Become a YIS Judge

Become a YIS Judge

Youth from all across BC and the Yukon are creating their STEM innovations in preparation for the 2025 Youth Innovation Showcase, a competition that showcases the brilliant ideas and inventions from future scientists in our province and territory. As a STEM enthusiast and volunteer judge, you will meet with these youth in a virtual interview, hear about their projects and motivation, and provide feedback to inspire their curiosity and love of science.

You will be speaking to youth in BC and the Yukon between 12 and 19 years of age. These are young STEM enthusiasts who have discovered (or are just beginning to explore) their passion for science and technology. Your primary goal as a Youth Innovation Showcase judge is to inspire and support these youth by sharing your own knowledge, experience and passion for science, and providing feedback that they can use to further their understanding in STEM.

A background in science is recommended, but not necessary. With an emphasis on science and communication, the Youth Innovation Showcase pushes youth to develop the ability to explain their complex scientific theories and ideas to experts and investors in any industry.

The Youth Innovation Showcase is an entirely virtual event. Two judging rounds will take place virtually with judge scores and feedback submitted digitally via an online form. Sign up for one round or both. Judge instructional material is provided.

Semi-Finals

Judging for the Semi-Finals will involve reviewing the youth’s 45-Second Pitch Video and 1-Page Innovation Report, and participating in a virtual interview with a panel of other judges. The Semi-Final round of interviews will take place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Each interview will be approximately 20 minutes long. Scores must be submitted online by Friday, November 21 at 12PM PT.

Finals

Youth who make it through to the Finals round will be asked to submit an updated 90-Second Pitch Video and updated 1-Page Innovation Report. Judging for the Finals will involve reviewing these updated materials, as well as participating in a virtual interview with each Finalist. Interviews for the Finalists will take place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Each interview will be approximately 20 minutes long. Scores must be submitted online by Friday, January 16 at 12PM PT.

Awards Show

The winners of the 2025 Youth Innovation Showcase will be announced at the virtual Awards Show on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Become a Youth Innovation Showcase Judge

Help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators!

As a volunteer judge for the Youth Innovation Showcase, you will meet passionate youth (ages 12–19) from across BC and the Yukon, hear about their incredible STEM projects, and provide feedback that helps shape their journey in science and technology. No advanced science degree required – just your curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to share your experience.

Join us for one or both virtual judging rounds this year – and play a vital role in encouraging the bright young minds shaping the future of innovation.

Register Now

Judge Instructional Material

Thank you for being a part of the Youth Innovation Showcase! We are happy to have you join us this year!

Instructional material, support documents, and tools are provided below to help you conduct successful student interviews.

Watch the video below where we share useful information such as judging philosophy, submission review, interview guidelines and the different models for providing feedback. The slide deck and video script are provided.

Judge Instructional Video

Online Scoring Form

This form will be your online marking sheet for project evaluation. This will be based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation (40%)
  • Communication (35%)
  • Functional & Realistic (15%)
  • Engagement (10%)

Please reach out to us at info@youthinnovation.ca if you have any questions.