2026 International Teenagers AI Robotics Innovation Challenge
Build, program, compete, and collaborate with young innovators from around the world.
Regional selection events across North America will spotlight standout projects before the national finalist announcement.
North America Regional Selection Events
2026.03.162026 Competition Registration Now Open
2026.03.16Online Information Session
2026.03.16A Global Robotics Experience for Young Innovators
Robotics
AI Technology
Teamwork
Global ExchangeThe International Teenagers AI Robotics Innovation Challenge builds upon the success of the 2024 China-U.S. Youth Robotics Innovation Event and the 2025 International Youth AI Robotics Innovation Camp. Initiated by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) and co-organized with the Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People (SCLSCC), the program aims to inspire young innovators worldwide to explore real-world challenges through robotics and artificial intelligence.
By integrating technology, creativity, and cross-cultural collaboration, the challenge promotes global exchange, fosters innovation, and empowers youth to co-create solutions for a shared future. The 2026 program will be held in Beijing in early July, featuring a three-day innovation experience including idea exchange, AI challenges, and team collaboration. Selected international participants will also have the opportunity to join a one-week study tour at leading Chinese universities.
Program Activities
Flying Soccer Robot Challenge
Participants work in teams to operate flying soccer robots in a dynamic match setting. The challenge emphasizes precision control, coordination, tactical thinking, and fast collaboration under pressure.
AI Marathon Programming Challenge
Participants program intelligent vehicles to complete task-based routes through testing, debugging, and iterative improvement. The challenge encourages logical thinking, technical experimentation, and continuous optimization.
Collaboration in Action
Throughout the camp, participants learn side by side, planning strategies, debugging robots, and solving challenges together. Robotics becomes a shared language that makes collaboration possible even across different backgrounds and native languages.
From Competition to Connection
The camp is designed not only as a technical program, but also as a platform for global youth exchange. Participants share stories, compare learning experiences, and build friendships through teamwork, discussion, and everyday interaction.
"Robotics becomes a shared language that makes collaboration possible even across different backgrounds and native languages."
— Camp PhilosophyAwards & Recognition
Participants and teams will be recognized for excellence in innovation, robotics performance, teamwork, and international collaboration.
Recognizing outstanding technical innovation and problem-solving excellence
For exceptional performance in flying robot challenges
Celebrating curiosity, experimentation, and creative exploration
Honoring collaboration, communication, and teamwork excellence
Road to Victory
March - May
Call for Submissions
Mid-May
Jury Review Period
End of May
National Finalists Announced
Early July
Final Pitch Day & International Winners Announced
Competition Overview
Right is key information about participation, requirements, and evaluation. Click each section to view details.
Open to youth robotics enthusiasts from China and around the world. The program brings together international participants for hands-on challenges, teamwork, and cross-cultural exchange.
Participants join as part of a collaborative camp format, where Chinese and international students are grouped into mixed teams for robotics-based activities and challenges.
Participants take part in challenge-based tasks such as flying soccer robot matches and AI programming activities, with an emphasis on control, logic, iteration, and teamwork.
Recognition is based on innovation, technical performance, robot programming, team collaboration, and international exchange.
The program includes team formation, technical preparation, live challenge sessions, and a final awards ceremony over the course of the camp.
Awards recognize excellence in innovation, aerial competition, exploration, and team spirit, with 16 team awards presented in the 2025 program.