Welcome to Young ICT Explorers!
Registrations for 2026 are now open.
Young ICT Explorers (YICTE) is a non‑profit competition founded by SAP and supported by industry and university partners across Australia. It empowers students in Years 3–12 to solve real‑world problems or express their creativity through technology.
Whether developing innovative recycling solutions, designing tools to support people with disabilities, building virtual reality environments, or creating advanced robots and operating systems, students are encouraged to imagine boldly and explore how technology can improve lives.
A core commitment of YICTE is ensuring equitable access for all students. The competition is free to enter and delivered entirely online, allowing schools across Australia to participate regardless of location or resources.
Originally delivered as a face‑to‑face technology and innovation showcase—similar to a science fair but focused on digital solutions—YICTE transitioned online during the COVID‑19 pandemic. This evolution enabled teachers and students to remain engaged and broadened participation nationwide. Today, the program continues to inspire students of all skill levels to explore the possibilities of modern technology. By taking part, students gain valuable insight into future study pathways and careers in the digital and STEM sectors while tackling meaningful, real‑world challenges.
Projects can be developed in class or as extracurricular activities and align with the Australian Digital Technologies curriculum, making a wide range of technology‑based ideas eligible for entry. Students may work individually or in teams of up to four, with collaboration strongly encouraged.
To date, nearly 11,000 students from around 900 schools across Australia and New Zealand have participated in YICTE.
To assist with planning, teachers and parents are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest by clicking the link or the ‘2026 Registrations Now Open’ button above and creating a User Account. Individual project submissions can be uploaded at a later date.
Each project must include a project report, even if the work is still in progress. The report should outline what was created, the purpose behind it, and the technologies used. Reports are reviewed to ensure they meet the initial Digital Technologies criteria, and Zoom judging sessions are then scheduled for teams to present their projects to volunteer judges. Students who are unable to attend a Zoom session may instead submit an 8‑minute video explaining and demonstrating their project.
The deadline for all project submissions is 31 July 2026. Peruse the website for further details, including how the competition works and to download the information pack.
Level One Award Categories
Projects are assessed against four criteria:
- Creativity and Innovation
- Project Difficulty
- Quality and Completeness
- Presentation and Documentation
All entries must be submitted in a Level One award category. Students are then eligible to enter one of the optional additional award categories.
Sustainability Award
This award recognises a project that demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Entries may come from any year level and any project category, provided they show meaningful consideration of how digital solutions can support a healthier, more sustainable planet.
Best Use of AI Award
This award recognises student projects that thoughtfully and creatively apply Artificial Intelligence to solve problems, enhance user experiences, or explore new possibilities.
Judging panels include industry professionals and university academics from the digital technology sector. Each team receives written feedback, participation certificates, and certificates for each team member, with cash prizes awarded to first, second, and third place recipients. Each year, approximately $30,000 in prizes is awarded to students across Australia.
