2025 Press release #3
Mountains Crossed, Friendships Endure: IOAI 2025 Concludes in Beijing with Resounding Success
Beijing, August 8, 2025 — The second International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) officially concluded today at the Zhongguancun International Innovation Center in Beijing with a solemn flag handover ceremony, marking the end of a remarkable academic journey celebrating youth, innovation, and global collaboration.
The International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence was established on the initiative of Bulgaria, which hosted the inaugural edition in August 2024. Endorsed by the President of Bulgaria and Ministry of Education of Bulgaria, IOAI was developed in collaboration with leading global experts from institutions such as MIT, Oxford University, University of Copenhagen, and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). As the first high-level academic competition in AI for secondary school students, IOAI established a rigorous academic structure and joined the prestigious family of International Science Olympiads.
IOAI is a STEM competition designed to inspire, develop, and showcase the world’s most promising students in the field of artificial intelligence. Each year, the Olympiad focuses on different domains across the AI landscape. As an event dedicated to artificial intelligence, IOAI is also committed to engaging with the broader public on ethical issues and the future of AI, fostering responsible dialogue beyond the competition.
The first edition, held in Bulgaria, welcomed participants from over 30 countries and territories across six continents, with more than 40 teams—setting a record for the highest number of participating countries and territories in the inaugural edition of a science Olympiad.
The 2nd edition is endorsed by UNESCO and authorized to use its emblem, this prestigious event hosts 77 teams from 61 countries and regions, along with distinguished guests, embarking together on a journey exploring the future frontiers of artificial intelligence.
Bringing together some of the brightest young AI talents from around the world, IOAI 2025 served as a bridge of academic exchange and cultural dialogue. In the ancient capital–Beijing, students from diverse nations transcended linguistic and geographical boundaries, forming lasting friendships and weaving a tapestry where technology meets humanity, and the future unfolds in shared vision.
All teams at the Closing ceremony in Zhongguancun International Innovation Center in Beijing, China.
The closing ceremony opened with a short film capturing the event’s most memorable moments — from intense concentration during competitions to heartfelt interactions among participants, and the excitement of cultural discovery in China. These vignettes offered a vivid reflection of the one-week-long journey.
Student hosts Guo Siqi and Guo Man’er welcomed the audience in both Chinese and English, setting a warm and vibrant tone. The Dance Troupe of Beijing National Day School performed “Rhythms of Tradition”, showcasing the elegance and dynamism of Chinese cultural arts, and earning thunderous applause.
The Dance Troupe of Beijing National Day School performed “Rhythms of Tradition”.
Dr. Zhang Linfeng, Chairman of the Board of the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI), Founder and Chief Scientist of DP Technology, delivered an inspiring keynote speech. Drawing from his academic path at Peking University and Princeton University, Dr. Zhang traced the evolution of AI and outlined the challenges ahead.
He highlighted the concept of “rebuilding scientific infrastructure with AI,” using the Bohr Space Station project as a case study in collaborative innovation and talent development. He also emphasized the role of AI in interdisciplinary breakthroughs, such as environmental conservation. Addressing the young audience, he encouraged students to harness cutting-edge technologies in both research and real-world practice, urging them to write their own chapters in the era of AI.
Dr. Zhang Linfeng, Chairman of the Board of the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI), Founder and Chief Scientist of DP Technology, delivered an inspiring keynote speech.
The award ceremony unveiled the winners of the GAITE (Global AI Talent Empowerment) program, Team Challenge, and Individual Challenge — recognizing exceptional achievement in AI creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
GAITE: Promoting Global Equity in AI Education
This year’s featured program, GAITE, aimed to support countries and regions with limited access to science olympiads by offering participation opportunities, AI training, and access to global collaboration networks.
Team & Individual Challenges: Unlocking Young Minds
For the first time, IOAI adopted a dual model of “Team + Individual Challenges,” integrating real-world AI deployment and on-demand computational power to provide a transparent and engaging environment that stimulated students’ practical capabilities and innovative thinking.
Awards at IOAI 2025 in Beijing, China.
Following the award presentations, IOAI International Science Committee Chair Mr. Ali Sharif Zarchi and IOAI International Organizing Committee Chair Ms. Elena Marinova delivered closing remarks, commending the boundless potential demonstrated by the participants and praising Beijing National Day School for its meticulous organization and outstanding contributions. The International Organizing Committee presented the IOAI Outstanding Contribution Award to Principal Mr. Tian Jun and Dr. Mao Yong, in recognition of their pivotal role in advancing global youth exchange in AI education.
IOAI International Science Committee Chair Mr. Ali Sharif Zarchi; IOAI International Organizing Committee Chair Ms. Elena Marinova; The International Organizing Committee presenting the IOAI Outstanding Contribution Award to Principal Mr. Tian Jun and Dr. Mao Yong.
In his address, Mr. Wu Kai, Deputy District Mayor of Beijing Haidian district, emphasized that in Haidian, scientific inquiry is not only rooted in labs but also deeply intertwined with city life and the future. He invited young global talents to join Haidian’s thriving innovation ecosystem and explore new possibilities for collaboration and mutual growth.
Mr. Wu Kai, Deputy District Mayor of Beijing Haidian district.
At the ceremony’s conclusion, the IOAI flag was officially handed over to representatives of the United Arab Emirates, the next host country — symbolizing a seamless transition and a shared aspiration for continued partnership.
IOAI flag handover.
The success of IOAI 2025 was a collective achievement. The opening and closing ceremony teams delivered stunning audiovisual experiences; competition staff ensured smooth operations; multilingual volunteers offered outstanding support; accommodation and catering teams created a welcoming environment; cultural and enterprise visit teams showcased the richness of Chinese science and culture; and social event organizers fostered cross-cultural connections through vibrant parties and sports.
Every contributor, seen and unseen, played a vital role in shaping this unforgettable event.
As the closing ceremony came to an end amid bright smiles and heartfelt goodbyes, it became clear: while the event concludes, the friendships formed, and the sparks of innovation ignited here will continue to inspire global cooperation. IOAI 2025 may have drawn to a close, but the journey of international AI collaboration is only just beginning.
We look forward to the next chapter — open, inclusive, and driven by the vision and brilliance of youth across the world.
Hosted by: Beijing National Day School (BNDS) and ITCCC
Under the patronage of: UNESCO
Academically guided by: Zhongguancun Academy, and AI for Science Institute, Beijing
Guided by: Beijing Municipal Education Commission, Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, and Haidian District People’s Government of Beijing Municipality
Co-organized by: NOAI Organizing Committee
Industry partners include:
Local Platinum Sponsors: Huawei, Taobao and Tmall Group
Technology partners: Volcano Engine, DP Technology, Galbot (加尔博特), and NetEase Youdao.
International partners include:
Global Diamond Sponsor: IMC Group
Global Gold Sponsor: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
Local Gold Sponsor: Jane Street
Local Silver Sponsor (GAITE Program): TURING
For media inquiries, please contact: media@ioai-official.org