If you spend time around tech, you already see how fast things move: new tools, new apps, new systems. If you want to check how you handle that pace, technology competitions for high school students give you a clear way to test it.
Technology competitions for high school students push you to work under time limits and solve defined problems. You might build a prototype, write code, or improve an existing system. You also learn how to explain your work in front of judges, which is part of how technical ideas are evaluated. These competitions leave you with outcomes like projects or rankings that you can document.
What do technology competitions for high schoolers include?
Technology competitions for high school students help you understand how your skills hold up in a real setting. You work through constraints, adjust your approach, and learn what works and what does not. They also give you proof of work. Instead of saying you are interested in tech, you can show what you built or solved.
To make your search easier, here are 15 technology competitions for high school students! You can also check our blog on technology internships for high school students here.
15 Technology Competitions for High School Students
1. Stanford ACM’s ProCo
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Prize: No cost; Prizes will be given
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum 300 participants
Dates: March 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students, primarily from the Bay Area
The Stanford ACM ProCo by Stanford ACM is a team-based competitive programming contest where you solve 9–15 algorithmic problems in a 3-hour timed round. Working in teams of up to three, you write efficient code to tackle problems involving concepts like recursion, graph traversal (BFS/DFS), dynamic programming, and time/space complexity optimization. The format mirrors college-level ACM-ICPC contests, requiring you to design algorithms, implement them correctly, and handle edge cases under strict time constraints. Submissions are judged on correctness and efficiency, with penalties for incorrect attempts. The contest is split into Novice and Advanced divisions, with rankings based on the number of problems solved and total time.
2. Microsoft Imagine Cup
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prize: Free to apply; top prizes include up to $100,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Semifinals: February 10 – April 7; World Championship Round: April – May
Application Deadline: Minimum Viable Product Submission: September 30 – January 9
Eligibility: Current high school students at least 18 years old
The Microsoft Imagine Cup by Microsoft is a global tech competition where you build and scale a functional solution using tools like Azure, AI services, and cloud infrastructure. You work in teams to develop a product, often an app or platform, focused on domains like health, education, sustainability, or lifestyle, starting from an idea or MVP and refining it into a usable prototype. The process involves designing system architecture, integrating APIs or machine learning models, and validating use cases. You submit a pitch deck, demo video, and technical explanation outlining your product, implementation, and market fit. Advanced stages (Launch/Scale) require demonstrating traction, product usability, and scalability. Evaluation is based on technical execution, feasibility, innovation, and how well your solution addresses a real-world problem.
3. The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Location: Washington, D.C. (Finals)
Cost/Prize: Scholars and finalists compete for $3.1 million in awards
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; only 40 finalists will be selected
Dates: March 5 – 11
Application Deadline: November 6 (tentative)
Eligibility: High‑school seniors in the U.S.
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) by Society for Science is a research-based competition where you submit an original, independent project in fields like computer science, machine learning, robotics, or engineering. Your work involves defining a research question, applying rigorous methodology, analyzing data, and presenting clear conclusions that contribute new insights to the field. The application includes a detailed research report, essays, and supporting materials that document your process and findings. Submissions are evaluated by professional scientists on depth of research, technical rigor, and originality. Around 300 students are named scholars, and 40 finalists advance to present and defend their work in Washington, D.C. through interviews and project displays.
4. PennApps
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Prize: Various winners across categories
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: September 19 – 21 (tentative)
Application Deadline: August 18 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school student 15 years or older
The PennApps Hackathon at the University of Pennsylvania is a weekend-long build competition where you work in teams of 2–4 to design and prototype a functional software or hardware project within ~24–48 hours. You choose your tech stack, ranging from web and mobile development to AI models, APIs, or hardware integrations, and focus on rapidly building a working product. The process involves ideation, coding, debugging, and deploying a prototype, often using tools like cloud platforms, SDKs, and third-party APIs. You present your project to judges through a demo and pitch, explaining the technical implementation, use case, and design decisions. Evaluation is based on functionality, technical complexity, and execution within the limited timeframe.
5. Bitcamp
Location: University of Maryland, College Park campus, MD
Cost/Prize: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: April 10 – 12
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Middle school, high school, and college students
The Bitcamp Hackathon at the University of Maryland is a 36-hour build-focused event where you work in teams to develop a functional project across tracks like app development, game development, machine learning, data science, or quantum computing. You go through rapid ideation, coding, and prototyping, using tools such as programming frameworks, APIs, and cloud services to build and deploy your project within a limited timeframe. The event includes workshops and mentor support, helping you implement features, debug issues, and refine your technical approach. You present a working demo at the end, explaining your architecture, use case, and implementation decisions. Alongside the main build, optional mini-challenges and activities provide additional problem-solving opportunities in specific domains.
6. FIRST Robotics Competition
Location: Broad variety of locations. You can find them here
Cost/Prize: $6,300/season fee per team
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: Early January–April
Application Deadline: September (based on past years’ schedules)
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12, aged 14–18
The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) by FIRST is an engineering competition where you design, build, and program an industrial-sized robot to complete specific tasks in a new game released each year. Starting with a standard Kit of Parts, you work in teams to handle mechanical design (CAD, fabrication), electrical systems (wiring, sensors, control systems), and programming using languages like Java or C++. The robot must perform reliably under match conditions, executing autonomous routines and driver-controlled actions on a competition field. Teams compete in alliances, requiring coordination of strategy and robot capabilities. Alongside technical work, you manage project timelines, testing cycles, and iterative improvements to optimize performance within strict build deadlines.
7. VEX Robotics Competition
Location: Multiple locations
Cost/Prize: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: Tournaments are held year-round at the regional, state, and national levels, culminating at the VEX Robotics World Championship each April
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12
The VEX Robotics Competition by Robotics Education & Competition Foundation is a team-based robotics challenge where you design, build, and program a robot to compete in fast-paced matches that include a 15-second autonomous phase followed by driver-controlled gameplay. You work with systems like VEXCode or RobotC to program robot behavior, integrate sensors, and optimize control logic, while also handling mechanical design and iterative testing to improve performance. Matches require you to balance autonomous scoring, driver precision, and game strategy within a two-minute window. Teams compete across regional and national tournaments, refining designs and code through each stage, with top performers advancing to the VEX Robotics World Championship.
8. LA Hacks
Location: UCLA, Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Prize: Free to attend; Sponsors provide over $60,000+ in prizes
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: April 24 – 26
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: While LA Hacks is primarily designed for college students, motivated high school students are also welcome to apply
The LA Hacks Hackathon at the University of California, Los Angeles, is a 36-hour build competition where you work in teams to design and prototype a functional project across themed tracks such as sustainability, healthcare, education, productivity, and AI agents. You start with ideation, then move into coding and system design, building applications using tools like APIs, machine learning models, or full-stack frameworks to create a working solution. Tracks guide your technical focus, whether it’s optimizing workflows, developing health-tech tools, or deploying AI-driven agents for task execution. You present a live demo and explain your implementation, architecture, and use case to judges, with evaluation based on functionality, technical depth, and execution within the time constraint.
9. ExploraVision
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prize: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: NA
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: K–12 students in the United States, Canada, and U.S. Territories
The ExploraVision Competition by the National Science Teaching Association and Toshiba is a team-based research challenge where you analyze an existing technology and project its development 10+ years into the future. Working in teams of 2–4 with a teacher mentor, you study how the current technology functions, then map out its future evolution by outlining technical advancements, development steps, and underlying scientific principles. Your work includes evaluating feasibility, identifying potential challenges, and weighing the advantages and limitations of your proposed innovation. The final submission requires a structured explanation of your concept, simulating a real-world research and development process rather than building a prototype.
10. International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ
Cost/Prize: No cost; prizes will be distributed. Check details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: May 9 – 15
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) by Society for Science is a global research competition where you present an original scientific or engineering project developed through independent investigation. You begin by conducting research, formulating a hypothesis, designing experiments or models, collecting and analyzing data, and documenting results in a formal research paper. At the fair, you create a poster presentation and defend your work through one-on-one interviews with expert judges, explaining your methodology, data interpretation, and conclusions in depth. Projects span fields like physics, engineering, computer science, and environmental science, often involving tools such as statistical analysis, programming, or lab experimentation. Advancement typically requires qualifying through regional or national fairs, and evaluation focuses on scientific rigor, originality, and clarity of explanation.
11. Computer Science Olympiad (USACO)
Location: The US Open round will be held across the country
Cost/Prize: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Various contest dates throughout the year. Check details here
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
The USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) by USA Computing Olympiad is an algorithmic programming competition where you solve complex coding problems across divisions ranging from Bronze to Platinum. Each contest requires you to design efficient algorithms and implement them in languages like C++, Java, or Python, working on topics such as sorting and searching, graph algorithms (BFS/DFS, shortest paths), dynamic programming, greedy methods, and data structures like trees and heaps. Problems are evaluated based on correctness and time/space efficiency, so you must optimize solutions to pass strict constraints. Contests are held online in timed rounds, and progression depends on your performance in increasingly difficult problem sets. Top participants qualify for advanced training camps, with the highest performers selected for international-level competitions.
12. American Computer Science League (ACSL)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prize: Fee to participate. First team in a Division is $175 ($125 for the Elementary Division). Additional teams in a Division are $150 each ($100 each for the Elementary Division)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No specific acceptance rate
Dates: There are four contests during the regular season. Check the detailed schedule here
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Designed for K–12 students with multiple divisions
The American Computer Science League (ACSL) by American Computer Science League is a multi-round competition series where you solve theoretical and programming-based computer science problems across four contests each season. You work through topics like number systems (binary/hex conversions), Boolean algebra, digital logic, and data representation, often requiring step-by-step calculations and precise reasoning. In higher divisions, each contest also includes a programming problem where you implement solutions in languages like Python, C++, or Java, applying logic to handle inputs, conditions, and edge cases. Competitions are typically team-based with a coach, and performance is evaluated cumulatively across rounds, with top students advancing to an online finals contest.
13. Engineer Girl Annual Essay Contest
Location: Online submissions
Cost/Prize: No cost; Prizes are follows: 1st: $1,000 | 2nd: $750 | 3rd: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No public acceptance rate
Dates: Submissions are due by February 1
Application Deadline: NA
Eligibility: Different categories for elementary to high school students
The EngineerGirl Annual Essay Contest by the National Academy of Engineering is a writing-based competition where you analyze how engineering principles apply to real-world objects or problems through a structured essay. You select a topic based on the annual theme and explain how multiple engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, environmental) contribute to its design, function, and lifecycle. The process involves researching technical concepts, breaking down systems into components, and clearly explaining how engineering decisions impact performance and usability. Submissions are evaluated on the accuracy of engineering explanations, depth of analysis, and clarity of communication, with some years also incorporating visual or design-based elements alongside a written explanation.
14. Aerial Drone Competition
Location: The Regional championship for high school teams will be conducted in various regions. Check the regions’ details here.
Cost/Prize: $200; however, the fee to attend a local competition may vary by state and region
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort size varies by region and event
Dates: April – June
Application Deadline: December 19
Eligibility: Students aged 10-18 years old
The Aerial Drone Competition by Robotics Education & Competition Foundation is a hands-on engineering challenge where you pilot and program drones to complete mission-based tasks across multiple events, including teamwork flights, manual piloting, and autonomous navigation. You design and test flight paths, use programming tools to automate drone movement, and apply concepts like control systems, sensor feedback, and obstacle avoidance. In autonomous rounds, you write and refine code to execute precise movements without manual input, while piloting rounds test real-time control and accuracy. Teams also document their approach and present their programming logic and design decisions to judges. Scoring is based on mission completion, precision, and effectiveness of both manual and autonomous performance.
15. Davidson Fellows Scholarship – Technology
Location: Washington, D.C. (Award reception)
Cost/Prize: No cost; Scholarships worth $100,000, $50,000, and $25,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: NA
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are 18 or younger are eligible to apply
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship – Technology by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development is a research and project-based competition where you submit an original, high-impact technology project in areas such as computer science, artificial intelligence, or robotics. You are required to present a complete body of work, including a formal research paper, technical documentation or code (if applicable), and supporting materials like a model or prototype. The application also includes essays, recommendation letters, and a recorded presentation explaining your work and its significance. Evaluation focuses on the depth, originality, and real-world contribution of your project, with emphasis on rigorous methodology and technical execution rather than theoretical ideas alone.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like investment analysis, financial markets, behavioral finance, fintech, or economic policy, 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!
Image source: University of Maryland