Featured Live Lab

    STEAM in AI Inner Circle Presents

    Competitions & Project Ideas Live Lab

    Most students submit to competitions without knowing what judges actually look for. This session shows exactly how a 2x ISEF Grand Award winner found his questions, scoped his projects, and won.

    Ameya Kharade won his first ISEF Grand Award in high school — then won a second one. A 2x ISEF Grand Award Winner, OHBM '26 presenter, IRO '25 Silver Medalist, and Non-Trivial Fellow 2025, Ameya knows exactly what separates a competition-winning project from one that doesn't place.

    This session breaks down how to find a real research question, what competition judges actually look for, and how high schoolers can start building a research and competition track record before senior year.

    HostShilpi AgarwalFounder, STEAM in AIStanford AI Adjunct · ISEF Grand Judge
    GuestAmeya Kharade2x ISEF Grand Award WinnerOHBM '26 · IRO '25 Silver MedalNon-Trivial Fellow '25
    2x ISEF Grand Award Winner
    OHBM ‘26 Presenter
    IRO ‘25 Silver Medal · Non-Trivial Fellow ‘25

    Key Takeaways for Parents

    • What separates a competition-winning project from one that doesn't place
    • How to find a real, defensible research question — not just a topic
    • What ISEF, OHBM, and IRO judges actually look for in a submission
    • How to start building a research and competition track record before senior year
    • Choosing the right competition circuit for your student's interests and level
    • A realistic timeline — what to do freshman/sophomore year vs junior/senior year

    Who This Is For

    Parents of middle and high school students who want a concrete, judge's-eye-view roadmap for entering — and placing in — AI and STEM research competitions.

    STEAM in AI helps students build a personalized, college-ready AI portfolio with industry mentors.

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