Open call for Pinoy HS students to compete in World AI Olympiad
The search is on for the first-ever National AI Team to represent the Philippines on the global stage,
where they will join hundreds of fellow students from over 60 countries in the development and
responsible use of artificial intelligence.
the ethical grounding to use it responsibly.
The Ateneo de Manila Business Insights Laboratory for Development (Ateneo BUILD), research
and the innovation laboratory under the John Gokongwei School of Management of Ateneo de Manila
University has been designated as the sole accredited Country Coordinator for the International
Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI). As an incubator for student-led startups, and with deep
expertise in data and AI-related software development, Ateneo BUILD is tasked with organizing the
nationwide selection process and mentoring the four-member delegation that will compete at the
Global Finals at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi,
UAE, from August 2 to 8, 2026.
Students have until January 25, 2026, to register for the National Eliminations at www.ioaiph.org.
held in Beijing, China.
Open to all PHL schools
While Ateneo BUILD serves as the implementing body, the organizers emphasize that the IOAI
Philippines is a national initiative and not restricted to any single institution. In line with
international IOAI standards, the competition is open to all eligible high school students (Grades
7–12) nationwide, whether they are from public, private, or science high schools. Ateneo BUILD is
committed to maintaining a barrier-free, inclusive, and merit-based selection process to ensure the
team truly represents the best of the entire country.
Wanted: Keen young minds
The journey begins with a focus on logic and scientific inquiry. The National Eliminations (Stage 1)
are designed to be an accessible entry point for all high school students (Grades 7–12) with strong
problem-solving skills, regardless of their initial coding experience.
As the competition progresses through the Semi-Finals and National Finals, it will grow more
technical. Participants will eventually tackle a rigorous syllabus covering Machine Learning, AI
Ethics and Computer Vision. To bridge this gap, finalists will receive intensive mentorship through a
Selection Bootcamp and a dedicated training period from April to June to sharpen the technical
skills needed for the world stage.
National mission to Abu Dhabi
This initiative is a “whole-of-nation” effort to prove that Filipino youth are ready for the global
frontier. The mission is in direct alignment with the Department of Education’s MATATAG Agenda,
as well as the national STEM and AI strategies of the DOST and the DICT.
Through the leadership of Ateneo BUILD, the selection process is strictly merit-based, inclusive, and
non-profit. Digital equity is a core priority, ensuring that students from all 17 regions have an equal
opportunity to qualify via accessible online platforms.
To ensure that every talented student can participate regardless of financial background, IOAI
Philippines is open to partnerships with organizations to help support the national team’s travel
and registration costs.
Students have until January 25, 2026, to register for the National Eliminations. Are you ready to lead
the Philippines into the future? Visit www.ioaiph.org to sign up.
Quick Facts:
● The Roadmap: Eliminations (Jan 31–Feb 8), Semi-Finals (Feb 14–15), National Finals (Feb
22–23), and Team Selection Bootcamp (Mar 7–8).
● Global Finals: August 2–8, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
● Accreditation: Ateneo BUILD is the sole Philippine Country Coordinator.
● Official Syllabus: View IOAI Syllabus
● General Inquiries: info@ioaiph.org
● Press/Media Inquiries: press@ioaiph.org
