About AXGO
Application Guidebook
AXGO (AX Global Olympiad) Seoul International 2026
The premier global competition where young innovators showcase groundbreaking solutions. Join students worldwide at Sogang University this July 13~15, 2026.
Invention
Research
AI Solutions
Social Innovation
📍 Location
Sogang University, Seoul's creative Hongdae district
🌏 Who Can Join
High school & university students globally
📅 When
July 2026 — Three days of competition and cultural immersion
AX-GO Seoul: Why Join?
Present real inventions, research, and AI solutions on an international academic stage—then experience Seoul's youth culture hub, Hongdae.
🌍 International Academic Stage
  • Reviewed by university professors + global industry judges
  • Expo-style demos + formal presentations
  • Meet teams from 5+ countries
🎓 3 Top Univ. Campus Tour+ Hongdae Field Trip
  • Hosted at Sogang University
  • Explore Yonsei · Ewha · Sogang—all nearby in one afternoon
  • Hongdae = food, shopping, youth culture (perfect for short-form content)
🧪 Open Innovation — Any Discipline
Choose your track:
  • Inventions / Prototypes
  • Research & Experiments
  • AI Solutions / Systems
Engineering, science, design, education—every field belongs here.
✅ What you leave with: Global feedback · Academic recognition · International network · Seoul experience
Why Seoul / Why Hongdae
Academic excellence meets creative culture — all in one district
🎓 3 Top Universities Cluster (Half-day Walk/Transit)
Sogang • Yonsei • Ewha — a rare 'campus triangle' for academic exchange
🏙️ Hongdae = Easy K-Culture Access
Food streets, youth culture, shopping — all within minutes
🌐 Perfect for Global Networking & Content
Campus + expo + street culture moments in one area

Seoul's only district where world-class universities meet Korea's most vibrant youth culture.
Content Creator's Paradise
Hongdae transforms every moment into viral content. Neon-lit streets provide perfect backdrops. Street performers create dynamic scenes. Trendy cafés offer Instagram-worthy spots.
Walk five minutes in any direction. You'll find content gold. Your team's project documentation becomes a visual story. Every meal, every break, every celebration—ready for Reels and Shorts.
"The energy of Hongdae doesn't just inspire—it creates content naturally."
Who Is AX-GO For?
✅ If You Have Any of These, You Belong Here
🔬 Researchers / Experiment
Agricultural innovations, health solutions, environmental studies. Social impact projects that change communities.
🔧 Inventors / Demo (Prototype)
Hardware prototypes, sustainable tech, medical devices. Community tools that solve real problems.
💡 Builders / Digital services
Apps, AI tools, automation workflows. If you solve a genuine problem, we want to see it.
🎬 Creators / AI Arts (Videos, Movies)
Short films, music videos, animations created with AI tools. Storytelling through AI-powered video generation.
🎓 Students From Everywhere
  • Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Korea — and beyond
  • Middle school, high school, university levels all welcome
  • Solo participants or teams — collaborate your way
What You Need
✅ A clear problem you're solving
✅ Evidence your solution works — data, prototype, or pilot results
✅ Ability to explain and demonstrate your innovation effectively
What You DON'T Need
❌ Advanced coding skills
❌ AI experience
❌ Expensive equipment
❌ A fully finished product
📅 Your 3-Day Experience
1
Day 0: Booth Setup (from 3:00 PM)
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Booth setup & tech check
  • What happens: Table/board setting, demo readiness, QR printing, power & Wi-Fi test
  • Goal: Be fully ready for Day 1 exhibition opening
2
Day 1: Opening + Exhibition & Judging Begins
  • Morning: Check-in & Opening Session
  • Afternoon: Exhibition opens + judging begins (live demos at booths)
  • Evening: Welcome Night Dinner (Hongdae)
Note: Day 1 is the official start of competition evaluation.
3
Day 2: Exhibition + Presentations
  • Morning: Exhibition continues + final judging interactions
  • Afternoon: Stage presentations (demo + pitch sessions)
  • End of Day: Final scoring closes
Note: Day 2 is your strongest moment for showcasing results.
4
Day 3: Awards Ceremony (9:00 AM)
  • 9:00 AM: Awards Ceremony
  • 12:00 PM: Group photos & closing
  • After: Departure / free schedule
(Morning only)

💡 Pro tip: Finish your booth setup on Day 0—so Day 1 can start smoothly and judging can focus on your demo.
Pro tip: Many articipants extend their stay to explore more of Seoul and connect with new friends!
Explore K-Culture in Hongdae
AXGO didn't choose Hongdae by accident — we prepared the city as your playable stage.
Exploration Base: Location: Hongdae Entrance (Hongdae-ipgu) — Korea's youth culture street: food, fashion, street art, nightlife.
🍜 Street Food Hunt
Try 2 local dishes + 1 street snack. Share your favorite bite.
🛍️ K-Style Discovery
Find one item that represents Korean youth culture. Snap a photo.
🎥 Create Your Seoul Story
Film a 15–30s clip: your team, your idea, or a K-culture moment.
🎶 Capture the Vibe
Find a street performance or a lively spot. Record a 5-second clip.

AX GO prepares the experience — you explore it your way.
All activities are optional, safe, and designed for international participants.
Organized by Leading Institutions
AX-GO is a flagship international program. Built by world-class institutions committed to youth innovation.
🏛️ Sogang University
One of Korea's top 5 universities. Leading research in AI, engineering, and social innovation.
International hub with 1,500+ exchange students annually. Prime Hongdae location.
🌏 PAIA — Practical AI Association
Korea's premier association for practical AI and innovation. Led by Sogang University faculty.
Network of 50+ universities and industry partners. Focus: turning research into real-world solutions.
🇺🇸 AI-JAM US & Hacker Dojo
Silicon Valley-based innovation network. Connects top talent to US tech ecosystem.
Pathway to internships, accelerators, and mentorship. Host of AX-GO Global Finals in California.
🎯 What This Means for You
  • Your work evaluated by world-class judges
  • Top performers invited to Silicon Valley finals
  • Networking with industry sponsors and partners
  • Certificates recognized by universities and employers
Four Tracks — Choose What Fits Your Work
Every innovation has a home. Select the track that best showcases your project's strengths.
Track A: Invention & Prototype
Show us what you built. Hardware, concept models, prototypes — any field welcome.
Judged on:
  • Originality of solution
  • Feasibility and execution
  • Demonstration quality
Track B: Research & Findings
Present your research with evidence. Agriculture, health, environment, social impact — all fields accepted.
Judged on:
  • Clear research question
  • Sound methodology
  • Evidence and discussion
Track C: AI-Powered Solutions
Built with AI tools? Show your workflow. Apps, automation, AI agents that solve real problems.
Judged on:
  • User problem clarity
  • Working demonstration
  • Toolchain documentation
Track D: AI arts (Videos, Movies)
Created with AI video tools? Show your creative work. Short films, music videos, animations — storytelling through AI.
Judged on:
  • Creative vision and storytelling
  • AI tool integration
  • Production quality and originality
🏆 Recognition & Awards
Grand Prix Award
Best Overall Project across all tracks
Gold, Silver, Bronze Awards
Best in each competition category
Special Jury Prizes
Innovation, Social Impact, and more
Certificates
Official recognition for all participants
Silicon Valley Invitations
Top performers join December 2026 finals in California
How to Join
Ready to showcase your innovation in Seoul? The application process is simple and straightforward.
1
Step 1: Submit Application
Fill out the online form with your project details and team information.
2
Step 2: Wait for Review
Our team reviews applications. You'll receive confirmation within 2 weeks.
3
Step 3: Pay Registration Fee
Once accepted, complete your registration payment to secure your spot.
4
Step 4: Prepare for Seoul
Receive your event kit, schedule, and start preparing your presentation.
Ready to Join?
Applications are now open for AX-GO Seoul International 2026.
Don't miss this opportunity to compete globally and experience Seoul's creative energy.
💰 Registration Details
Registration fee covers venue access, competition materials, and welcome dinner.
Financial support may be available for qualifying participants.

Questions? Contact our team for more information about tracks, travel arrangements, or application requirements.