conduct original scientific investigations that incorporate AI tools — from data analysis and pattern recognition to literature synthesis and hypothesis generation.

This isn't about building AI. It's about doing better science with AI. Teams are judged on the rigour of their scientific method, the creativity of their inquiry, and the thoughtfulness of their AI integration.

The competition begins with an online elimination round, with qualifying teams invited to present at the hybrid finals at Hibiscus International School in Kuala Lumpur in June 2026.

🔬
Original Research

Teams design and execute a genuine scientific investigation over several months.

🤖
AI as a Tool

Meaningful integration of AI — not a gimmick, but a genuine research accelerator.

🌏
Global Community

Connect with student researchers from schools across Asia, Oceania, and beyond.

🏆
Real Recognition

Awards, certificates, and the chance to present at a physical international final.

Key Dates

15 August 2025

Registration Opens

Teams may register and submit payment online.

31 January 2026

Registration Deadline

All team registrations and payments must be completed by 11:59 PM MYT.

March 2026

Online Preliminary Round

Teams submit their project reports and a short presentation video for judging.

April 2026

Results Announced

Qualifying teams are notified and invited to the KL Finals.

June 2026

Finals — Kuala Lumpur 🇲🇾

Hybrid event at Hibiscus International School. Live presentations, judging panels, and an awards ceremony.

Competition Divisions

Junior
Ages 12–15
Grades 7–10 or equivalent
  • Teams of 2–3 students
  • + 1 supervising mentor teacher
  • All members from the same school
  • Entry fee: USD $80 per team
Register — Junior
Senior
Ages 16–18
Grades 11–13 or equivalent
  • Teams of 2–3 students
  • + 1 supervising mentor teacher
  • All members from the same school
  • Entry fee: USD $80 per team
Register — Senior

A school may enter multiple teams across both divisions. Each team registers and pays separately.

Common Questions

What does "AI-Assisted" mean in practice?

Teams should use AI tools — such as large language models, computer vision systems, or data analysis platforms — as genuine contributors to their research process. This might include using AI to analyse experimental data, conduct literature reviews, generate visualisations, or assist with hypothesis refinement. The key is that the AI's role must be documented, justified, and critically evaluated in your report.

Can students from different schools form a team?

No. All team members must be enrolled at the same school, and the team's mentor teacher must also be a staff member of that school. This rule exists to ensure clear institutional accountability.

What is the refund policy?

Full refunds are available until 1 December 2025. After that date, the registration fee is non-refundable as judging resources are committed based on registered team counts. In the event that A-ISPC 2026 is cancelled by the organisers, all fees will be refunded in full.

Does every team member need to travel to KL for the finals?

The finals are hybrid. Qualifying teams may attend in person at Hibiscus International School or present remotely via live video link. Physical attendance is strongly encouraged for the full experience, but we recognise that travel may not be possible for all teams.

In what currency is payment collected?

The entry fee is USD $80 per team. Payment is collected via Stripe; your card will be charged in your local currency at the exchange rate applied by Stripe or your card issuer at the time of payment. A receipt in USD will be issued by Stripe to your mentor teacher's email.

We're having trouble registering. Who do we contact?

Email our registration team at register@a-ispc.org. We aim to respond within 2 business days.

Registration closes 31 January 2026

Secure your team's place before the deadline.

Register Now →