International Olympiad in AI opens an official medal track for AI systems (ioai-official.org)

The International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) is set to introduce a groundbreaking AI Model Track at its upcoming 2026 event in Astana, Kazakhstan, opening a dedicated platform for AI systems to compete alongside young human talents. This initiative not only acknowledges the pivotal role of AI models in advancing technology but also fosters innovation and benchmarking within the global AI community, creating a separate recognition system for AI models that maintains the integrity of the official student competition. Participating models can range from open-source to proprietary systems, with different entry conditions based on organizational affiliation. Each organization is allowed to submit up to three models, with financial implications for additional entries. The competition will include a designated jury for evaluation and will be conducted fully online, enhancing accessibility for participants worldwide. By formally incorporating AI systems into the competitive landscape, the IOAI is poised to encourage collaboration and widespread engagement in AI advancements, setting a new standard for future competitions in the field.