Romanian-American University and Google Romania Launch “High School Innovation Challenge”, the First National AI and Business Competition for High School Innovators in Romania

A unique opportunity for high school students across Romania to turn their ideas into projects with real-world impact, guided by faculty members from Romanian-American University and mentors from Google Romania.

Innovation and Technology Come Together at Romanian-American University

Romanian-American University, in strategic partnership with Google Romania, announces the launch of the national High School Innovation Challenge, a large-scale educational initiative designed to foster and encourage entrepreneurial spirit, critical thinking, and digital skills among high school students.

The initiative aims to provide young people with a launchpad into the world of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and sustainable entrepreneurship, connecting them directly with experts from both industry and academia.

Full registration details are available at www.liceeni.rau.ro.

About the Competition: What Is the High School Innovation Challenge?

The High School Innovation Challenge is a competition focused on innovative ideas and solutions, in which teams of high school students identify real challenges within their communities or society and propose technology-based solutions.

Participants will go through a complete idea development process, from the initial concept to the creation of a prototype or a concrete implementation plan, using modern methodologies such as Design Thinking.

Projects may address major areas of interest such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, social entrepreneurship, or improving urban life, with a focus on creativity, vision, and a willingness to learn.

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 attending high schools and national colleges across Romania.

Teams of 2 to 5 students may apply, optionally accompanied by a coordinating teacher from their school. Young people interested in technology, business, communication, or design are encouraged to participate, and no advanced programming experience is required.

Competition Stages and Timeline

8 weeks, 2 stages, one grand final!

The competition has been designed to guide students step by step throughout their innovation journey:

1. Registration Period (Online): Teams register through www.liceeni.rau.ro by completing the application form and submitting a brief description of their project idea by October 2, 2026 (inclusive).
2. Pre-Launch Hackathon – September 19: A one-day hackathon designed for prospective participants, taking place during the second week of the school year. Teams will get to know each other, test their ideas, and gain a head start ahead of the competition’s official launch. Hybrid event (online + RAU campus).
3. Competition Launch – October 5: Registered teams will receive the official challenge and access to the platform. Week 1 of the competition begins.
4. Stage I – From Idea to Prototype (October 5 – November 1): Competition launch, market analysis, customer discovery, and the development of the first MVP. The first round of pitches, with feedback from mentors.
5. Stage II – From Prototype to Startup (November 2 – 29): AI automation and agents, business strategy, costs and KPIs, and a pitch masterclass. The HSIC Semifinals will also take place during this stage, where the finalist teams will be selected.
6. Final Week (December 1–4): One-to-one mentoring for the finalist teams, including product and business feedback, 1:1 pitch coaching, a full dress rehearsal, and final refinements.
7. Grand Final – December 5: The event will take place at Romanian-American University’s campus, in the Aula Magna, where the teams will present their ideas in a live pitch before a jury of professors, entrepreneurs, and leading experts. The event will conclude with the awarding of prizes and scholarships.

Competition registration deadline: October 2, 2026 (inclusive)

Registration form: here

Competition period: October 5 – December 5, 2026

Benefits and Prizes

In addition to valuable hands-on experience and direct mentoring from leading professionals, participants will have the opportunity to win technology prizes offered by the programme’s partners, as well as official certificates of merit. All students will receive certificates of participation in the competition.

The winning teams will have the opportunity to join an international startup accelerator.

Finalists will also receive priority access to educational programmes and camps organised by Romanian-American University for high school students.

Prizes offered by the organisers and programme partners include €45,000 in scholarships and more than €20,000 worth of prizes in cash and products.

How to Apply

Are you ready to help shape the future through technology?

Gather your team, identify a real-world problem you want to solve, visit www.liceeni.rau.ro, and submit your idea!

At Romanian-American University, our mission is to connect young people with their future professional paths while they are still in high school. Through our partnership with Google Romania, we are providing high school students with the ideal environment to experiment, innovate, and learn directly from leaders in the technology industry.

Contact & Further Information

• Email: [email protected]
• Web: www.liceeni.rau.ro