The Global Stage · Annual Competition
The world's premier invention competition. For students 20 and under.
The Inventors Olympiad is Young Inventors of America's flagship global competition. Every year, the best young inventors from countries around the world are selected to represent their nation — bringing their most original, most ambitious invention ideas to a single international stage.
This is not a science fair. This is not a school project. This is the highest honor in youth invention.
Founded
2026
First competition: 2027
Eligibility
20 & under
Students worldwide
Cadence
Annual
One stage. One chance.
How It Works
01
Country selection
Top performers from the Born to Invent Challenge in each country are nominated by their national YIA partner. Only one path in: earn it.
02
The competition
Finalists present their inventions before a panel of judges — inventors, IP experts, and industry leaders. Judged on originality, real-world impact, and patent-eligible potential. Not GPA. Not school. Not background.
03
The recognition
Olympiad finalists carry a credential that follows them. Winners are recognized globally. The most promising inventions earn the opportunity to apply for a US patent.
About this competition
2026
Founded. Partner network opens.
2027
First global competition held.
Beyond
Building the world's first international stage for student inventors.
How to Prepare
There is one path to the Inventors Olympiad. It starts with the Born to Invent Challenge.
Represent your country.
We are accepting applications from national partner organizations for the 2027 Inventors Olympiad. If you run a youth invention, STEM, or education program in your country and want to nominate your top students to compete on the world stage, we want to hear from you.
Apply as a national partner →