A new artificial intelligence competition running from September until the end of November will bring together technology enthusiasts from across the Kurdistan Region, with participants given six weeks to develop AI-based solutions to real-world problems.

The AI Olympiad 2026, organized by Ovanya in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Erbil, will be open to anyone aged 18 and above from Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja, and Kirkuk and the surrounding towns. No university degree, student status, or institutional affiliation will be required to apply.

Applications will be accepted throughout September, with around 100 participants expected to be shortlisted. Participants will initially apply individually before being placed into teams of up to three people.

Following a kickoff event in mid-September, teams will spend six weeks developing their projects, supported by online and in-person bootcamps as well as mentorship.

The three competition categories will be announced at the kickoff event, along with the rules and platform. Organizers said participants will be expected to develop functioning AI solutions rather than complete theoretical or examination-based tasks.

An expert panel will assess the completed projects in November and select the finalists. The winners will be announced at an awards gala and closing ceremony at the end of November.

There will be three winning teams, with each team receiving $10,000, meaning the total prize pool will be $30,000.

The winning teams will also have the opportunity to travel to South Korea and receive a job opportunity.