Вкладка 1

APPROVED                                                                              
General Coordinator
“INFOMATRIX-ASIA”

_____________________________

“___”___________ 202_ y.  

SIGN: ________________________                                          

Rules for Organizing and Conducting the International Competition "INFOMATRIX-ASIA"

1. General Information

1.1 These Rules for conducting the international competition "INFOMATRIX-ASIA" (here in after referred to as the Competition) are developed in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Education," the Law "On Informatization," and the State Program for the Development of Education in Kazakhstan for 2011–2026. They define the objectives and tasks of the Competition, organizational and methodological support, procedures for conducting and financing, participation, and determining winners.

1.2 The main goal of the Competition is to create the necessary conditions to support gifted children and talented youth, including fostering their intellectual development and career orientation.

1.3 The main objectives of the Competition are:

• Identifying, supporting, and developing students who show interest and research abilities in the IT industry and science;
• Advancing information technology and creating new projects based on students' research activities as an effective means of enhancing the development of the IT industry in Kazakhstan;
• Implementing the idea of continuous education by preparing gifted students to continue their studies at leading domestic and international universities;
• Promoting international cooperation and creative exchange of experience in school education in IT and science.

1.4 These Rules are developed in accordance with the Law "On Education," the order of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MES) "On Approval of the Rules for Forming Participants of International Olympiads and Scientific Project Competitions (Scientific Contests) on General Education Subjects" dated January 19, 2016, No. 45, and the requirements for scientific project competitions.

1.5 Scientific projects involving the following are not allowed in the competition:

• The use of equipment access to which is prohibited for minors, experiments involving cruelty to animals, or the use of substances harmful to human and animal health (toxic, radioactive, unstudied biologically active compounds with carcinogenic and mutagenic effects; pathogenic or conditionally pathogenic substances for humans and animals; microorganisms, viruses, alcohol, tobacco);
• Projects that have already been reviewed and presented at national competitions in the same unchanged version.

1.6 The international competition "INFOMATRIX-ASIA" is conducted in English; therefore, all necessary documentation and project presentations must be prepared in English.

1.7 Each project may include a team of 1 to 3 participants, except Drone soccer.

1.8 Only one mentor is allowed per project, and a certificate is issued exclusively to that mentor.

2. Order of organization and holding of Competitions

2.1 The competition is an annual event held with the support of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center "Daryn" (hereinafter referred to as "Daryn") under the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the International Educational Foundation "BILIM-INNOVATION." "Daryn" is responsible for developing the strategic plan, coordinating organizational tasks, and ensuring collaboration with participants and partners within Kazakhstan. The International Educational Foundation "BILIM-INNOVATION" facilitates international participation and knowledge exchange by attracting foreign specialists and maintaining international competition standards.

2.2 The overall preparation and organization of the Competition are overseen by the Competition Organizing Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Organizing Committee). This committee comprises leading Kazakhstani and international scientists, educators from international educational centers, experts in education, and specialists in information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI). Scientists and educators provide scientific and methodological support, education experts establish requirements and standards for participants, and IT and AI professionals assist in evaluating projects related to new technologies and their practical applications.

2.3 The Organizing Committee, in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Science, develops the competition rules, formulates the regulations, appoints the jury, organizes the evaluation process, and facilitates the awarding of winners.

2.4 Participant data registration is conducted on the website www.infomatrix.asia. The registration form must include the following information:

• For participants from Kazakhstan: full name (in Latin and Cyrillic), Individual Identification Number (IIN), competition section, project title, grade, school, region/district/city, language of instruction, and the name and email of the team mentor.
• For international participants: full name, a scanned copy of their passport, competition section, project title, grade, school, region/district/city, language of instruction, and the name and email of the team mentor.

2.5 The competition and selection process consist of two stages:

1. Registration and online selection (see Section 2.4; specific requirements may apply depending on the section). At this stage, participants complete the registration forms and undergo an online evaluation of their projects to ensure compliance with the competition criteria.
2. Final stage, which will take place at Spectrum School in Astana in March 2026. At this stage, participants present their projects in person to the jury and other participants. They also take part in concluding events such as workshops, conferences, and the awards ceremony.

2.6 Rules for Changing Team Members

• Changes allowed only for objective reasons
• Mentor can be changed on Day 1 (March 25) during on-site registration
• A student who did not attend the final cannot receive a diploma, even if listed in the registration
  

3. Requirements for the Content and Formatting of Work

3.1 Team Leader Rights:
The team leader (teacher or other school representative) may register multiple projects and represent several teams simultaneously.

3.2 Eligibility for Participation:
Participation is open to:

• Teams of school students from Kazakhstan in grades 7–11 (12).
• Teams of international school students aged 10 to 18.

All eligible students may submit their projects for online registration through the official competition platform.

3.3 Competition Sections:
The competition consists of nine sections:

1. AI Programming
2. AI Hackathon
3. Hardware Control
4. Applied Science Projects
5. Computer Art AI
6. Short Movie
7. Arduino Hackathon
8. Drone Soccer
9. Startup

3.4 Documentation Requirements:
The project must be typed on a computer in MS Word format (.doc/.docx) using Times New Roman font, size 12 (14 is acceptable), on A4 sheets, and include:

• Title page;
• Table of contents;
• Abstract;
• Introduction;
• Research section;
• Conclusion;
• References.

The title page must include:

• Full name of the organization where the work was performed (city, school);
• Full name(s) of the author(s) and grade;
• Title of the work;
• Field and section of the work;
• Full name of the mentor;
• City (where the competition is held) and year.

The abstract (no more than 250 words) must include:

• The research objective;
• Hypothesis;
• Research stages and procedures;
• Methodology of the experiment;
• Novelty of the research and degree of independence;
• Results and conclusions;
• Practical applications of the results.

The introduction (no more than 2 pages) should reflect:

• Relevance of the topic;
• Objective(s) of the work;
• Brief methods for solving the tasks.

The research section (no more than 20 pages) must include:

• Analytical review of known results;
• Description of the methods for solving tasks;
• Results and discussion;
• Illustrations (graphs, photographs, drawings, diagrams).

References should be cited in square brackets, numbered sequentially as they appear in the text.

The conclusion (no more than 1 page) should include:

• Key results of the work;
• Conclusions and recommendations for using the results.

The references list should be formatted at the end of the work as follows:

• Author's last name and initials;
• Title of the article or book;
• Place of publication;
• Publisher (for books);
• Year of publication, issue number, and pages.

A mentor's review must assess the relevance of the topic, the author’s personal contribution, the work’s shortcomings, and provide recommendations.

Demonstration materials for the stand should not exceed 165×125 cm and must include text, graphics, photographs, diagrams, and conclusions.

IMPORTANT:
Each competition section may have its own unique documentation requirements. These specific rules override the standard requirements and are described in the appendices for each section. Participants must familiarize themselves with the specific requirements of their section before preparing their work.

3.5 Stand Requirements:
The top of the stand must include:

• Abstract, participant’s full name, age, school, city, and region
• Stand materials should reflect the content of the work and be aesthetically designed.

Allowed:

• Interior decorative elements
• Battery-powered LED lights
• Personal banners** if they fit into 165×125 cm
• Presentation materials, models, layouts

Forbidden:

• To decorate the outside of the stand
• Use noisy devices, smoke, open fire
• Install equipment that requires high voltage
• Use double-sided adhesive tape

The organizer provides:

• A booth
• 1 table
• 1 extension cable
• 2 chairs

3.6 Video Requirements:

• Videos must be uploaded to YouTube, with the link included in the documentation and on the stand.

3.7 Mentor Responsibilities:
The mentor must ensure that:

• The results are accurate.
• The work does not contain plagiarized material from dissertations, reports, or articles.
• The student has gained new knowledge and skills during the project.

3.8 Section-Specific Activities:

• AI Programming: Project presentation.
• AI Hackathon: On-site task execution.
• Hardware Control: Project defense.
• Applied Science Projects: Project presentation.
• Computer Art AI: Presentation and stand report.
• Short Movie: Submission for preliminary review.
• Arduino Hackathon: On-site task execution.
• Drone Soccer: Competition.
• Startup: Idea presentation and defense.

Projects that fail to meet these requirements may be rejected.

4. Prizes and Awards
4.1 Participants of the Competition are awarded participation certificates.

4.2 Winners are awarded diplomas of I, II, and III degrees.
The number of diplomas for each degree is determined based on the following proportion:

• 20% of the winners receive III-degree diplomas,
• 15% receive II-degree diplomas,
• 10% receive I-degree diplomas.

4.3 The ratio of diplomas I, II, and III degrees may be adjusted based on the quality of the submitted projects at the discretion of the jury and the Organizing Committee. If necessary, the proportion of awards may be increased or decreased.

4.4  Only ONE mentor per project receives a certificate. Participation certificates are issued to all officially registered students who were present at the final. Diplomas (I, II, III) are awarded only to participants who defended the project at the final.

5. Sections

5.1. AI Programming

You are expected to create an application that is beneficial to society, user-friendly, and reliable. The purpose of this category is to assess participants in the field of computer programming. You will need to be able to implement various algorithms and data structures and solve complex problems. You may use any programming or scripting language, such as C++, Java, Pascal, Python, or PHP.

This year, the competition particularly welcomes projects with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), recognizing the rapid advancements in this field and its substantial impact on society. Such projects are highly relevant, and the committee is inclined to favor solutions that incorporate AI. However, traditional projects that meet the competition criteria and demonstrate social value will also be considered.

General Criteria:
        • Documentation
        • Originality/creativity
        • Usefulness for society
        • Stand design
        • Oral presentation
        • Demonstration of programming skills
        • Design (UI/UX)

To participate, your project must be accepted by the registration committee.

Registration Criteria:
        • Quality of documentation (5 to 10 pages; documentation must be in English)
        • Video presentation of the project (upload the video to YouTube and send the link)
        • Full information about all participants
        • Link to the project repository on GitHub (must be publicly accessible)

The final evaluation, which takes place in Astana, consists of two stages.

The first stage is dedicated to project presentations. Each team member must be present; otherwise, the work will not be accepted. Delays in arriving for the defense are not allowed. The team will be allocated between 5 to 10 minutes to present the project (exact time will be announced one day before the presentation). The team must be prepared to adapt their presentation to any time limit, so it is recommended to prepare both a brief and a full version of the presentation. You must have all necessary materials for the presentation (such as computers, chargers, booklets, etc.). Please prepare the required presentation slides.

Additional Recommendations: Teams are encouraged to prepare a small brochure or handout with a brief description of the project, its unique features, and links to the documentation. This will help the jury recall the project after the presentation.

Important Note: In the final stage, your project must run on your local or remote server. If members of the jury or committee ask to see the code and explain its parts, you must be ready to do so.

The second stage involves the stand presentation. One of the jury members will secretly approach the stand throughout the day (be prepared; it could be anyone) and review the participants once again. Here, it is also important to be able to present your project and code. Additionally, the stand design plays an essential role and should be well thought-out and visually appealing.

Additional Rules:
        ● This year, projects with an artificial intelligence (AI) focus are encouraged, but traditional projects that meet other criteria are also accepted.
        ● Telegram bots and other integration applications are not accepted, except in cases where the project demonstrates a complex architecture and extensive functionality.
        ● The project must be complete by the time of the presentation, at least as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), with no critical errors or missing functionality. This will help the jury focus on high-quality and complete solutions.

Important Notes:
        ● Rules are subject to change.
        ● Projects from previous years or past competitions will not be accepted in their previous form.

5.2. AI Hackathon

Within the framework of INFOMATRIX-ASIA, we are once again launching a large-scale AI hackathon! This is a unique opportunity for students to showcase their skills in programming and development, as well as to integrate the latest artificial intelligence technologies into their projects. The hackathon will give participants the chance to work with leading mentors and AI professionals, helping them unlock their potential and enhance their projects.

In this hackathon, students are required to submit completed projects with CRUDL(read below) functionality (Create, Read, Update, Delete, List). In the first stage, participants will submit their projects online without any AI elements, as AI functions will be randomly assigned in the second stage.

If a project already includes AI features, they will be removed at the start of the offline event and replaced with those randomly assigned by the organizers. Important: AI features added prior to the offline stage will not be evaluated by the judges.

The second stage will be held offline in Astana. Here, participants will work under the guidance of experienced mentors, selected from top AI experts, who will be assigned to teams at random by the organizers. This approach creates equal conditions and provides each participant with a unique experience. Under their guidance, participants will integrate the specially assigned AI functions into their completed projects, significantly improving the quality and functionality.

Participation Criteria:

General Criteria:

• Quality of documentation
• Originality/creativity
• Societal impact
• Booth design
• Oral presentation
• Demonstration of programming skills
• Interface design (UI/UX)

Hackathon Stages:

Online Selection: Participants submit their completed projects with CRUDL(read below) functionality. Projects should be well-documented and include a short video presentation demonstrating the main features of the project.

Final Evaluation (Astana): The final stage consists of three parts.

1. First Stage: Collaborative work with mentors to add AI functions to the project. The available pool of AI functions will be announced in advance, and at the start of the hackathon, they will be randomly assigned to teams. Organizers will provide OpenAI API keys that teams can use in their development.
2. Second Stage: Project presentations. All team members must be present for the project defense; otherwise, the project will not be accepted. Teams will have between 5 and 10 minutes for the presentation (exact time will be announced a day before). Teams should be prepared to adapt their presentation to any duration, so preparing both a short and full version is recommended. All necessary presentation materials, such as computers, chargers, brochures, and slides, should be ready and available.
   Additional Recommendations: Teams are encouraged to prepare a small brochure or handout with a brief description of the project, its unique features, and links to documentation. This will help judges remember the project after the presentation.
   Important Note: At the final stage, your project should run on a local or remote server. In case the judges or committee members ask to show and explain specific parts of the code, the team should be prepared to do so.

Additional Rules:

• Telegram bots and other integration-based applications are not accepted unless the project has a complex architecture and extensive functionality.
• The project should be complete by the time of the presentation in the form of a minimum viable product (MVP), with no critical errors or missing functionality. This helps judges focus on high-quality, finished solutions.

Important Notes:

• Rules are subject to change
• Projects from previous years or past competitions will not be accepted in their original form.

*What is CRUDL?

CRUDL is an acronym representing the fundamental operations commonly used in application development and database management. It stands for:

• C - Create: Adding new data.
• R - Read: Retrieving data.
• U - Update: Modifying existing data.
• D - Delete: Removing data.
• L - List: Displaying a list of data.

Examples of CRUDL implementation:

1. To-Do List Application:

• Create: A user adds a new task ("Buy groceries").
• Read: Tasks are displayed on the screen.
• Update: A user edits a task, such as adding a due date.
• Delete: A user removes a completed task.
• List: All tasks are displayed in a list.

2. Library Management Application:

• Create: Adding a new book to the catalog (e.g., "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone").
• Read: Viewing details of a book (title, author, year of publication).
• Update: Modifying book information, such as adding a description.
• Delete: Removing a book from the database.
• List: Displaying a list of all books in the library.

3. E-commerce Application:

• Create: An admin adds a new product to the catalog.
• Read: A user views product details.
• Update: An admin updates product information, such as its price or description.
• Delete: Removing a product no longer available for sale.
• List: A user browses through the product catalog.

Why is CRUDL important?

These operations form the backbone of most applications that work with data. Implementing CRUDL ensures a functional minimum viable product (MVP), providing a strong foundation to incorporate more advanced features, such as artificial intelligence.

Recommendations for Hackathon Participants:

1. Simplicity and Functionality: In the initial stage, focus on ensuring your project efficiently executes CRUDL operations without errors.
2. Comprehensive Documentation: Clearly explain how CRUDL functions are implemented in your project.
3. Video Presentation: Demonstrate how users perform create, read, update, delete, and list operations within your application.

These basic operations will serve as the core of your project and will enable seamless integration of AI features during the second stage of the hackathon, enhancing innovation and usefulness.

5.3. Hardware Control

In this section, you are expected to create software that controls or interacts with an electronic or mechanical device. You have the freedom to choose almost any type of device! Ideally, you’ll assemble an original device using any spare parts and tools available to you. However, it must include a software component that interacts with the hardware.

It is highly recommended that your project benefits people and the industry as well by providing a service or functionality that makes life easier. The only limit is your imagination!

Registration Requirements:

• Project Documentation: Detailed documentation explaining your project. The written report must be in English and submitted in MS Word format, (as .doc/.docx file), using “Times New Roman” font size 12 in A4 format.
• Video Presentation: Upload a video presentation to YouTube and share the link.
• Program Code Link: Upload your program code to GitHub with clear documentation

Final Evaluation:

The Final evaluation consists of two stages.

The First stage is dedicated to project presentations. Each team member must be present; otherwise, the work will not be accepted. You must have all necessary materials for the presentation (such as computers, chargers, booklets, etc.). Please prepare the required presentation slides. Additional recommendation - teams are encouraged to prepare a small brochure or handout with a brief description of the project, its unique features. This will help the jury recall the project.

The Second stage involves the stand presentation. One of the jury members will secretly approach the stand throughout the day (be prepared; it could be anyone) and review the participants once again. Here, it is also important to be able to present your project. Additionally, the stand design plays an essential role and should be well thought-out and visually appealing.

General Criteria:

• Documentation (participants should bring one copy of the printed entire project and prepare a presentation.)
• Presentation
• Participants should be able to answer the judge’s questions about their work (Arduino, sensors, etc.)
• Originality and Creativity
• Practical Benefits to Society
• Stand Design about their project
• Oral Presentation Skills ( on the day of the competition, students will be invited to attend a 10 minute interview conducted by a panel of judges. )

After presenting, teams will receive points based on these criteria, which will influence their advancement in the competition.

Important Reminders:

• Ensure your presentation setup (stands, computers, chargers, booklets, etc.) is ready before the presentation day, as there will be no extra time provided.
• Participants must not plagiarize the work of others. If the contents of any books or other references are quoted in the report, the details of the sources, such as the names of the books or the URLs of websites, must be indicated.
• Rules may change.
• Projects from previous years will not be accepted.

5.4. Applied Science Projects

The applied science project challenges participants to apply scientific concepts from any field whether biology, mathematics, chemistry, geography, or physics to solve real-world problems. Projects might include developing prototypes, creating technology to address environmental or social issues, or designing experiments to explore scientific principles. Successful projects will showcase scientific knowledge and technical skills while addressing societal challenges, offering a unique chance to make a positive impact.

Registration Requirements:

• Project Documentation: Detailed documentation explaining your project. The written report must be in English and submitted in MS Word format, (as .doc/.docx file), using “Times New Roman” font size 12 in A4 format.
• Video Presentation: Upload a video presentation to YouTube and share the link.

Final Evaluation:

The Final evaluation consists of two stages.

The First stage is dedicated to project presentations. Each team member must be present; otherwise, the work will not be accepted. You must have all necessary materials for the presentation (such as computers, chargers, booklets, etc.). Please prepare the required presentation slides. Additional recommendation - teams are encouraged to prepare a small brochure or handout with a brief description of the project, its unique features. This will help the jury recall the project.

The Second stage involves the stand presentation. One of the jury members will secretly approach the stand throughout the day (be prepared; it could be anyone) and review the participants once again. Here, it is also important to be able to present your project. Additionally, the stand design plays an essential role and should be well thought-out and visually appealing.

General Criteria:

• Documentation (participants should bring one copy of the printed entire project and prepare a presentation.)
• Presentation
• Participants should be able to answer the judge’s questions about their work
• Originality and Creativity
• Practical Benefits to Society
• Hardware complexity: Utilization of hardware resources and how well they are integrated into a reliable, functioning system.
• Software complexity: The sophistication of the algorithm or control logic.
• Stand Design about their project
• Oral Presentation Skills ( on the day of the competition, students will be invited to attend a 10 minute interview conducted by a panel of judges. )

After presenting, teams will receive points based on these criteria, which will influence their advancement in the competition.

Important Reminders:

• Ensure your presentation setup (stands, computers, chargers, booklets, etc.) is ready before the presentation day, as there will be no extra time provided.
• Participants must not plagiarize the work of others. If the contents of any books or other references are quoted in the report, the details of the sources, such as the names of the books or the URLs of websites, must be indicated.
• Rules may change.
• Projects from previous years will not be accepted.

5.5 Computer Art AI
(The term “AI-Assisted” was chosen because, in this category, artificial intelligence serves as a supportive and enhancing tool rather than the primary creator. Core elements such as concept development, composition, stylistic decisions, editing, and overall artistic direction remain driven by human creativity.
Alternative terms such as AI-Generated, AI-Driven, and AI-Based were considered less accurate:

• AI-Generated implies that the work is created entirely by AI;
• AI-Driven suggests that AI is the main force directing the project;
• AI-Based indicates that the project is fundamentally built on AI technology.
  Compared to these options, AI-Assisted most accurately reflects the collaborative nature of human creativity supported by AI tools.

The term “Visual Communication” was selected because it naturally unites two distinct creative fields—Animation (including 2D, 3D, and motion work) and Graphic Design—under one professional domain. Both areas share a common purpose: to convey ideas, meaning, and emotion through visual expression. “Visual Communication” precisely describes this shared foundation and allows both categories to be evaluated fairly within a unified framework.)

Computer Art AI includes visual works created with the support of artificial intelligence tools as part of the creative process. This category focuses on two accepted formats:
AI-Assisted Animation and AI-Assisted Graphic Design.
AI must be used meaningfully in each project, while the core artistic decisions, composition, and final refinement must remain the student's own work.

You may use any creative software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender, After Effects, etc.
Animations should not exceed 5 minutes. Artwork should communicate a clear idea or message.

Registration Requirements

To participate, submit the following:

• A video presentation of your project (upload to YouTube and share the link)
• Detailed information about your project, including how AI was used
• Full participant information
• Time spent on the project and the programs/tools used

Judging Criteria

Your work will be evaluated on these aspects:

1. Visual Quality

• Explanation: Your artwork or animation should be visually coherent, polished, and well-composed, with thoughtful use of color, layout, and style.
• Tip: Focus on clarity, balance, and detail to strengthen the overall visual impact.

2. Impact and Message

• Explanation: The work should express a clear idea or emotion and leave a meaningful impression on the viewer.
• Tip: Consider what story or message you want to convey, and use visual elements to reinforce it.

3. Originality and Creativity

• Explanation: Judges will look for fresh ideas, unique visual approaches, and creative use of AI tools.
• Tip: Explore inventive concepts and avoid overly common themes or styles.

4. AI Integration

• Explanation: AI must be used responsibly and purposefully. The project should show a balanced combination of AI assistance and the participant’s own creative contribution.
• Tip: Clearly demonstrate what AI generated and what you refined, designed, or created manually.

5. Technical Skills

• Explanation: This criterion evaluates how effectively you use digital tools—such as layering, motion, effects, or 3D/2D techniques—to enhance your final piece.
• Tip: Highlight your technical strengths and ensure the final output is clean and professional.

6. Oral Presentation

• Explanation: You must explain your process, show how AI was used, and describe your artistic decisions.
• Tip: Practice presenting confidently and clearly.

7. Stand Design

• Explanation: Your display should support and elevate the theme of your work, helping the audience understand your concept.
• Tip: Arrange your stand thoughtfully to highlight key elements of your project.

Presentation Requirements

Projects must be presented in two stages:

1. Stands

Set up a display of your artwork for review.

2. Presentation for the Jury

Each team member must be present for the presentation.
Teams have 10 minutes for the presentation and 5 minutes for Q&A.

Please prepare all necessary materials in advance (computers, chargers, booklets, etc.).

Important Notes

1. Rules are subject to change.
2. Projects from previous years or past competitions will not be accepted.
3. Fully AI-generated works without meaningful author input will not be accepted.

5.6. Short Movie

The Short Movie category focuses on creating a complete visual story using moving images and sound. The purpose of this category is to assess participants’ abilities in filmmaking, including shooting, directing, and editing a short film. Submitted works must demonstrate a clear narrative structure and solid technical quality in both production and post-production.

Submission of music videos, social media clips, social experiments, or similar formats is strictly prohibited.

Priority Topics

Films created based on the topics listed below will be given priority consideration by the jury. Films based on other topics may still advance and receive awards, however, they will not be eligible for First Place.

• The Future of AI in Everyday Life
• Balancing Tradition and Modernity
• Living with AI Companions
• Burnout Generation
• Misunderstanding between youth and elders
• Reclaiming native language
• The cost of appearing successful
• Old customs in modern contexts
• Identity beyond social media
• Life beyond grades and rankings.

Submission Requirements

• Upload         a 3–5 minute short film, created entirely by the team, to YouTube, including a brief description.
• The film must include:

• A pen and a notebook         visible on screen
• The spoken phrase “Excuse me”
• The exact timestamp of this moment must be specified in the video description.        

• Submit         a behind-the-scenes (backstage) video         (2–3 minutes maximum), showing the filming process.

• The backstage video must include photos or footage with the names of all team members who participated in the production.
• The filming process must be clearly visible.        

Originality and Eligibility

• Submitting films from previous         years or films not created by the registered team is strictly prohibited. Violation of this rule will result in immediate disqualification, and no team member will be allowed to participate in other teams.        
• The submitted film must be an original work. While inspiration from existing works is allowed, direct copying is prohibited. The script, concept, and final film must be created exclusively by the team.
  

Judging Criteria

Films will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Ability         to develop a complete, coherent, and engaging script
• Video         shooting skills         (camera work, framing, stability)
• Video         and audio editing quality, including:

• Timing         and pacing
• Color correction
• Exposure and lighting
• Sound         quality and sound effects

• Originality and creativity
• Relevance and engagement of the chosen topic
• Stand Presentation (Stand Check)

1. Concept & Message — 25 points

The following aspects are evaluated:

• Originality of the idea
• Depth and clarity of meaning
• Clarity of the message conveyed
• Relevance to the contest theme

2. Storytelling & Script — 20 points

The evaluation is based on:

• Logical structure of the story
• Presence of a clear beginning, development, and conclusion
• Dramatic progression and pacing
• Overall         coherence of the narrative

3. Directing & Creativity — 15 points

Judges assess:

• Authorial vision and creative approach
• Use of original and non-standard solutions
• Effective use of visual language
• Ability         to express ideas through cinematic techniques

4. Acting / Character Development — 15 points

The following are evaluated:

• Credibility and authenticity of characters
• Emotional expression, facial expressions, and body language
• Consistency of performances with the storyline

5. Technical Quality — 15 points

Judges consider:

• Image and video quality
• Sound quality (dialogue, music, ambient sound)
• Editing and transitions
• Overall         technical accuracy and polish

6. Impact & Emotional Effect — 10 points

The evaluation focuses on:

• Emotional impact on the audience
• Memorability of the film
• Ability         to provoke reflection or discussion after viewing

5.7. Arduino Hackathon: Robot Football

Robotics Hackathon is a robotics competition in the robot football format. Teams build two robots based on the ESP32 38pin and compete in 2 vs 2 matches.

1. Participant Selection

Stage 1: Video Presentation

Teams upload a presentation video to YouTube and send the link to the registration platform.

What to show in the video:

• Experience in assembling similar robots
• Ability to work with ESP32 38pin, ZK5AD driver, and motors

Stage 2: Final

Based on the video assessment, 10 finalist teams are selected and invited to the in-person competition.

2. Team

Composition: 3 participants + 1 mentor (teacher)

Roles during the match:

• 2 participants — operators (control the robots)
• 1 participant — substitute/strategist (can be changed)

Mentor:

• Can only assist before the competition
• Assistance is prohibited during the competition

Important:

• Only participants design, build, and program the robots
• It is allowed to use AI and the Internet
• Organizers will ask questions about the code and prompts — you need to understand and explain your implementation

3. Robot

Requirements

Each team builds 2 robots. The maximum dimensions of one robot are 20 × 30 × 20 cm (width × length × height). 5 hours are given for assembly. Control is via Bluetooth or WiFi (built into the ESP32 38pin).

Mechanisms

Allowed:

• Kicker (striking mechanism)
• Mini-claws up to 2 cm (only brief grabbing for striking/passing)
• Bumper for pushing the ball

Prohibited:

• Holding the ball for more than 3 seconds
• Lifting the ball above the field
• Taking the ball inside the robot
• Blocking or damaging opponent's robots

4. Component Kit (×2 per team)

Electronics

Mechanics

Power

Fasteners

Tools and Other

5. Field and Match

Field

Field size — 1.20 × 2.40 m. The field has 2 goals and a center point and robot starting positions marked. Ball — golf ball.

Tournament

Format — Round-robin (all against all). 10 teams, 45 matches total, 9 matches per team.

Match

Format — 2 vs 2. Duration — 4 minutes (2 halves of 2 minutes). Teams swap sides after the first half.

Violations

• Holding the ball for more than 3 seconds — the ball is given to the opponent
• Lifting the ball — warning, penalty upon repetition
• Blocking an opponent's robot — penalty
• Rough play — yellow or red card

6. Grading System

Maximum — 100 points.

• Game Points — 40 points
• Assembly Time — 20 points
• Engineering Solution — 10 points
• Robot Design — 10 points
• Presentation — 10 points
• Bonus Points — 10 points

Game Points (max. 40 points)

For a win — 3 points, for a draw — 1 point, for a loss — 0 points.

Points are distributed proportionally to the points earned. The team with the most points receives 40 points, the rest proportionally less.

Assembly Time (max. 20 points)

• Less than 3 hours — 20 points
• 3:00 – 3:29 — 16 points
• 3:30 – 3:59 — 12 points
• 4:00 – 4:29 — 8 points
• 4:30 – 4:59 — 4 points
• 5 hours or more — 0 points

Engineering Solution (max. 10 points)

The jury assesses the reliability of the structure, efficiency of movement, quality of the code, and mechanism operation.

Robot Design (max. 10 points)

The jury assesses creativity, quality of laser cutting, aesthetics, and functionality.

Presentation (max. 10 points)

The jury assesses the understanding of the code and implementation, answers to questions, and explanation of the prompts used (if AI was used).

Bonus Points (max. 10 points)

• Team Uniform — up to 4 points
• Workstation Decoration — up to 4 points
• Team Spirit — up to 2 points

In case of a tie

The winner is determined by:

1. Assembly Time (faster = better)
2. Number of Goals Scored
3. Engineering Solution Score

7. Laser Cutting

Organizers provide a laser machine for cutting custom parts: claws, mechanisms, mounts, bumper, decor.

The design can be prepared in advance at home or drawn on-site. Cutting is performed only by the organizers.

8. Recommendations

Preparation:

• Practice assembling the robot before the competition
• Practice control and coordination of the two operators
• Test the mechanisms with a golf ball

During the competition:

• Immediately put the batteries on charge — they will charge while you assemble
• Test modules after assembly

Conduct:

• Help other teams if it doesn't interfere with you
• Conflicts are prohibited

9. Equipment from Participants

Each team brings their own laptop for programming and control.

5.8 Drone Soccer by FIDA rules (Short Version - Class 20)

1. Game Overview

FIDA DroneSoccer is a dynamic 5v5 drone competition combining aerial robotics and soccer. Players fly drones enclosed in protective spherical cages, aiming to score by flying through a ring-shaped goal. Only drones marked as Strikers may score. Other players serve as Guides (defenders).

2. Arena

●           Size: 8m x 4m, height ~3m.

●           Goals: Two suspended rings (diameter 30 cm inner / 50 cm outer), positioned 1.8–2.2 m above the floor.

3. Drones

●           Type: FIDA Skykick Class 20 only (diameter ~20 cm, max 110g).

●           Must have protective spherical frame.

●           No external add-ons allowed; all parts must be secured.

●           Only approved LiPo 4S batteries are allowed.

●           Each drone must display team LED colors and role markings (green for Striker, pink for Guide).

4. Teams

●           Up to 5 players per team per match (max 2 Strikers).

●           Minimum 3 players required to play.

●           Up to 3 coaches allowed (not pilots).

●           Substitutions allowed only between sets.

5. Equipment

●           Each player must use their assigned drone and remote controller.

●           No signal boosters or interference devices allowed.

●           Replacement drones must be used only between sets.

●           Team members must wear identifying apparel (e.g., bib, hat, badge).

6. Match Format

●           Best of 3 sets, each set lasts 3 minutes.

●       5-minute break between sets.

●           Teams stay on the same side throughout unless decided otherwise by the referee.

●           Start and stop controlled by head referee.

7. Scoring & Rules

●           Only Striker drones may score.

●           A goal counts if the Striker fully passes through the opponent's goal from front to back.

●           Offside Rule: After each goal attempt (even failed), all drones must return to their own half before next attack.

●           Only aerial contact is allowed. Touching drones by hand or switching pilots mid-set is forbidden.

8. Penalties & Violations

●           Yellow Card (Warning): 2 warnings = penalty goal for opponent.

●           Red Card (Set Loss): Serious violations like unauthorized drone use or repeated misconduct.

●           Disqualification (Match Loss): Extreme cases like physical altercations or use of unregistered players.

9. Tie Resolution

●           If tied after 3 sets, a 4th set or penalty shootout may be played.

●           Penalty Shootout: 1-on-1 (Striker vs. Goalie) attempts; 5 seconds per attempt.

10. Referees

●           A head referee and assistants oversee matches.

●           All decisions by the head referee are final.

11. Super Pilot Category

●           Individual skill challenge: maneuvering, accuracy, obstacle avoidance.

●           1–2 players per team may enter.

For full official rules, visit: https://www.dronesoccer.org/.

5.9. Startup

Selection Criteria:

1. Innovative Idea: The project must offer an innovative solution to an existing problem or create a new product.

2. Feasibility: The idea must be technically feasible using current technologies. Projects at the minimum viable product (MVP) stage will have priority over projects at the concept stage.

3. Market Potential: The project must demonstrate an understanding of the market size using three metrics: TAM (the entire possible market), SAM (the portion of the market that can realistically be targeted), and SOM (the share of the market that can be conquered in the near future). Teams must conduct an analysis of market trends and the potential customer base to show how many customers they can attract and how much revenue they can generate. Sources for evaluation may include research from Statista, McKinsey, and other analytical agencies.

4. Teamwork: The team's ability to collaborate is assessed, as well as the individual achievements and unique skills of each team member that contribute to the success of the project. Teams must demonstrate what their "superpower" is - the unique talents or experience they bring to the project.

Selection process:

1. Application: Fill out the form and attach a completed pitch deck.

2. Pre-selection: Experts evaluate applications for compliance with the main criteria.

3.⁠ ⁠Final: The final takes place on stage in front of the jury and the audience. The Pitching time limit is strictly 5 minutes. After the time has elapsed, the microphone will be turned off. This is followed by a question and answer session lasting from 2 to 5 minutes.

Project evaluation:

1. Innovation (25%): Originality of the idea and approach.

2. Feasibility (25%): Technical and financial feasibility of the project, with priority for projects at the MVP stage.

3.⁠ ⁠Market potential (25%): The project should demonstrate an understanding of the market size using three metrics: TAM (the entire possible market), SAM (the part of the market that can realistically be targeted), and SOM (the market share that can be conquered in the near future).

4.⁠ ⁠Presentation and pitching (25%): The quality of the presentation and the ability to convincingly present the project, showing its advantages and potential to the jury and potential investors. How the participant answered the jury's questions.