15 Tech Competitions for High School Students

If you’re a high school student who likes working with technology and solving real problems, tech competitions can be a good way to challenge yourself. These contests push you to build apps, write algorithms, or create prototypes that solve real challenges. 

You’ll practice skills like programming in Python or JavaScript, user experience design, data analysis, and teamwork under tight deadlines. Doing well in these competitions will also boost your college applications. Whether you’re into AI, cybersecurity, game development, or hardware projects, there’s a competition here that fits your skills and interests. 

To help you find the right fit, we’ve put together a list of 15 tech competitions for high school students!

15 Tech Competitions for High School Students

1. USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) 

The USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) is a free online competition where you solve coding problems to qualify for the International Olympiad in Informatics. You’ll start in the Bronze division and move up to Silver, Gold, and then Platinum by solving harder problems in Python, Java, or C++. 

To move up, you need to write fast and efficient code using algorithms, data structures, and logic. If you reach the Platinum level, you might get invited to the USACO training camp, where the top 4 students are picked to represent the U.S. at the international level. There’s also a selection for the European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics. To find out more about the detailed technical specifications and rules for all contests, you can read the official guidelines here. 

You can also read more about the program and whether you should apply or not in our deep dive!

Acceptance rate: Extremely competitive; around 24 students invited annually to the USACO training camp from thousands of participants.

Location: Virtual

Cost/Prize: None. The top 4 have the opportunity to advance to the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) and other international olympiads.

Dates: December 13–16 (first round)

Deadline: Create an account on the USACO website and submit before the event window closes.

Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply

2. MIT Think Scholars Program

The MIT THINK Scholars Program is a free and competitive research opportunity for high school students who want to develop a science, engineering, or computer science project. You’ll need to submit a proposal for a project that can be done in one semester with a $1,000 budget. Only six students are selected each year.

If you’re chosen, you’ll receive weekly mentorship from MIT undergraduates, $1,000 in project funding, and a free trip to MIT to visit labs and meet researchers. This program is a good way to build a research project before college. You can explore this program in detail here!

Acceptance rate: 6% 

Location: Virtual

Prize: $1,000 in funding for your project and a 4-day all-expenses-paid trip to MIT’s campus.

Dates: Finalists complete and present their projects by June.

Deadline: January 1

Eligibility: US high school students are eligible to apply. 

3. Stanford ACM’s ProCo    

Stanford ACM’s ProCo is a free and competitive programming contest for high school students, organized by Stanford’s chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery. You’ll compete in teams of up to three, solving 9 to 15 coding problems in a 3-hour round. 

The problems cover key computer science concepts like recursion, graphs, dynamic programming, and algorithm efficiency. ProCo is modeled after the college-level ACM-ICPC and gives you a chance to build your competitive programming skills in a serious, time-bound setting. 

Acceptance rate: Highly selective  

Location: Sapp Center for Science Teaching and Learning 111, Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Prize: Variety of Prizes offered, TBA. Previous years have included Raspberry pis, Nintendo 3DSes, and iPad Minis.

Dates: March 1

Deadline: February 21

Eligibility: All high school students can apply in teams of up to three people.

4. Davidson Fellows Scholarship  

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is a national program for students under 18 who’ve completed advanced work that makes a real contribution to their field. If you’re focused on computer science or tech, you can apply under the Technology category with a project in areas like programming, artificial intelligence, or robotics. You can find out the exact requirements here.

You’ll need to submit a formal research report, your code (if relevant), a visual or technical model, a 10-minute video, essays, and teacher recommendations. Finalists can win scholarships of $10,000 to $50,000 and get national recognition. You can learn more about how to apply in our full guide. To learn more about this competition, check out our complete guide here. 

Acceptance rate: Highly selective  

Location: Washington, D.C. (Award reception)

Prize: Scholarships worth $100,000, $50,000, and $25,000

Dates: Applications open in the fall and close in February

Deadline: February 12

Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are 18 or younger are eligible to apply

5. Microsoft Imagine Cup   

The Microsoft Imagine Cup is a global tech competition where you develop innovative solutions using Microsoft tools like Azure and AI. It focuses on four areas: Earth, Education, Health, and Lifestyle. You’ll work with a team to create prototypes and submit a pitch deck, presentation, and demo video. Judges look for innovation, feasibility, and impact.

You get mentorship, technical support, and connect with peers worldwide. Finalists compete for a $100,000 prize, mentorship from Microsoft’s CEO, and career-boosting opportunities. To learn more about this contest, check out our full guide here.  

Acceptance rate: Highly competitive 

Location: Virtual

Prize: $100,000 and a mentorship session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella.

Dates: Semifinals: February - March; World Championship: May 19

Deadline: Optional Idea Submission: October 31 (optional); Minimum Viable Product Submission: January 22 (compulsory)

Eligibility: Current high school students at least 18 years old as of October 1 are eligible to compete. You can check the additional eligibility criteria here. 

6. The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)    

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is a top national science and engineering competition for high school seniors. You submit original research in areas like machine learning, software development, robotics, or algorithm design. Your work should show strong analysis and contribute new ideas.

About 2,000 students apply, 300 become scholars, and 40 finalists attend a week of presentations and interviews in Washington, D.C. The program connects you with scientists and leaders, offering national recognition and a strong foundation for a STEM career.

Acceptance rate: Extremely competitive. 300 scholars (15%) and 40 finalist winners (2%) out of over 2,000 students

Location: Washington, D.C. (Finals)

Prize: Scholarships and prizes of close to $3.1 million

Dates: March 6–12

Deadline: Register by November 7

Eligibility: Must be living in the U.S. and attending their last year of secondary school (regardless of citizenship). Students who are U.S. citizens living abroad may also qualify.

7. FIRST Robotics Competition  

The FIRST Robotics Competition is a team-based challenge where high school students design, build, and program large robots to compete in themed games. You use skills in mechanical design, electronics, and programming languages like Java, C++, or LabVIEW.

Each year, a new game is announced, and teams work under time and resource limits to build their robots and form alliances with other teams. Besides engineering, you’ll develop skills in fundraising, leadership, and communication. Many participants go on to study engineering or computer science in college.

Acceptance rate: Moderately competitive and highly prestigious. 

Location: Broad variety of locations. You can find them here.

Cost: Team registrations are usually a maximum of $5000; FIRST offers guidance on fundraising for this amount, as well as aid to teams that need it.

Prize: A wide range of scholarships and cash prizes for the top scorers.

Dates: Early January–April

Deadline: Teams have to register by the end of September (based on past years’ schedules).

Eligibility: High school students, aged between 14 and 18. Teams must have at least 10 students, with 2 adult mentors.

8. VEX Robotics Competition 

The VEX Robotics Competition challenges student teams to build and program robots for two-minute matches with a 15-second autonomous phase and a driver-controlled period. Your school must register with the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation, and your team should know RobotC or VEXCode, along with design, sensor, and feedback system skills.

The competition promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and iterative design. Teams compete in regional and national tournaments, with top teams reaching the VEX Robotics World Championship. Most participants report increased interest in STEM careers.

Acceptance rate: Highly competitive; teams from over 50 countries participate annually.

Location: Multiple locations

Prize: Various awards, but no cash prize

Dates: Tournaments are held year-round at the regional, state, and national levels, culminating at the VEX Robotics World Championship each April.

Deadline: Rolling; you can create a team at any point. 

Eligibility: High school students can apply; their schools need to be signed up with the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation. The foundation provides support to new teams, you can find a guide to start a new team and compete at a high level here.

9. PennApps  

PennApps, hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, is one of the oldest and most prestigious student-run hackathons. Over a weekend in Philadelphia, you will join a team of 2-4 students to create software or hardware projects in areas like web development, mobile apps, AI, and drones. You can use any programming language, and the event supports both beginners and experienced coders. 

The hackathon also features a strong alumni network and sponsors from top tech companies, providing valuable networking and career opportunities. With over $40,000 in prizes, including cash and tech gadgets, PennApps is known for helping launch student startups and tech careers.

Acceptance rate: Highly competitive. Thousands of applications come for a limited number of spots.   

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Cost: Free (food and housing included). A special diversity-focused scholarship is available (will cover travel, access to networking opportunities)

Prize: Various winners across categories; exact prizes TBA, but past cohorts have seen prizes worth $40k, including Nintendo Switches and Oculus Rifts, as well as perks from company sponsors

Dates: September 20–22

Deadline: Register by August 10

Eligibility: Students aged 15 years or older on September 20 can apply

10. NASA App Development Challenge    

The NASA App Development Challenge (ADC) is a coding competition for middle and high school students. You will work in school-sponsored teams to design mobile apps using real NASA data. The challenge focuses on problems related to deep space exploration, like tracking lunar orbits or supporting astronaut safety. 

You will need strong coding skills and knowledge of space science. Winning teams are chosen based on their app’s creativity, technical quality, and connection to NASA’s goals. Finalists may present their projects to NASA engineers at the Johnson Space Center or be featured in NASA materials.

Acceptance rate: Highly competitive; exact acceptance figures are not disclosed. 

Location: Virtual; but if selected as a Top Team, you will be invited to the culminating event at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston

Prize: Top-performing teams are invited to NASA’s Johnson Space Center to present their projects and meet NASA engineers

Dates: October 2–December 11 (final event takes place in April at the Johnson Space Center)

Deadline: December 11

Eligibility: Teams must include at least 5 students and 1 Lead Teacher (mentor) from a U.S. school or educational group. There’s no limit to team size, and teams can be from either middle or high school.

11. HackMIT Blueprint

HackMIT Blueprint is a weekend hackathon and learning event for high school students held at MIT. It welcomes all skill levels, from beginners to advanced coders. You will work in teams to create software or hardware projects while attending workshops to build technical skills. The event is competitive, with selection based on your interest in technology, project ideas, and experience. 

Sponsors include Google, CIA, and Rockstar Games. Blueprint offers networking with professionals and access to tech communities, making it a key event if you want experience in coding and innovation. If you want some tips to help you prepare for this hackathon, you can read our in-depth piece here!

Acceptance rate: Moderately selective; beginner-friendly with great exposure. 

Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA

Prize: Free to attend, but no prizes 

Dates: BP week: February 26 - February 28 | Learnathon: March 1 | Hackathon: March 2

Submission Deadline: Apply by February 5

Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply in teams of max 4 students

12. NASA International Space Apps Challenge 

The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a global weekend hackathon for teams of up to six, using NASA’s open data to solve real problems in space exploration, Earth science, and environmental monitoring. Each year has a specific theme.

It welcomes all skill levels. Winning teams are chosen for innovation, technical quality, and impact, and get invited to present at a NASA center and meet experts. This event gives students and aspiring technologists a chance to work on global science challenges.

Acceptance rate: Competitive; 10 winning teams out of 300k+ registrations.

Location: Virtual

Prize: Winning teams attend a two-day celebration at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, featuring keynotes, networking, and project showcases.

Dates: October 4 - 5 

Submission Deadline: Register by June 15

Eligibility: Open to all ages. Applicants under the age of 18 must be registered and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

13. HackNYU  

HackNYU is a 48-hour hackathon hosted by New York University, held every February. It brings students worldwide together to work on tech projects in teams.

The event has four focus areas: Gaming and Digital Frenzy, Healthcare and Lifestyle, Mixed Reality and Interactive Media Arts, and Financial Technology and Empowerment. Teams create projects that address real-world problems using skills from computer science, engineering, design, and social sciences.

The hackathon welcomes all skill levels. You can join whether you are a beginner or more experienced, as projects vary in difficulty. HackNYU offers mentorship, workshops, and networking with industry professionals and experienced developers.

Acceptance rate: Relatively low selectivity. Beginner-friendly and accessible. 

Location: NYU campus, Brooklyn, NY

Prize: Cash prizes vary across different tracks 

Dates: February 8–9

Deadline: Register by January 8

Eligibility: Anyone 18 or older is suggested to apply, and high schoolers over the age of 16 may apply with a guardian's permission! International applicants are welcome. 

14. ExploraVision 

ExploraVision is a STEM competition run by Toshiba and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). It invites K–12 students in North America to work in teams of 2 to 4 to explore scientific challenges and imagine technologies 10 or more years ahead.

You work with a teacher to research current technologies, predict their future development, and explain the science behind your ideas. The competition simulates real research and development processes.

ExploraVision asks you to consider feasibility, timelines, and ethical or environmental effects of your proposed technology. Projects often involve AI, bioengineering, or future medical devices. Judges evaluate creativity, scientific accuracy, and clear communication. This competition suits students interested in science and tech innovation.

Acceptance rate: Moderately competitive

Location: Washington, D.C. (Awards weekend)

Prize: Prizes include an expense-paid trip to Washington, DC, in June for ExploraVision Awards Weekend, up to $10,000 (at maturity) in Savings Bond, Chromebooks, banners, and plaques, along with other gifts and certificates. You can find the details here. 

Dates: ExploraVision Awards Weekend on June 14-15.

Submission Deadline: Register by January 31

Eligibility: High school students studying in the United States or Canada can apply. 

15. Solve for Tomorrow (Samsung US)  

Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow is a nationwide competition for U.S. public school students in grades 6 to 12. It asks teams to identify community problems and create STEM-based solutions. Teams must have at least three students and work with a teacher who connects the team with Samsung. 

Finalists get one-on-one mentorship from Samsung staff, access to resources, and help building a working prototype. Solve for Tomorrow has run for over 15 years and offers prizes up to $100,000 for the top 10 schools. You gain experience working with professionals and develop technical skills through the process. You can read about this contest in detail in our deep dive.

Acceptance rate: Highly competitive; 300 state finalists from thousands of applicants, 50 state winners, and finally 10 national finalists.

Location: Virtual (the final phase is an in-person event at a different location every year)

Prize: 3 National Winner schools receive a $100K prize package including Samsung products and classroom resources. Other prize categories range from $50K–$ 2.5 K.

Dates: Entry phase: August 27–November 7 | Phase 1-4: between December 3 and April 29

Submission Deadline: November 7 (phase one)

Eligibility: Middle and High School Students in US public schools. Your teacher will have to register your team and act as a mentor, although all selected teams also have a Samsung employee who serves as a mentor. You can check the eligibility requirements here.

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in doing university-level research in tech, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Image Source - University of Pennsylvania Logo