A competition is a challenge-based event in which students submit research projects, essays, videos, software applications, engineering solutions, or problem-solving work for evaluation against a set of judging criteria. Unlike traditional coursework, competitions typically require you to apply concepts independently, work within specific constraints, and demonstrate your understanding through a final submission or performance.
For high school students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, competitions offer a structured way to explore advanced topics beyond the classroom. Depending on the format, you might analyze genetic research, build software applications, solve mathematical proofs, conduct neuroscience research, design engineering solutions, or communicate complex scientific concepts to a broader audience.
Why should you participate in an online STEM competition?
Online STEM competitions for high school students vary widely in format, but most focus on the practical application of technical knowledge. Depending on the competition, you may work with programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++, mathematical concepts including combinatorics and number theory, scientific research methodologies, statistical analysis, engineering design processes, or science communication techniques.
Some online STEM competitions for high school students require independent research and formal reporting, while others emphasize coding, app development, mathematical problem-solving, or multimedia science communication. You may be asked to develop prototypes, analyze datasets, create technical presentations, write research papers, or produce educational videos explaining advanced STEM concepts. Because they are conducted virtually, online STEM competitions for high school students are often accessible to participants from different geographic regions and allow you to engage with specialized STEM fields regardless of where you live.
Below is a curated list of 15 online STEM competitions for high school students. If you’re exploring additional STEM opportunities, you could also check out our guide on online science research programs for high school students here.
Key Takeaways
- Online STEM competitions for high school students span essay writing, app development, mathematics, video communication, and original research, giving you multiple formats to match your strengths
- Several competitions offer substantial scholarships and recognition, with formats ranging from the Breakthrough Junior Challenge’s video submissions to Regeneron STS’s full research reports, rewarding both scientific depth and creativity
- Competitions vary significantly in format intensity, from single-submission contests like the AAPT Physics Photo Contest to extended independent research projects required by Regeneron STS and the Davidson Fellows Scholarship
- Several competitions emphasize science communication specifically, including the Breakthrough Junior Challenge and Brain Awareness Video Contest, rewarding clear explanation alongside scientific accuracy
- If you want to move beyond a single competition entry into a longer, mentored research project, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a path toward producing an independent academic paper
15 Online STEM Competitions for High School Students
1. Annual DNA Day Essay Contest
Format: Online essay submission
Prize/Award: First place: $1,000 | Second place: $600 | Third place: $400
Competition Dates: Winners announced on April 24
Registration Deadline: January 9–March 4
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
The Annual DNA Day Essay Contest is an international genetics essay competition open to students in grades 9–12. Each year, participants respond to a prompt that explores important topics in genetics, requiring them to analyze scientific concepts, evaluate evidence, and develop a well-reasoned argument. Essays are judged by members of the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) through multiple rounds of review, with evaluation based on scientific accuracy, use of evidence, depth of understanding, writing quality, and proper citation of sources. The competition encourages you to engage with current issues in genetics while strengthening your research, critical thinking, and scientific communication skills.
2. Congressional App Challenge
Format: Online app submission
Prize/Award: Winning apps may be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured on House.gov | Winners are invited to the #HouseOfCode event in Washington, D.C.
Competition Dates: May–Challenge officially launches | November–Judging period | December–Winners announced
Registration Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: Middle and high school students residing in or attending school in a participating U.S. congressional district
The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide coding competition that encourages middle and high school students to design, build, and showcase original apps using any programming language or platform. You may participate individually or in teams to create apps that address topics ranging from education and healthcare to gaming, productivity, and social impact. Throughout the development process, you gain hands-on experience in coding, software development, user-centered design, and problem-solving as you turn an idea into a functional application. Entries are submitted through local congressional districts, where winners are selected and recognized by their U.S. Representatives. Winning apps are displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building, featured on the House of Representatives website, and their creators are invited to the annual HouseOfCode event in Washington, D.C.
3. Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition
Format: Online essay submission
Prize/Award: Cash awards, scholarships, and certificates to be awarded | Check the exact details here
Competition Dates: Result announcement: May 26 | Award ceremony: July 31
Registration Deadline: January 15–May 10
Eligibility: Students aged 11–13 (junior division) | Students aged 14-18 (senior division)
The Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition is a highly competitive international essay competition that invites secondary-school students to explore complex questions spanning science, ethics, technology, economics, history, and public policy. You respond to thought-provoking prompts contributed by professors from leading universities, requiring you to research, analyze, and develop well-supported arguments on challenging and often controversial issues. The competition emphasizes critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and effective communication, encouraging you to question assumptions, evaluate different perspectives, and propose innovative solutions to contemporary problems. With thousands of submissions from students across more than 50 countries each year, entrants compete for recognition through awards, honorable mentions, scholarships, and invitations to the competition’s awards ceremony in Cambridge.
4. Math League International Summer Challenge (Online)
Format: Short answer and speed round contests
Prize/Award: Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Proficiency Awards, as well as Certificates of Participation to be provided | Participating fee: $66
Competition Dates: August 16
Registration Deadline: NA
Eligibility: Students from grades 3–12
The Math League International Summer Challenge is an online mathematics competition that brings together students from around the world to solve challenging problems in a timed environment. You compete within one of seven grade-based divisions, ranging from Grade 3 through Grades 10–12, ensuring that questions are appropriate for your level. Each division completes two contests: a Short Answer Contest featuring 10–15 problems to be solved in 60 minutes and a 60-question Speed Round completed in 45 minutes. The problems emphasize mathematical reasoning, problem-solving, and efficient application of concepts rather than routine calculations, encouraging students to think creatively under time constraints.
5. Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Format: Online video submission
Prize/Award: $250,000 college scholarship for the student winner | $50,000 prize for the winning student’s teacher | $100,000 Breakthrough Science Lab
Competition Dates: Review and winner selection: September–January
Registration Deadline: May 11–September 15
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 years
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an international science communication competition that challenges students to create a short video, up to two minutes long, explaining a complex concept in physics, mathematics, or the life sciences. You must research your chosen topic, develop a clear and engaging explanation, and use tools such as animation, simulations, demonstrations, or visual storytelling to make advanced ideas accessible to a broad audience. The competition emphasizes both scientific understanding and communication skills, requiring students to balance accuracy with creativity and audience engagement. Submissions are evaluated on engagement, clarity of explanation, creativity, and the difficulty of the concept being presented. Finalists and winners receive global recognition and are invited to attend the prestigious Breakthrough Prize ceremony alongside leading scientists, innovators, and technology leaders.
6. Microsoft Imagine Cup
Format: From pitch deck to usable prototype
Prize/Award: Winner gets the Imagine Cup trophy, $150,000 USD cash prize, and a mentorship session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO
Competition Dates: Winner announced on June 2
Registration Deadline: The competition starts on September 30 and goes on till May
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 18 years old | Check the full eligibility criteria here
The Microsoft Imagine Cup is a global technology competition where student teams design and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges using Microsoft technologies such as Azure, AI services, cloud computing tools, and APIs. You create a working prototype, build supporting materials including pitch decks, demo videos, and technical documentation, and demonstrate how your solution addresses problems in areas such as health, education, sustainability, cybersecurity, and lifestyle. The competition combines software development with entrepreneurship, requiring teams to explain their product’s technical architecture, scalability, feasibility, market potential, and user impact. Projects are evaluated on innovation, technical execution, business viability, and the effectiveness of the proposed solution. Winning teams receive cash prizes, Azure credits, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to industry leaders, investors, and technology professionals.
7. AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest
Format: Online photo submission
Prize/Award: 1st place: $100 | 2nd place: $75 | 3rd place: $50 | Check here for more details
Competition Dates: Photos to be submitted by May 29
Registration Deadline: March 2–May 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest is an international competition that challenges high school students to illustrate physics concepts through original photography and written analysis. You need to submit photographs in either the Natural category, which captures physical phenomena found in the world around them, or the Contrived category, which features phenomena created through deliberate arrangements or engineered systems. In addition to producing a compelling image, you must explain the underlying physics, demonstrating a clear understanding of the scientific principles involved. Entries are judged on both the quality of the photograph and the strength of the accompanying explanation, encouraging students to combine scientific observation with creative expression.
8. National Innovator Challenge (NIC)
Format: Submit your idea, app, or prototype
Prize/Award: No information provided
Competition Dates: July 10–19 (live via Zoom) | Award ceremony: July 27
Registration Deadline: April 21–June 19
Eligibility: U.S.-based K-12 students
The National Innovator Challenge is a student innovation competition that challenges you to identify real-world problems and develop original solutions in the form of ideas, apps, products, or prototypes. You’ll follow a structured innovation process that includes researching existing solutions, designing and refining your concept, gathering feedback from mentors and experts, and documenting your progress through an innovation logbook. You must also create a concise presentation and pitch video that explains the problem, the solution, the intended users, and the potential impact of the innovation. The competition emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, iterative problem-solving, and the ability to improve ideas through testing and feedback. Top projects receive recognition and may advance to present live at the national competition before judges and fellow innovators.
9. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Format: Need to submit an independent project based on the category
Prize/Award: Scholarships worth $100,000, $50,000, and $25,000
Competition Dates: All applicants are notified on or before July 15
Registration Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are 18 or younger are eligible to apply
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship recognizes exceptional students under the age of 18 who have completed a significant, original project in fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, philosophy, or interdisciplinary areas. You’ll develop an independent project over an extended period, often involving substantial research, experimentation, creative work, or problem-solving, and submit detailed documentation demonstrating the scope, originality, and impact of your achievement. Projects are evaluated by expert reviewers based on criteria such as innovation, significance, execution, and contribution to the field. The program awards substantial scholarships to selected fellows while highlighting students whose work demonstrates exceptional talent and intellectual accomplishment. Recipients also gain national recognition and become part of a community of highly accomplished young scholars and innovators.
10. American Computer Science League (ACSL)
Format: Programming questions and coding
Prize/Award: There is a fee to register | Check details here | Top performers receive awards
Competition Dates: Multiple contests throughout the year | Check details here
Registration Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school students
The American Computer Science League is an international computer science competition that offers multiple divisions to accommodate students with different levels of programming and computational experience. Each season consists of four online contests covering core computer science topics such as number systems, Boolean algebra, digital electronics, data structures, and algorithms. In the upper divisions, you might also solve programming problems using languages such as Python, Java, or C++, applying your coding skills to increasingly challenging tasks. Competitions are conducted online, with coaches and advisors helping you prepare and submit your work throughout the season. Top-performing students qualify for the ACSL Finals, where they compete against some of the strongest young computer scientists from around the world.
11. Purple Comet! Math Meet!
Format: Mathematics problems
Prize/Award: Certificates will be given to the top-performing teams and students
Competition Dates: April 14–23
Registration Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Middle and high school students below the age of 20
The Purple Comet! Math Meet is an international mathematics competition that allows middle and high school students to compete individually or in teams of up to six members. Held annually over a ten-day window, the contest gives teams the flexibility to choose a convenient start time and collaborate to solve challenging mathematics problems under timed conditions. The middle school division features 20 problems to be completed in 60 minutes, while the high school division includes 30 problems in 90 minutes, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, combinatorics, probability, trigonometry, and number theory. Problems range from straightforward to highly challenging, rewarding both mathematical knowledge and creative problem-solving. Teams compete in categories such as large school, small school, and mixed teams, with top performers earning certificates and international recognition.
12. ExploraVision
Format: Written project (11-page report, abstract, bibliography) + 5 sample web pages
Prize/Award: National winners receive U.S. EE Savings Bonds worth up to $10,000 at maturity | Additional awards include Chromebooks, certificates, and recognition for regional winners and finalists | Check further details here
Competition Dates: Award weekends: June 3–6
Registration Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: K–12 students in the United States, Canada, and U.S. Territories below the age of 21 | Check full eligibility criteria here
The ExploraVision is a team-based STEM competition where you work in groups of two to four to analyze an existing technology and predict how it could evolve at least ten years into the future. You’ll research how the technology currently works, identify the scientific and technological breakthroughs needed for future advancements, and evaluate the potential benefits, challenges, and societal impacts of their proposed innovation. Rather than building a prototype, teams create a detailed research report and supporting web pages that explain the technology’s future development and feasibility. Entries are judged on scientific understanding, creativity, clarity, and the strength of the future vision presented.
13. American Academy of Neurology – Neuroscience Research Prize
Format: Written research report
Prize/Award: 3 winners will receive a $1,000 prize, certificate of recognition, and the opportunity to present their work during a scientific poster session at the AAN | 1 winner will receive a $1,000 honorarium, certificate of recognition, and the opportunity to present their work during a scientific poster session at the Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting
Competition Dates: Notifications sent by the end of January
Registration Deadline: October 21
Eligibility: High school students in the United States,
The Neuroscience Research Prize by the American Academy of Neurology recognizes high school students conducting original research on the brain and nervous system. You will design and complete an independent neuroscience research project exploring topics such as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurological disorders, brain function, or other aspects of the nervous system, while applying rigorous scientific methods and data analysis. Submissions are reviewed in two rounds, beginning with an evaluation of the research abstract and advancing to a comprehensive review of the full project. Judges assess entries based on their relevance to neuroscience, creativity, research design, methodology, data interpretation, and the quality of the final research report. The competition also emphasizes scientific communication, requiring you to clearly present your methods, findings, and conclusions through well-written abstracts and reports.
14. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Format: Independent research projects to be submitted
Prize/Award: Finalists who place in the top ten receive awards ranging from $40,000 for tenth place to $250,000 for first place | Check further details here
Competition Dates: January 7–March 17
Registration Deadline: June 1–November 5
Eligibility: High school seniors | Must be a U.S. citizen
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is a prestigious science research competition for high school seniors in the United States and welcomes original research projects across STEM fields. It recognizes and supports young scientists developing innovative projects to solve urgent societal problems. You will conduct an independent research project and submit a comprehensive research report detailing your methodology, findings, and scientific significance. Entries are reviewed by multiple PhD scientists in the relevant subject area, with the greatest weight placed on the quality and depth of the research report, while innovation, scientific reasoning, academic achievement, and leadership are also considered.
15. Brain Awareness Video Contest
Format: Video submission
Prize/Award: First place: $4,000 plus complimentary registration for one person to attend Neuroscience in Washington, DC. | Second place: $500 | Third place: $250 | People’s Choice: $500
Competition Dates: Entries are open from March 2–June 29
Registration Deadline: June 29
Eligibility: Open to all Society for Neuroscience members | Non-members are eligible if entries are sponsored and submitted by an SfN member
The Brain Awareness Video Contest is an annual competition hosted by the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) that challenges you to create original videos explaining neuroscience concepts in engaging and accessible ways. You will develop a video focused on a topic related to the brain and nervous system, using creative storytelling, visuals, demonstrations, or animations to communicate scientific ideas to a broad audience. All submissions must be original, unpublished works, and are expected to present accurate neuroscience content that is both educational and engaging. Entries are evaluated by SfN members based on scientific accuracy, usefulness in an educational setting, and creativity.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re interested in going beyond competitions and conducting original research, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are online STEM competitions for high school students?
Online STEM competitions for high school students are challenge-based events where you submit research projects, essays, videos, apps, or engineering solutions for evaluation against set judging criteria. Unlike coursework, competitions require you to apply concepts independently within specific constraints and demonstrate understanding through a final submission, often without needing to travel since everything is conducted virtually.
Do I need an existing research project to enter these competitions?
It depends on the competition. Regeneron STS, the Davidson Fellows Scholarship, and the AAN Neuroscience Research Prize all require a substantial, often already-completed independent research project. Other competitions, like the Congressional App Challenge, the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, and the AAPT Physics Photo Contest, are built around a single creative submission you can develop specifically for that competition’s prompt or format.
Which competitions offer scholarships rather than just certificates or recognition?
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge awards a college scholarship to its student winner along with prizes for the winning teacher and school. Regeneron STS distributes awards across its top ten finalists. The Davidson Fellows Scholarship recognizes outstanding independent projects with multi-tiered scholarship awards. Microsoft Imagine Cup offers a cash prize to its winning team along with mentorship opportunities.
Which competitions focus on coding or software development specifically?
The Congressional App Challenge has you design and build an original app using any programming language or platform, with winning apps displayed in the U.S. Capitol. The American Computer Science League tests programming and computational knowledge across multiple divisions and contests throughout the year. Microsoft Imagine Cup combines software development with entrepreneurship, requiring a working prototype and business case.
Which competitions emphasize science communication rather than pure research?
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge has you create a short video explaining a complex scientific concept to a broad audience. The Brain Awareness Video Contest similarly rewards creative, accurate explanations of neuroscience topics. The AAPT Physics Photo Contest combines photography with written scientific explanation, judged on both image quality and the strength of your analysis.
Are there STEM competitions specifically focused on neuroscience or biology?
Yes. The AAN Neuroscience Research Prize recognizes original student research on the brain and nervous system, evaluated through a two-round abstract and full-report review. The Brain Awareness Video Contest also centers on neuroscience, though through video communication rather than original research. The Annual DNA Day Essay Contest focuses specifically on genetics, judged by members of the American Society of Human Genetics.
Which competitions are best for students who want to work in teams?
The Microsoft Imagine Cup, ExploraVision, and National Innovator Challenge all involve team-based submissions, typically with two to four members per group. The Purple Comet! Math Meet allows teams of up to six. The Congressional App Challenge can be entered individually or as a team, giving you flexibility depending on your preferred working style.
When should I register for online STEM competitions?
The AAN Neuroscience Research Prize closes October 21, and the Congressional App Challenge closes October 26, making these among the earliest deadlines. The Davidson Fellows Scholarship closes February 18, and ExploraVision closes February 3. Regeneron STS has a long registration window from June through November. The Breakthrough Junior Challenge’s window runs from May through September. Reviewing competition calendars early in the school year helps you plan around overlapping deadlines and prepare submissions well in advance.
Image source: American Academy of Neurology