International Mathematical Science Creativity Competition & Conference ‘4Dframe x Embodied AI: Play, Create, Interact’
The Foundation for the Advancement of STEAM (FAS), chaired by Dr. Shin Ki-hyun, announced that it will co-host the 20th International Mathematics and Science Creativity Competition & Conference (IMSCC 2026) with Korea National University of Education (KNUE) on October 30-31, 2026, in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea.
Now celebrating its 20th edition, IMSCC is an international educational event dedicated to discovering and nurturing students' creativity, scientific thinking, and problem-solving abilities through STEAM education, which integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
First launched in 2007 at the National Science Museum of Korea, the competition has evolved from a domestic student creativity contest into an international platform bringing together students, teachers, and researchers from countries around the world.
The theme of this year's competition is “4Dframe × Embodied AI: Play, Create, Interact!”
Using 4Dframe, an innovative educational construction system developed in South Korea, students apply mathematical principles and scientific concepts to create physical structures and incorporate artificial intelligence and robotics technologies to develop creative solutions to real-world problems.
This year, 233 teams have advanced to the finals across 12 competition categories.
During the final competition on October 31, students will present and demonstrate their original projects, which will be evaluated based on creativity, scientific inquiry, problem-solving capabilities, and other criteria.
Discovering Scientific Talent and Creativity — From Infants to University Students
IMSCC welcomes participants across a broad range of ages, from infants under the age of three participating in play-based activities to preschool children, elementary, middle, and high school students, university students, and adults participating in maker and capstone design competitions.
The competition also provides opportunities for students with special educational needs.
The 12 competition categories include play, creativity, mechatronics, analog and digital product making, invention making, and capstone design.
Participants develop their ideas into tangible projects, including environmentally friendly plant-growing devices, robots designed to deliver supplies to disaster-stricken areas, practical inventions for everyday life, and creative products incorporating artificial intelligence.
Beyond winning awards, IMSCC aims to identify students with exceptional abilities in mathematics and science at an early age and encourage them to pursue higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and related fields.
By identifying problems independently and repeatedly engaging in design, construction, experimentation, and improvement, students gain practical experience that helps develop the essential competencies of future scientists, engineers, and inventors.
International STEAM Teacher Awards, Academic Conference, and Student Forum
On October 30, the opening day of the event, the International STEAM Teacher Awards Ceremony and a welcoming event for overseas delegations will take place at Cheongram Art Hall, Korea National University of Education.
The International STEAM Teacher Awards recognize outstanding educators from Korea and abroad who have demonstrated innovative approaches to STEAM education and contributed to the advancement of creative and interdisciplinary learning.
On October 31, the main competition will be accompanied by an academic conference, an international student forum, and the International STEAM Education Festa.
At the academic conference, educators and researchers from Korea and overseas will present their research findings, educational achievements, and practical experiences in creative interdisciplinary education.
The International Student Forum will bring together students from different countries to engage in collaborative problem-solving activities related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The International STEAM Education Festa will provide an interactive platform where participating countries, student clubs, educational institutions, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can showcase educational achievements, exchange ideas, and experience innovative STEAM learning activities.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Expanding Educational Opportunities Regardless of Economic Circumstances
The Foundation for the Advancement of STEAM believes that access to science and technology education should not be limited by a family's financial circumstances or geographical location.
To address educational inequality, the Foundation carries out public-interest activities that provide children and youth with opportunities to explore their creativity and scientific potential.
Its major initiatives include organizing international mathematics and science competitions, promoting science and technology education through volunteer teaching and educational donations, supporting international educational cooperation, identifying promising young talent, providing scholarships, and facilitating academic research and exchanges in STEAM education.
The Foundation places particular emphasis on expanding educational opportunities in underserved communities and enabling talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in international competitions.
As part of this year's competition, FAS has invited a seven-member delegation of Filipino students, educators, and accompanying family members to Korea. The Foundation is supporting participation-related expenses, including airfare, for talented students who might otherwise face financial barriers to participating in an international educational event. This initiative has been made possible through the generous sponsorship of Sung Myung-ki, CEO of Yeo Eui Systems Co., Ltd. and former Chairman of the Korea Innovation Business Association (INNOBIZ), together with the support of Seongbok Central Church.
Thanks to their contributions, the seven-member Philippine delegation will have the opportunity to visit Korea, participate in international educational activities, and gain valuable experience in STEAM education and cross-cultural exchange. The sponsorship represents a meaningful commitment to ensuring that talented young people are given opportunities to grow and develop regardless of their economic circumstances.
It also contributes to strengthening educational cooperation between Korea and the Philippines.
Building on this initiative, the Foundation plans to develop sustainable models of educational philanthropy and corporate social responsibility through partnerships involving businesses, religious organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders.
Calling on Large Corporations and SMEs to Support the Next Generation of Science and Technology Leaders
In celebration of its 20th competition, the Foundation for the Advancement of STEAM is inviting large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), science and technology companies, educational institutions, and public organizations to participate in its educational sponsorship and social contribution initiatives.
The long-term competitiveness of advanced industries, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, information and communications technology, energy, and biotechnology, depends heavily on identifying and nurturing talented future scientists, engineers, and innovators.
FAS aims to connect corporate social responsibility programs with youth science education, talent discovery, and efforts to reduce educational disparities.
Corporations and institutions can participate in a variety of ways, including:
- Sponsoring the International Mathematics and Science Creativity Competition
- Supporting participation expenses for students from low-income families
- Donating science education materials and learning kits
- Providing scholarships to promising students
- Supporting STEAM education programs in underserved communities
- Offering industry-academic cooperation, career guidance, and professional mentoring programs
The Foundation for the Advancement of STEAM is a recognized public-interest foundation in South Korea, eligible to issue official donation receipts for qualifying contributions. Corporate and individual donors may receive applicable tax benefits in accordance with Korean tax laws.
Yang Hyo-sook, Director of the Foundation, stated, “Tomorrow's scientists and inventors are not born only in privileged environments. A child who discovers the joy of science through a simple educational construction kit may one day become a leader in science and technology, contributing to Korea and the world.”
She added, “We sincerely hope that large corporations and SMEs will take greater interest in supporting public-interest educational initiatives that identify future talent and expand learning opportunities for children and young people.”
Event Schedule and Visitor Information
The 20th International Mathematics and Science Creativity Competition & Conference will take place on October 30-31, 2026, at Korea National University of Education in Cheongju, South Korea.
Participation in the competition is free of charge.
The final competition will begin at 10 a.m. on October 31, with the awards ceremony scheduled to start at 4 p.m. Registration for finalists will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Detailed program schedules, lists of finalist teams, competition rules, and venue information are available on the official website.
Event Overview
- Event: 20th International Mathematics and Science Creativity Competition & Conference (IMSCC 2026)
- Dates: October 30 (Friday) - October 31 (Saturday), 2026
- Venue: Korea National University of Education, 250 Taeseongtapyeon-ro, Gangnae-myeon, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
- Co-hosts: Korea National University of Education (KNUE) and the Foundation for the Advancement of STEAM (FAS)
- Theme: 4Dframe × Embodied AI: Play, Create, Interact!
- Main Programs: International Mathematics and Science Creativity Competition, Academic Conference, International STEAM Teacher Awards, International Student Forum, and International STEAM Education Festa
- Participation Fee: Free
- Official Website: https://imscc.org
- Foundation Website: https://fasteam.or.kr
