CIC 2026
World's Most Innovative Contests
$160,000+ worth of Free Enrollments in 2025.
CIC 2026 DETAILS
Canadian Innovation Contest
The CIC 2025 was one of the largest innovation events for students in grades 2 through 10 worldwide. 8,000 students from numerous educational institutions participated in six innovative competitions designed to showcase their potential to learn, compete, and win.
CIC 2026's theme, empathy, invites young minds to delve into the transformative power of compassion and understanding, fostering a more connected and inclusive society. By integrating these themes, the contests aim to cultivate socially conscious problem-solvers who contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond, inspiring positive change through innovative and empathetic solutions.
CIC 2026 contests will be conducted from March 1st to April 12th. Registration for these contests is now open.
Canadian Innovation Math Contest (CIMC)
Objective: This contest is designed to challenge and promote problem-solving, critical thinking, reasoning, and abstract or spatial thinking for the students. Learning mathematics through problem-solving activities is the most efficient way for students to develop mathematical skills that will prepare them for the future.
Teacher's Role: Help students understand the contest goals, support student learning with the contest or other resources, and proctor the contest.
Contest Dates: April 1-12, 2026
The theme is "Mathematics of Compassion". Students will engage with math problems that model real-world scenarios where empathy plays a crucial role. For example, questions may involve calculating equitable resource distribution in humanitarian aid or analyzing statistical data related to social issues.
Canadian Innovation Computing Contest (CICC)
Objective: This contest aims to cultivate students’ creativity, logical reasoning ability, and algorithmic and computational thinking skills. Students were given problems focused on computational thinking. No prior programming knowledge was required to participate in this contest.
Teacher's Role: Help students understand the contest goals, support student learning with the contest or other resources, and proctor the contest.
Contest Dates: April 1-12, 2026
The theme is "Algorithms of Altruism". This contest challenges students to apply computational thinking principles to solve problems that require empathy and social awareness. Questions may involve designing algorithms for optimizing the distribution of resources in disaster relief efforts or creating frameworks for analyzing and mitigating biases in data sets.
Canadian Innovation Creative Writing Contest (CIWC)
Objective: CIWC is designed to promote students' language and comprehension skills and ability to apply reasoning and logic. It also encourages students to use creative writing, drawing on their imagination to convey meaning through imagery, narrative, and drama in their written words. Students will follow the rules of writing structure combined with imagination to create stories that entertain and engage readers.
Teacher's Role: Help students understand the contest goals and themes and support student learning and growth using the contest or other external resources as needed. Incorporating story/paragraph writing into their regular teaching can help improve the language skills of the entire class.
Contest Dates: April 1-12, 2026
The theme is "Stories of Kindness". Participants will be provided with scenarios that require characters to demonstrate empathy and compassion. Students craft narratives that explore these themes, highlighting the transformative power of understanding and kindness in various situations. This contest encourages creative expression and the exploration of empathetic interactions through storytelling.
Canadian Innovation Public Speaking Contest (CIPC)
Objective: The contest allows students to showcase their persuasive speaking, communication, and debating skills. This contest will focus on persuasive public speaking and debate.
Teacher's Role: Help students understand the contest goals and themes and support student learning and growth using CKSTEM or other external resources as needed. Teachers can also help conduct practice speeches and presentations in class, which can improve the communication skills of the entire group/class.
Contest Dates:
CIDC 2025 Preliminary Round: March 1-15, 2026
CIDC 2025 Final Round: March 28, 2026, from 12-3 pm ET (Live over Zoom)
The theme is "Voices of Empathy". This contest challenges students to articulate their perspectives on topics centered around empathy. Participants will develop and deliver speeches that argue for or against specific empathy-related issues, such as the role of empathy in leadership, its impact on community building, or its significance in conflict resolution. The aim is to foster critical thinking and effective communication skills while exploring the multifaceted nature of empathy.
Canadian Innovation Visual Art Contest (CIAC)
Objective: CIAC, the Visual Art Contest, is designed to give students an opportunity to engage in imaginative and innovative thought and action and to develop their ability to communicate and represent their thoughts, feelings, and ideas creatively.
Teacher's Role: Help students understand the theme, incorporate the theme in a class project and/or excursions as appropriate, support student learning with the contest or other resources, and help students with the submission process.
Contest Dates: March 1-30, 2026
The theme is "The Art of Understanding". Participants are invited to create visual art pieces that depict acts of kindness, understanding, or shared human experiences. The artwork should convey the essence of empathy, illustrating how compassionate actions and connections can bridge divides and foster a more inclusive society. This contest encourages artists to use their creativity to promote a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives through visual storytelling.
Canadian Innovation Science Contest (CIPC)
Objective: CISC, the Science Contest, is designed to explore scientific principles and their applications to addressing real-world problems. It inspires young minds to ask questions, experiment, and discover how the world works. It strengthens scientific thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, helping students build a strong foundation.
Teacher's Role: Help students understand the theme, incorporate the theme in a class project and/or excursions as appropriate, support student learning with CKSTEM or other resources, and help students with the submission process.
Contest Dates: April 1-12, 2026
The theme is "Scientific Solutions for Social Good". This contest emphasizes the importance of empathy in driving scientific inquiry and innovation for the betterment of society. Participants will answer questions that explore scientific principles and their applications in addressing societal challenges. Topics may include the development of sustainable technologies to assist underserved populations, the study of environmental impacts on vulnerable communities, or innovations in public health.
LEARNING RESOURCES
CKSTEM FAMILY CHALLENGES
As children's first teachers, family members are crucial to student success. And the more adults become engaged in their children's education, the greater the chances that children will succeed. Hence, we aim to engage families in the learning process through these fun challenges.
Today's citizens need more than basic computation and rote mathematical skills. They must master the higher-level concepts and approaches to problem-solving that are key to success in work and everyday life. Download weekly challenges and enjoy with your family.
DOSES OF MOTIVATION
Motivation is a crucial ingredient for sustained competitiveness. Our fictional CK ROBO has become an integral part of the CKSTEM family. It firmly believes in core values, and its vision is to motivate students. In the current era of AI, it's getting wiser daily. He loves to share his wisdom in the form of doses of motivation.
