Frequently
Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about NEXUS — High School Innovation Challenge 2026.
What is NEXUS – High School Innovation Challenge 2026?
NEXUS – High School Innovation Challenge 2026 (N-HSIC 2026) is a programming and engineering science competition for high school students across Vietnam. It builds on the High School CaseCode Competition 2024 and expands in scope — welcoming both software and hardware projects for the first time. The name NEXUS represents the vital connection between knowledge, technology, and people.
What is the 2026 theme?
The theme is “Improving Quality of Student Life by Using Technology.” Teams design technology-driven solutions addressing real problems in student life — mental and physical health, social relationships, personal safety, time management, and access to safe and supportive learning environments.
Who is eligible to participate?
The competition is open to students in Grade 9 and above (up to Year 13, and not attending university yet) from public, private, and international high schools across Vietnam. There is no nationality restriction, and team members do not need to be from the same school.
How do I register, and when is the deadline?
The theme is “Improving Quality of Student Life by Using Technology.” Teams design technology-driven solutions addressing real problems in student life — mental and physical health, social relationships, personal safety, time management, and access to safe and supportive learning environments.
Is there a Bootcamp or training before the competition starts?
Yes. A kickoff Webinar is available 2 weeks before Round 1. It includes the overall information about rules, format, criteria, and other details related to the competition, and mentor-guided orientation to help teams align their ideas with the competition’s theme and evaluation criteria. Contestants also have the opportunity to have Q&A with experts.
What types of project products can the competing teams submit?
Teams choose one of two forms to develop your solutions:
- Software Web apps, mobile apps, and other software solutions.
- Hardware / Hybrid IoT devices, robotics, and hardware-integrated solutions.
The products will be evaluated and scored based on the published criteria to ensure fairness and transparency, while also emphasizing the project’s creativity and practical applicability.
What is the overall timeline?
- May 21 – Jun 15 Registration open
- May 31 Kickoff Webinar
- Jun 16 – 30 Round 1 — Idea Submission (top 30 advance)
- Jul 8 – Sep 6 Round 2 — Prototype Submission (top 15 advance)
- Sep 20 Grand Final — Pitching & Exhibition at BVIS Hanoi
What do teams submit at each round?
Round 1 — A PowerPoint idea presentation (using the competition template), a Master Plan (scope, target users, milestones), and a preliminary resource/budget estimate.
Round 2 — A GitHub repository with source code and README, a video demo (MP4), and a technical document. Hardware teams also submit a Bill of Materials and assembly notes.
Where is the competition held?
The preliminary rounds (Rounds 1 and 2) are conducted entirely online via submission. The Grand Final on September 20 is held in-person at the auditorium of British Vietnamese International School (BVIS), Nguyễn Trãi, Hanoi.
Will there be mentorship support during the competition?
Yes. Teams that pass Round 1 will be paired with expert mentors during the prototype development phase. Each team is entitled to 1 short online mentor session. Mentors provide feedback and direction, but do not intervene directly in the team’s development process.
How are projects judged?
Each track has its own rubric:
- Software Innovation 20% · Technical quality 20% · UX 20% · Functionality 15% · Impact 15% · Pitch 10%
- Hardware Innovation 20% · Engineering & Functionality 25% · Feasibility 20% · Impact 15% · UX 10% · Pitch 10%
The criteria emphasize real-world impact and creativity rather than technical complexity alone. Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) and resources like StackOverflow is permitted — judges evaluate how tools are used, not whether they are.
What awards are available?
Main prizes — 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place + 2 Honorable Mentions.
Special awards — Best Software · Best Hardware · Best Real Impact · Audience Choice (voted online).
Prizes include tech gadgets, certificates, trophies, and commemorative items.
How can I contact the organizers?
Email contact.nhsic@gmail.com
Website highschoolcasecode.com
Facebook facebook.com/hsccvietnam
Phone 0862 806 907 (Nam Khánh) · 0977 844 542 (Đình Dương)