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 
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.)
Animatronics
To address the annual design challenge, participants exhibit and demonstrate their knowledge of mechanical and control systems by creating an animatronic device with a specific purpose (i.e., communicate an idea, entertain, demonstrate a concept, etc.) that includes sound, lights, and an appropriate surrounding environment (a display).
Architectural Design
In response to the annual design challenge, participants develop a set of architectural plans and related materials, and construct both a physical and computer-generated model and virtual walkthrough to accurately depict their design. Semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview.
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.
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 participate in an interview.
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.
Biotechnology Design
Participants select a contemporary biotechnology problem that addresses the annual theme and demonstrates understanding of the topic through documented research, the development of a solution, a display (including an optional model or prototype), and an effective multimedia presentation. Semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview.
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.)
STEM Animation
Participants design and create a STEM animation video and documentation portfolio to address the annual theme/problem. Semifinalists present their animation and explain the elements of their portfolio/entry.
Structural Engineering
Participants apply the principles of structural engineering to design and construct a structure that complies with the annual challenge. An assessment of the required documentation and the destructive testing of the structure (to determine its design efficiency) determine both semifinalists and finalists.
System Control Technology
In response to a challenge presented onsite at the conference, participants analyze a problem (typically one in an industrial setting), build and program a computer-controlled mechanical model to solve the problem, explain the program and the features of the mechanical model solution, and provide instructions for evaluators to operate the device.
Tech Bowl
Participants demonstrate their knowledge of TSA and concepts addressed in technology content standards by completing an objective test. Semifinalists participate in a head-to-head, team competition.
Technical Design
Participants demonstrate their ability to use the technical design process to solve an engineering design problem provided onsite at the conference. Required elements of the entry are presented in a portfolio that includes technical drawings for a minimum of three viable solutions.
Video Game Design
Participants design, build, provide documentation for, and launch an E-rated, online game on a subject of their choice. Onsite at the conference, semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the game.