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COMPETITIONS

TSA competitions provide an opportunity for students to take learning beyond the classroom and explore topics of career interest. TSA provides rules and guidelines, that can be integrated into your STEM curriculum, for more than 75 middle school and high school competitions.  
High School
Middle School
TSA Competition Information
TEAMS

High School

In the High School Competitive Events Guide for the 2025 and 2026 National TSA Conferences, TSA offers 40 high school competitions. The eligibility chart provides the eligibility requirements for each competition and is applicable to the national TSA conference. (State delegations may choose to alter their events for local conferences. Click on your state to preview the requirements pertaining to your regional and/or state conferences.)

Artificial Intelligence

Applying leadership and 21st century skills, participants demonstrate knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) concepts, models, and best practices by completing a test to qualify for semifinals. Semifinalist teams solve an onsite problem(s) using a generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tool. Completed solutions are objectively measured to determine the best solution for the stated problem.

Automated Manufacturing Systems

Applying leadership and 21st century skills, participants collaborate to engineer and prototype an automated manufacturing system to solve a production problem. Teams analyze the prompt, build a sensor-based mechatronic solution, program the automation logic, document the mechanical and software design, and create instructions for judges to operate the system.

Cybersecurity

Applying leadership and 21st century skills, participants respond to a cybersecurity challenge by identifying a breach in computer security via “Capture the Flag” games. Areas of challenge might include exploit development, digital puzzles, cryptography, reverse engineering, binary analysis, mobile security, etc. Participants must accurately address a series of on-site problems within a specified, limited amount of time.

Data Science and Analytics

Participants identify a societal issue, collect or compile data from various sources about the issue, and then produce documentation and a digital scientific poster about their findings. Semifinalists create a synopsis and digital visual representation of a data set provided in an onsite challenge.

Software Development

Participants use their knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, algorithm design, problem-solving principles, effective communication, and collaboration to design, implement, test, document, and present a software development project of educational or social value. Both semifinalists and finalists are determined based on the quality of the presentation and project.

Video Game Design

Participants design, build, and launch an E-rated online video game – with accompanying required documentation - that addresses the annual theme. Semifinalists participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise they gained during the development of the game.

Middle School

In the Middle School Competitive Events Guide for the 2026 and 2027 National TSA Conferences, TSA offers 37 middle school competitions. The eligibility chart provides the eligibility requirements for each competition and is applicable to the national TSA conference. (State delegations may choose to alter their events for local conferences. Click on your state to preview the requirements pertaining to your regional and/or state conferences.)

Audio Podcasting

Participants use digital audio technology to create original content for a podcast piece that addresses the annual theme. The podcast must feature high level storytelling techniques, voice acting, and folly sound effects. The full entry must include documentation of the podcast development process and elements. Semifinalists complete an onsite challenge to produce an additional podcast(s).

Biotechnology

To address the annual theme, participants select a contemporary biotechnology issue and demonstrate understanding of the topic through their documented research and an original display. Semifinalists participate in an interview.

Career Prep

Based on the annual theme, participants conduct research on a technology-related career, prepare a letter of introduction to a potential employer, and develop a job-specific resume. Semifinalists participate in a mock job interview.

Challenging Technology Issues

Following the onsite random selection of a technology topic from a group of pre-conference posted topics, participants work to prepare for and deliver a debate-style presentation, in which they explain opposing views of the selected topic.

Chapter Team

Participants take a parliamentary procedure test to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Semifinalists conduct an opening ceremony, items of business, parliamentary actions, and a closing ceremony.

Children’s Stories

Participants create an illustrated children’s story based on the annual theme. The entry product is a physical storybook of artistic, instructional, and social value. Semifinalists read their story aloud and participate in an interview.

National TSA Conference Competition Information