2026 UK Competition
Syllabus
Phase 1 – National Qualifiers
Phase 2 – UK Delegation Selection

Purpose

Identify students with strong AI aptitude and problem-solving skills.


Format

Online tests


Duration

2–3 hours.


Content Areas


AI Fundamentals

Basic concepts, history, and applications.


Mathematics for AI

Probability, statistics, linear algebra, calculus (basic to intermediate level).


Algorithms & Data Structures

Core algorithms, complexity, sorting/searching, graph theory basics.

Machine Learning Basics Supervised/unsupervised learning, model evaluation, bias & fairness.


Ethics in AI

Data privacy, fairness, societal impact.

Purpose

Choose the final UK team for the International AI Olympiad Finals.


Format

On-site challenge with a mix of theoretical and project-based tasks.


Duration

1 day.


Content Areas

Advanced AI Concepts

Neural networks, deep learning, reinforcement learning basics.


Programming for AI

Python programming, NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow/PyTorch basics.


Practical AI Challenge

Data preprocessing, model building, optimisation, and presentation.


Innovation & Creativity Task

Team-based problem-solving with real-world AI applications.


Communication Skills

Presenting AI solutions to judges and peers.


FAQ

1. What is IAIO UK?

IAIO UK is the United Kingdom’s official qualifying competition for the International AI Olympiad (IAIO) — a global event bringing together talented young minds to compete in theoretical and practical artificial intelligence challenges.


2. Who can participate?

You are eligible to participate if you:

  • Are 20 years old or younger as of 1 July of the competition year.

  • Are not a full-time university student in the competition year.

  • Are a UK citizen, permanent resident, or a student (full-time or attending a short-term course) in the UK.

Additional Requirement for the UK National Delegation

To advance and represent the UK as part of the National Delegation, participants must be:

  • a UK citizen, permanent resident, or full- time middle/high school students studying in the UK.

3. How is the UK competition structured?

The competition has two phases:

1. National Qualifiers – Identify talented students with the potential to represent the UK.

2. UK Delegation Selection – Choose the final team to compete in the IAIO Finals.

4. What topics will the competition cover?

The syllabus includes:

· AI Fundamentals & Ethics

· Mathematics for AI (probability, statistics, algebra, calculus basics)

· Algorithms & Data Structures

· Machine Learning (supervised/unsupervised learning, model evaluation)

· Programming for AI (Python and popular AI libraries)

· Practical AI Projects and Presentations

5. When and where will the IAIO Finals be held?

The IAIO 2026 Finals will take place from 23–27 February 2026 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

6. How do I register?

Fill in the [Participation‍] to take your first step. Once we review your application, we’ll guide you through the next steps.


7. Can students outside the UK apply?

Yes, but only under certain conditions. Students outside of the UK may apply if they are UK citizens or permanent residents. Students who are not UK citizens/residents may also apply if they are studying in the UK (either full-time or on a short-term course).

8. How can I prepare?

· Review the competition syllabus.

· Practise Python programming and AI fundamentals.

· Explore online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, and Kaggle.

· Work on small AI projects to build problem-solving skills.

9. Who organises IAIO UK?

IAIO UK is organised by Cambridge Dream in collaboration with the International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad Committee. Cambridge Dream has been officially authorised by the International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (IAIO) to host the UK-level International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (UKAIO).