CONNECTING GLOBAL YOUNG INNOVATORS
The International Creativity and Innovation Award (ICIA) is an annual international educational initiative designed to inspire and nurture the next generation of leaders.
Since 2021, ICIA has attracted hundreds of students to the international finals, strictly selected from thousands to tens of thousands of outstanding contestants at national rounds in over 12 countries worldwide.
- About the Organizer - Krya: An international education organization (Indonesia) specializing in developing creative and innovative thinking for youth through the "Inspire - Create - Dedicate" learning cycle, connecting thousands of global students.
- Aligned with the United Nations World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID).
- Co-organized by STEAMAX Education in Vietnam.
EXCEPTIONAL VALUES AT THE INTERNATIONAL ROUND
More than just a competition, ICIA is a journey of comprehensive development opening future opportunities.
Scholarships
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Scholarships
Open doors to valuable scholarships from leading universities in Southeast Asia and exchange programs in the USA.
Skill Development
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Skill Development
Participate in exclusive workshops to hone critical skills in STEM, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
International Network
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International Network
Exchange, learn, and connect with young creators, experts, and talented mentors from around the world.
COMPETITION ROADMAP
Keep track of key milestones to best prepare for your ICIA 2026 journey.
Registration & Submission
Online registration portal opens. Teams finalize and submit their Project Pitch Video and Poster.
Evaluation & Results
Professional evaluation and feedback sent to teams. Announcement of teams qualifying for the National Round in Ho Chi Minh City.
National Finals (Offline)
Exhibition, presentation, and live assessment at UEH University, HCMC.
Note: The 10 best teams in HCMC will proceed directly to the International Round.
Global Training Camp
1 to 2 intensive workshops to guide, train skills, and refine projects for teams preparing for the International Round in Cambodia.
International Finals
Compete with top teams from multiple countries in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
A total of 20 - 26 top teams from Vietnam will have the chance to join this global stage.
ICIA 2026 Southern National Qualifiers
COMPETITION CATEGORIES
Choose the category that matches your team's strengths to maximize your creative potential.
Innovation Challenge
Develop ideas to solve real-world challenges related to SDGs. Products can be in the form of a report; physical prototypes are not required.
Innovation Awards
Present solutions or completed projects with practical application potential, shown through physical products, models, or apps.
Innovation Challenge 2026 Themes
Details of the 2 challenge prompts for teams at the International Finals.
Design a Zero-Waste Learning Space
"How can we make schools in Cambodia more eco-friendly — starting with waste management?"
Students are invited to design a unique solution to minimize waste and build sustainable habits within school communities. Your idea should focus on behavioral change, awareness raising, or improving daily operations in fun, creative, and practical ways.
- Campaigns to reduce school waste.
- New ways to educate on environmental responsibility.
- Solutions transforming waste into useful items.
AI for Learning
"How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) help make education more meaningful, equitable, and accessible for everyone?"
Identify a real problem in learning and design a smart idea using the power of AI to solve it. The idea should aim to help students and teachers everywhere.
REGULATIONS AND EVENT DETAILS
Understand the product requirements and schedule details for the Offline event (Mar 14-15).
Submission Requirements
1. Online Submission:
- Idea presentation video (max 3 minutes).
- Project Poster (Vertical 59.4cm x 84.1cm).
2. Exhibition Deliverables:
- X-Stand Banner (60cm x 160cm).
- Product, model, or prototype.
- Live English presentation (3 minutes).
Who Can Participate
No age limit. However, the competition is best suited for young creators aged 9 to 18.
Important Note:
All teams passing the preliminary round will receive detailed guidelines on Booth setup for March 15, 2026.
OFFLINE SCHEDULE DETAILS (MAR 14-15)
March 14, 2026
University Tour & Workshop
- UEH University campus tour.
- Creative thinking development workshop.
- (Location details to be announced)
March 15, 2026
Main Event Day (08:30 - 17:00)
- Morning: Project exhibition at designated booths.
- Presentation: Each group has 7 minutes to present to the jury.
- Afternoon: Award ceremony and announcement of International teams.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Projects will be comprehensively evaluated based on 4 core criteria.
Problem Identification
Relevance to SDGs. Clear and detailed problem statement.
Creative Process
Depth of idea and structured plan. Demonstrates creative thinking.
Practical Solution
Feasibility, efficiency, and positive community impact.
Good Communication
Engaging presentation, good interaction, and a call to action.
IMAGE GALLERY
Memorable moments from previous ICIA seasons.
FEATURED PROJECTS FROM PAST SEASONS
Explore the breakthrough ideas that impressed international judges at ICIA.
DyslexiLink - AI Assistant for Dyslexia
Contestant: Mikala (11 years old)
DyslexiLink is an AI-integrated platform helping children self-assess and identify dyslexia signs. The app provides support features like text-to-speech, visual color filters, and a 24/7 consulting chatbot, breaking down educational barriers and improving mental health for young children.
Polynomial in Cultural Art Patterns - Heritage Preservation
Grade 10 Students, S3 Withia School (Thailand)
This project uses polynomial equation graphs (via Desmos) to digitize traditional art patterns, preserving heritage from disappearance. The team is currently developing a Python solution to scan images and auto-generate equations, supporting the application of patterns in architecture and industrial products for sustainable economic development.
MSQ Food System & Vertical Farming
Contestant: Le Nam (Ho Chi Minh City)
The project proposes a solution for global food security by combining MSQ methods (rotation, intercropping, automated soil sampling) with Vertical Farming. Using chemical sensors for NPK, pH, and temperature, the system optimizes agricultural inputs, saves up to 95% water, allows year-round pesticide-free farming, and reduces carbon emissions.