๐ŸŒŸ 2026 National Youth Innovation Competition

CAST Global Youth
STEM Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Summit

Hosted by CAST-USA ยท Co-hosted by CAAOC, CUAAASC & CESASC

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ
West Regional July 11, 2026
๐Ÿ—“๏ธ
East Regional October 2026
๐Ÿ›๏ธ
Global Final October 31, 2026
About

About The Summit

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.

๐Ÿš€ Through the summit, CAST connects students with top scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders across the United States.

30+
States Coverage
16
Major City Chapters
10K+
Members Nationwide
Benefits

What Students Will Gain

Beyond the competition โ€” a launchpad for your future.

๐Ÿ†

National-Level Competition

Compete on a national stage against top young innovators across the United States.

๐Ÿ“„

Portfolio Building

Build your research experience or business portfolio for college applications.

๐ŸŽค

Speaking & Pitch Skills

Develop public speaking, presentation, and pitch skills with real audiences.

๐Ÿค

Mentor Network

Connect with scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry mentors nationwide.

๐Ÿ…

CAST Youth Scholar

Earn the official title of CAST Youth Scholar โ€” a mark of distinction.

๐ŸŒŸ

Annual Conference

Opportunity to present at the CAST USA Annual Conference in Philadelphia.

Who Can Join

Eligibility & Team Rules

Age determined as of 01/01/2026

๐Ÿง’

Junior Division

Ages 10 โ€“ 14

For curious young minds beginning their innovation journey.

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“

Senior Division

Ages 15 โ€“ 18

For high school innovators ready for national-level competition.

๐Ÿ‘ฅ Team Composition

  • 1โ€“5 members per team
  • Each team must designate a Team Leader
  • Each team may have one mentor (optional)
Two Tracks

Choose Your Competition Track

Each track has its own required materials and judging criteria.

Required

๐Ÿ“„ Research Paper

  • Format: PDF or Word
  • Margin: 1 inch ยท Font: 12pt Times New Roman
  • Line Spacing: 1.5 ยท Pages: 2โ€“8

Paper is for full explanation. Must include:

  • Project Objectives
  • Background & Motivation
  • Methodology / Technical Approach
  • Key Innovation
  • Results / Findings
  • Impact / Future Development
Optional

๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Presentation Slides

  • Format: PDF or PPT ยท Max 12 slides

Slides are for concise summary. Must include:

  • Problem / Research Question
  • Approach
  • Innovation
  • Results
  • Impact
Optional

๐ŸŽฌ Project Video

  • Max 3 minutes

Demonstrate the project clearly and engagingly โ€” show a prototype, process, or key results.

Required

๐Ÿ“Š Pitch Deck

  • Format: PDF ยท Max 12 slides

Pitch Deck presents the idea clearly. Include:

  • Problem
  • Solution
  • Value Proposition
  • Target Market
  • Business Model
  • Execution / Go-to-Market
  • Impact
Required

๐Ÿ“ Business Proposal

  • Format: Word or PDF ยท Max 1000 words

Proposal explains feasibility. Include:

  • Why this problem matters
  • Why your solution works
  • Basic market understanding
  • Revenue / sustainability
  • Execution plan
Optional

๐ŸŽฌ Project Video

  • Max 3 minutes

Demonstrate the product, user experience, or key idea (e.g., prototype demo, usage scenario). Should complement โ€” not repeat โ€” the pitch deck.

Roadmap

Competition Cycle

Four stages from application to national recognition.

1
๐Ÿ“

Application

West Deadline: June 7, 2026 ยท East Deadline: September 15, 2026

Submit your team and required materials by your region's deadline.

2
๐ŸŸ๏ธ

Regional Competition

July 11 (West) ยท October (East)

Western: San Francisco ยท Los Angeles ยท San Diego ยท Utah
Eastern: NY ยท PA ยท Boston ยท DC ยท North Carolina

3
๐Ÿ†

Global Final

October 31, 2026

CAST USA Annual Convention ยท Philadelphia. Compete for national recognition.

4
๐ŸŽ“

Youth Scholar Network

Year-Round

Eligibility: Youth Innovation Winners & YEA Winners join the CAST Youth Scholar program.

Featured Events

Where the Magic Happens

๐ŸŒด Regional Competition

West Regional Competition #1

๐Ÿ“… July 11, 2026 ยท Saturday 1PM โ€“ 9PM
๐Ÿ“ Cypress Community Center
255 Visions, Irvine, CA 92620

Mission: Empowering Global Youth Innovators in AI and Entrepreneurship

Host: CAST LA
Co-hosts: CAST SF ยท SD ยท UT ยท CAAOC ยท CUAAASC ยท CESASC
Recognition

Awards & Recognition

~50% overall recognition rate ยท Funding ยท National exposure

๐Ÿ”ฌ

Track A ยท STEM Innovation Excellence

Recognizing outstanding student research, innovation, and academic excellence.

๐Ÿฅ‡
Gold Award
$500
๐Ÿฅˆ
Silver Award
$200
๐Ÿฅ‰
Bronze Award
$50
๐Ÿš€

Track B ยท Business Entrepreneurship

Supporting student entrepreneurs with real seed funding to launch ideas.

๐Ÿฅ‡
Gold Award
$500
๐Ÿฅˆ
Silver Award
$200
๐Ÿฅ‰
Bronze Award
$50

๐Ÿ† Additional awards from Junior Division and Poster Session categories.

๐ŸŒŸ

CAST Youth Scholar

A recognition of outstanding achievement in research and entrepreneurship.

๐Ÿ… Receive the official title of CAST Youth Scholar
๐ŸŽค Be invited to present at CAST events
๐Ÿค Gain access to mentorship & leadership opportunities
๐ŸŒ Join a growing network of top student innovators
๐Ÿšจ Limited Spots Available โ€” Only limited teams accepted per region.
Pricing

Application Fee

Affordable access to a national-level competition + Youth Scholar pathway.

Regular

$100/team

Standard registration

  • โœ“ Full competition access
  • โœ“ Youth Scholar pathway eligibility
  • โœ“ All required submissions
Apply Now

Regional Attendance

$50/adult
$25/student

West Regional Competition attendees

  • โœ“ Event admission
  • โœ“ Watch finalists present
  • โœ“ Networking opportunities
Reserve Seat
Join the 2026 Summit

Ready to Become a CAST Youth Scholar?

Submit your team registration today. Limited spots available โ€” early bird ends May 25.

  • โœ“ National-level competition
  • โœ“ Real seed funding awards
  • โœ“ Network with top scientists & entrepreneurs
  • โœ“ Pathway to CAST Youth Scholar recognition
Scan to Register

๐Ÿ“ฑ Scan to Register Your Team