West Regional Competition
Western-region teams compete for recognition and advancement.
Hosted by CAST-USA · Co-hosted by CAAOC, CUAAASC & CESASC
The CAST Youth STEM Innovation and Entrepreneur Summit is organized by the Chinese Association for Science and Technology (CAST-USA), which is a national organization connecting scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators across the United States.
CAST-USA has tens of thousands of members in more than 30 states across the United States and 16 chapters in major cities. CAST-USA is one of the most recognized organizations among Chinese professionals in the United States.
🚀 Through the summit, CAST connects students with top scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders across the United States.
Beyond the competition — a launchpad for your future.
Compete on a national stage against top young innovators across the United States.
Build your research experience or business portfolio for college applications.
Develop public speaking, presentation, and pitch skills with real audiences.
Connect with scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry mentors nationwide.
Earn the official title of CAST Youth Scholar — a mark of distinction.
Opportunity to present at the CAST USA Annual Conference in Philadelphia.
Age determined as of 01/01/2026
For curious young minds beginning their innovation journey.
For high school innovators ready for national-level competition.
Each track has its own required materials and judging criteria.
Paper is for full explanation. Must include:
Slides are for concise summary. Must include:
Demonstrate the project clearly and engagingly — show a prototype, process, or key results.
Pitch Deck presents the idea clearly. Include:
Proposal explains feasibility. Include:
Demonstrate the product, user experience, or key idea (e.g., prototype demo, usage scenario). Should complement — not repeat — the pitch deck.
Four stages from application to national recognition.
Submit your team and required materials by your region's deadline.
Western: San Francisco · Los Angeles · San Diego · Utah
Eastern: NY · PA · Boston · DC · North Carolina
CAST USA Annual Convention · Philadelphia. Compete for national recognition.
Eligibility: Youth Innovation Winners & YEA Winners join the CAST Youth Scholar program.
Dates and locations for Season 2 will be announced.
Western-region teams compete for recognition and advancement.
Eastern-region teams present their STEM innovations and ventures.
Regional finalists advance to compete for national recognition.
📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026 · 1:00 PM – 8:30 PM · Cypress Community Center, Irvine
Participants check in, set up posters/displays, and connect with fellow attendees.
Haixia Gu, President of CAST-LA and co-host representatives
Host Chair: Howie Yu
Host Chair: Howie Yu
Host Chair: Anna Luo
Poster ballot collection, final scoring, and judges' discussion.
Thomas Hou
Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences
Professor, California Institute of Technology
📅 Saturday, October 31, 2026 · 1:30–5:30 PM
Poster viewing, judging, and student presentations
Includes a 3-minute address by the member of Congress
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
5 minutes
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
5 minutes
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
5 minutes
Discussion and Q&A with scientists and youth
10 minutes — awards, photos, and closing remarks
Mission: Empowering Global Youth Innovators in AI and Entrepreneurship
Mission: Empowering Global Youth Innovators in AI and Entrepreneurship
~50% overall recognition rate · Funding · National exposure
Recognizing outstanding student research, innovation, and academic excellence.
Supporting student entrepreneurs with real seed funding to launch ideas.
🏆 Additional awards from Junior Division and Poster Session categories.
A recognition of outstanding achievement in research and entrepreneurship.
Affordable access to a national-level competition + Youth Scholar pathway.
Until May 25 or first 20 teams
Standard registration
West Regional Competition attendees
The experts, organizations, and supporters powering this summit.
Proudly supported by leading organizations championing youth innovation.
Made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors.
Congratulations to the teams selected through the West Regional review. Listed by application ID — in no particular order.
Explore schedules, judges, and award recipients from each regional competition.
Celebrating the outstanding teams recognized at the 2026 West Regional Competition.
Oct 4th. 2026 · Online
10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Senior Division followed by Junior Division
2:00–4:00 PM
Senior Division followed by Junior Division
5:00 PM
Recognition of all East Regional winners
Yuying Gosser · Jizhong Xiao · Nianjun Zhou · Yun Li · Simon Wang
Xia Chen Junior Division only
Huaqiang Ma · Frank Shen · Eric Fang · Fran Yan
Xia Chen Junior Division only
Honoring the standout poster projects from the 2026 West Regional Competition.
Congratulations to the National Championship and National Poster Competition award recipients.
Aanya Meng Galappatty
Ean Luo, Audrey Shi, Skyler Tan
Jeremy Liu, Mia Yuan, Andrew Huan, Iris Fan, Ryan Yin
Jiajing Zhang
Raina Ji, Andy Wang
Shiqi Xu
Amy Luo
Chiu JIE-LING
Audrey Zhou
Hannah Sun
Ella Chen, Claire Chen, Andy Wang
Brighton Liang
Max Liu
Ryan Haque, Shakhruz Bakhodirov
Derek Yu
Brian Miao
Avery Wang
Submit your team registration today. Limited spots available — early bird ends May 25.
📱 Scan to Register Your Team