Competition Details

Eligibility and Entry

1. Contestants must be HKUST students for the academic year 2025/2026.
2. Competition entries must be submitted in English.
3. Submissions for preliminary entries should include:
   • Public view link to a 3-5 minute audition video.
   • Program notes (maximum 400 words and 1 A4 page).
4. Click here to submit your entry.

Important Dates:

1. Preliminary round submission deadline: 23:59, 28 June 2026
2. Announcement of finalists shortlist: 10 July 2026
3. Finals and prize-giving ceremony: 21 August 2026

Prizes

1. Top performances at the finals event will be eligible for the following prizes:[1]
   • Grand Prize (HKD5000)
   • Best Presenter (HKD2500)
   • Best Communicator (HKD2500)
   • Most Creative (HKD2500)
2. All finalists will receive a certificate of participation.

Competition Guidelines

We welcome any submissions that demonstrate science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics concepts, principles, or theories in engaging and creative ways accessible to the general public. Usage of props, live demos, visual aids, diagrams, and any other tools needed for presentation are welcome.

Preliminary Round

1. The 3-5 minute audition video should show the contestant performing a live demonstration that illustrates a concept or experiment related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics.
2. Points will be deducted from contestants if the entry exceeds 5 minutes. Entries considerably under 3 minutes will also be penalized.
3. Video entries should aim to achieve the following:
   • Communicate the chosen concept or experiment in a clear manner appropriate for a non-specialist audience.
   • Present the chosen concept in a manner that effectively engages audiences through effective showmanship.
   • Make creative use of framing, storytelling techniques, props, or visual aids in communicating the chosen concept or experiment.
4. The program notes (maximum 400 words and 1 A4 page) should include:
   • Any relevant diagrams, images, or graphs presented in the demonstration.
   • Citations for scientific concepts and facts introduced.
   • An explanation of how the chosen demonstration echoes the competition theme, “Nova”, and its connotations of innovation and exploration.
5. The entry form includes a mandatory AI usage disclosure. You should state any use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, generative image/video tools, script assistance tools) and specify which parts of your preparation involved AI (e.g., idea generation, script drafting, refining explanations, images or illustrations).
6. The organizer’s decisions regarding selection of finalists are final.

Finals Round

1. Performances at the final round should be strictly kept within 5 minutes. Overrunning performances will be penalized.
2. Finalists will be asked to confirm their attendance at the finals event. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
3. Finalists will be required to submit a Health & Safety Risk Assessment Form for their performance in order to ensure safety and compliance on the day.
4. Further details regarding requirements and preparations for the Finals Round will be communicated to finalists, who are asked to co-operate fully with the organizers.
5. The adjudication panel’s decisions are final.

Judging Criteria 

Scientific Communication (40%)

• Appropriate usage of precise and accurate language without excessive jargon
• Cohesive, critical, and logical discussion of scientific concepts in plain English
• Includes credible sources, facts, and examples to back up claims
• Clear and sophisticated organization with effective and logical transitions
• Effective use of language techniques, e.g. analogy, metaphor, etc., in explanation

Showmanship and Audience Engagement(40%)

• Effectively engages audience through rapport, rhetoric, and persuasion
• Excellent showmanship to cultivate a ‘wow’ factor in demonstration
• Fluent, natural, and varied verbal delivery with effective body language
• Appropriate, sophisticated and thoughtful use of multimodality
• Confident and appropriate handling of audience participation and questions

Creativity and Innovativeness (20%)

• Originality in content and approach to the scientific topic being presented
• Unique and inventive framing of demonstration to enhance understanding
• Creativity in addressing potential audience questions or challenges
• Use of unexpected or novel materials and techniques that add flair and interest

Please see the Competition Rules & FAQs for more information.

[1] N.B. The Organizers reserve the right to award the prizes only when entries of sufficient merit are available.