CASTUSA Global Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition 2026 (USA East Region)
🚀 A premier youth competition empowering the next generation of innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
Hosted by Chinese Association for Science and Technology USA (CAST-USA), this competition invites students across the USA and the globe to showcase their creativity, technical excellence, and entrepreneurial vision through research projects and startup ideas.
Competition Tracks
⚙️ STEM Research & Innovation
Present original research, engineering projects, AI applications, scientific discoveries, or technology innovations.
💰 Business & Entrepreneurship
Pitch startup concepts, business plans, social enterprises, or innovative market solutions.
Age Groups
🧒 Junior Division: Ages 10–14
🎓 Senior Division: Ages 15–18
Competition Timeline
📝 Now – September 15: Application Period
Apply Here
🗓️ October 4: USA East Regional Final
Hybrid presentation (New York)
🏆 October 31: USA National Final
In-person presentation (Philadelphia)
Finalists will present live before judges, who are established industry professionals, researchers, and community leaders.
Who Should Apply?
We welcome students passionate about— but not limited to — the following areas:
💻 Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
🧬 Biotechnology & Healthcare
🌱 Sustainability & Environmental Innovation
🚀 Startup & Business Creation
🤝 Social Impact & Community Innovation
...and many other fields of science, technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Whether you are building a research project, launching a startup idea, or solving real-world problems creatively, this competition is your stage.