Philippines Opens Search for First National Team to World AI Olympiad

High school students from over 60 countries compete at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence, showcasing skills in AI and ethics.

Filipino high school students now have a chance to represent the country on the global artificial intelligence stage.

The Philippines has opened its first nationwide search for a National AI Team that will compete in the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), a global competition that brings together students from more than 60 countries to develop artificial intelligence skills and learn its responsible use.

The Ateneo de Manila Business Insights Laboratory for Development (Ateneo BUILD) has been designated as the country’s sole accredited coordinator for IOAI. Ateneo BUILD is a research and innovation laboratory under the John Gokongwei School of Management of Ateneo de Manila University.

As country coordinator, Ateneo BUILD will organize the national selection process and mentor the four students who will form Team Philippines. The team will compete at the Global Finals hosted by the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from August 2 to 8, 2026.

The competition is open to all eligible high school students in Grades 7 to 12 across the country. Students from public, private, and science high schools are welcome to join. Organizers emphasized that IOAI Philippines is a national initiative and is not limited to any single school.

The journey begins with the National Eliminations, which focus on logic and scientific inquiry. This first stage is designed to be accessible to students with strong problem-solving skills, even without prior coding experience.

As the competition progresses to the Semi-Finals and National Finals, the level of difficulty increases. Topics will include Machine Learning, AI Ethics, and Computer Vision. Finalists will receive intensive training through a Selection Bootcamp and a mentoring period from April to June, preparing them for international competition.

The initiative aligns with national education and technology priorities, supporting the goals of the Department of Education, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Organizers shared that IOAI Philippines is a non-profit and merit-based effort. Digital access is a priority, so students from all 17 regions can join through online platforms. The program is also open to partnerships to help support travel and registration costs for the national team.

Students have until January 25, 2026, to register for the National Eliminations at www.ioaiph.org.

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