Empathy, Recognized.
This year, students across the country explored what it means to understand one another — through art, code, math, photography, science, and writing. These are the names being recognized.
Find My Recognition →What Is CIC?
The Canadian Innovation Contests run six annual contests for students in Grades 2 through 10 — art, computing, mathematics, public speaking, science, and writing. Each year a single theme shapes every submission. In 2026, that theme was Empathy: the capacity to understand and share the feelings of another. From over 10,000 enrollments, 500+ students produced work that impressed the judges most. Those are the names on this page.
Contest Award Tiers
Each of the six contests awards four tiers of recognition. Your specific tier is celebrated live at the ceremony.
A 3D metal medal awarded to the top performers in each category — exceptional originality, insight, and execution.
A 3D metal medal for outstanding work clearly exceeding grade-level expectations.
A 3D metal medal for excellent work showing genuine engagement with the theme and solid craft.
A specially designed acrylic medal honoring authentic voice and meaningful effort.
Three Honors Above All
Beyond the contest medals, three special awards crown the night — recognizing the very best across the entire program.
Awarded to the top overall performer across all six Canadian Innovation Contests — the student whose combined results show the broadest mastery of the CIC program.
Presented to the school with the strongest collective performance across all six contests, weighing both medal density and breadth of participation.
Honors educators whose students achieved exceptional results across multiple contests — recognizing the coaching, preparation, and culture that turn curiosity into achievement.
Discover Your Recognition
Search by your full name, school, or username. The contests you’re recognized in will be shown — award levels are revealed at the ceremony.
Recognition by Contest
Browse every student being recognized this year, organized by contest and category. Award levels will be revealed live at the ceremony.
An Evening to Remember
The CIC Awards Ceremony is more than a medal presentation — it's a full evening for students, families, and teachers. Attending students collect their physical medals on stage; the evening also brings live performances, photos, and the kind of energy that makes the whole year feel worth it.
Celebrate With Us
Saturday, May 30, 2026 · 5:00 – 9:00 PM EDT
Congratulations,
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You are recognized in:
Award levels will be celebrated live at the CIC 2026 Awards Ceremony.